Life is a Test and I get Bad Marks

I always did OK in school. My grades were pretty average... A's, B's, C's, whatever. I tried really hard to do well, but sometimes even at my best, I just couldn't get that A. (Or break 1000 in the SATs, but that's another story). Then there are the students who really don't have to study hard or even do homework to get that damn elusive A. I feel like that student in the real life world of my health. Only here, you don't want high marks.

Let me explain, remember when I went for blood work and an ultrasound? Well, I received a call from the doctor's office last month telling me that he wants me to take the CA-125 test over again because, "he thinks it was a false reading." So I cautiously ask, "does that mean the results are high?" The medical assistant responds with, "yes, but the doctor thinks it was a false reading." Ok. I got that. How confident is he with that assessment? I guess we'll see. I am going for blood work this month, so he'll have something to compare the first test to. High marks. Not for the win this time around.

So I did lots of research on the CA-125 via Dr. Google. I know you are surprised by this. I also asked many knowledgeable woman who have first hand experience with the test, and I've come to the conclusion that serial CA-125 tests will be more accurate. Apparently the tests can come back high in pre-menopausal women or just from being a runner. So having a chart of all the tests will be more accurate. My dad forwarded me this recent interesting study done, entitled, "Refining Estimates of Risk for Breast and Ovarian Cancer in BRCA1 and BRCA2 Carriers." I like that low 16% risk I have for Ovarian Cancer, I just hope for once my body doesn't feel like being an overachiever and tries to stick me in that 16%!

I have an appointment with my surgical OBGYN at the end of this month and I will certainly have more to report. For now, can't I just fail at one of life's damn health tests?

- J.