Cervical Cancer. Advice needed please

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678 Views 4 Replies Last post: Feb 22, 2012 12:48 PM by IClement

IClement

3 posts since
Feb 13, 2012

Currently Being Moderated

Feb 13, 2012 4:13 PM

My girlfriend just got diagnosed with Cervical Cancer. I told her it's ok, if it's caught in the early stages it should be ok, but she's in bits.

What can I do to cheer her up?

Moderator_Lucie

299 posts since
Oct 11, 2010

Currently Being Moderated

1. Feb 13, 2012 9:06 PM

in response to: IClement

Re: Cervical Cancer. Advice needed please

Hello IClement,

Sorry to hear your girlfriend has just been diagnosed with cervical cancer. It is normal for her to be in shock but you seem to be just the kind of person she needs by her side right now.

Just wanted to welcome you to Cancer Chat and I am sure others will follow and welcome you on board with great ideas on how to cheer her up.

Best wishes,

Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

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IClement

3 posts since
Feb 13, 2012

Currently Being Moderated

2. Feb 16, 2012 2:07 PM

in response to: Moderator_Lucie

Re: Cervical Cancer. Advice needed please

Thanks Lucie,

I've searched everything I can on the Net, she's obviously not in the right frame of mind to do so herself.

As far as I can gather, there's 3 stages. 1 they do laser treatment, 2 they do a bit of surgery and 3 they remove the womb.

-Would it be better if they just removed the womb to be safe? she's already had 3 kids so psychologicaly it shouldn't be a problem, but would that cause hormone problems? I know it's easy for a bloke to say this, but I would like input from anyone what would be the problems?

Since she's had regular smear tests I'm hoping that she's at stage 1 which means nothing should have metastatised to the lymph nodes.

I have never, ever seen this woman cry like she did the other night. she's such a strong person. Broke my heart.

I'll get her through it 100%

Oh, I've heard there are also 3 stages of psychological responses: repression, regresion and denial. Which should I expect first and how would it be best to combat that?

Best regards.

Iain.

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Cancer_Nurse_Jenny

15 posts since
Jan 25, 2011

Currently Being Moderated

3. Feb 16, 2012 4:49 PM

in response to: IClement

Re: Cervical Cancer. Advice needed please

Hi Iain

Lucie told me about your post, I am one of the cancer information nurses, she thought I may be able to help. I can appreciate that this must be a difficult time for your girlfriend, and for you trying to support her.

As you say it really does depend on the stage of the cancer as to what treatment she will need. And I am afraid this makes it difficult to give you any specific information at teh moment. I know you have looked on the internet already but there is detailed information about cervical cancer on our patient information website here, including information about the different types of treatments.

Once you have more information about the stage of her cancer we may be able to be more specific about the type of treatments she will have. You can speak to one of us (cancer information nurses) on our helpline on 0808 800 4040. We are available from 9am until 5pm Monday to Friday. We also have a Q&A session every Thursday between 2 and 3pm on Cancer Chat and we have an email service.

People do react very differently when they are told they have cancer, coping with it is difficult and most people feel a range of emotions. There isn’t a right or a wrong way to behave for either of you. Getting the right information about her type and stage of cancer and the treatment she needs, will help her, and you, to make decisions and to cope. There is lots of information on our website about coping as well and there is a section about emotions here which you both may find helpful. For most people listening to the person who has cancer is the most helpful thing that you can do. If she cries and is upset it is normal and ok, crying is probably a relief from all the feelings she is experiencing.

Take care

Jenny