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Newly Diagnosed Cervical Cancer

Inimitable_Neuro
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Hi, I've been lurking in this forum for a little while and thought it was time to join.

I was diagnosed with stage one cervical cancer precisely 18 days ago. It started, as it usually does, with a dodgy smear test, colposcopy (which was one of the most traumatic, painful experiences I've ever had) followed by a lletz under general anesthesic.

They only discovered the cancer after the Lletz. Since then I have had an MRI, and have an appointment to talk about my treatment plan with a surgeon on Thursday. A hysterectomy is certainly on the table, if anyone has been through this journey I would really appreciate you sharing your stories with me. This cancer business feels quite lonely at the moment. Although I have loved ones supporting me, and I'm very grateful for that, it does feel quite isolating.

I'm not scared of dying, but am scared of leaving my children behind and impacting their lives negatively. I realise the survival rate is pretty high for the stage I'm at, but with each appointment I've had it seems to get worse and worse, so I'm a bit paranoid there's something bigger lurking down there...

This is long enough now if anyone has been through something similar I would very much appreciate reading your stories. 

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    Hi inimitable_Neuro I was diagnosed with cervical cancer, adenocarcinoma in July last year. I had two Lletz and unfortunately, there was still a bit of the tumour left so I had to undergo a radical hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo and oophorectomy in October, I was given the all-clear news in December which was extremely welcomed. No spread to lymph nodes or anything else. When I was diagnosed, I completely changed my diet, turned it into whole food plant-based one  and took supplements to assist my immune system. I'm 6 months post-op now and during my recent follow-up check, I complained of a dull pain that comes and goes on my left side. The onco sent me for an MRI scan and got the results back after three days- apparently one of my lymph nodes has grown in size. I was then sent for a PET-CT scan to investigate this “growth” further. Although the onco said it's not cancer, only the results will tell. 
     

    Yes, having cancer can feel so isolating. I've had a different diet from my family and friends and family gatherings can also sometimes feel awkward- I only eat organic produce and poultry so I always bring my own food.  But you will get through this. I'm glad your family and friends have been supportive of you. Bear in mind everyone's journey is different so I suggest you should do a lot of research. Be proactive. Do some yoga and meditation. Exercise. Read books such as How to stave cancer, Chris beat Cancer and Radical  remission. Join some Facebook groups but be wary of the members as some of them are scaremongering. Change your mindset, lifestyle and diet, if you must.

    I have been missing my old life - one in which I can eat and drink anything I want but I keep telling myself, I've only got one chance to heal and I do not want to waste that. I hope my story has helped you in one way or another although there has been a blip, I'm very positive, I'll be alright. 

    Best wishes and take care. 

  • Offline in reply to Eylin

    Hi Eylin,

     

    Thank you so much for your reply and sharing your story with me, I hugely appreciate it. I also have adenocarcinoma, I guess I'll find out where it's got to when I get my MRI results on Thursday. The nurse had already given me my surgical options over the phone essentially. 

    Your dietary advice is really interesting! I have spent a couple of years eating predominantly plant based foods, and take so many suppliments I practically rattle. May I ask which suppliments you recommend? I do know I need to take it a step further as carbs are my Achilles heel and I know too many carbs are not good. Would be really interested to see what your diet looks like on a daily basis?

    Up until all of this I was at the gym regularly, practiced yoga and meditation, but the recovery from the colposcopy and lletz put the breaks on that. Though I am now feeling more like myself so need to get moving again... I do feel fatigued all the time which is concerning but perhaps it's the stress...keep having very vivid nightmares which wake me up.

    I'm so sorry you're going through another scare at the moment. I really really hope it's easily solvable, it must be so difficult to go through it again. I can't imagine.

    Thank you again for responding to me, it helps so much. 

     

  • Offline in reply to Inimitable_Neuro

    Hi, Inimitable_Neuro

    On a daily basis, I eat organic porridge in the morning with unsweetrned almond/oat  milk and top it with organic flaxseeds, walnuts, 2 Brazil nuts, 1 tsp of maca powder to relieve symptoms of my surgical menopause, a tsp of organic cacao powder and a tsp of acai berry powder. I also top it with a handful of organic blueberries. I drink lemon water  first thing in the morning, make it a little warm to taste. 

    I eat a lot of fruits, mostly organic but I do eat non-organic ones - those that are not included in the dirty dozen such as avocados, kiwis and papaya. My dinner plate constitutes 80% veggies and if I have poultry, it should be organic and free range. I limit myself to 100g of pasture fed red meat per week. I steam my broccoli and cauliflower for 4 minutes and I juice oranges every week, I use organic spinach and celery and/or carrots with a few dates for smoothies. I also tried the Budwig protocol but I don't consume it on a daily basis. I eliminated sugar and dairy from my diet but since I was given the all clear news, I enjoy small portions of gluten free, vegan cakes. Scones with clotted cream and jam are my weakness so I treat  myself with them once in a while. I try to exercise every after meals or walk for 15 minutes to avoid insulin spikes. I only eat wildly caught fish so sockeye salmon is a regular to my weekly menu plan. I cook sardines, too.

    In summer,  I eat a lot of salad with my home made dressing and vinaigrette. When I crave for rice, I go for wild rice or brown rice. Back rice is good too and I like it's nutty taste. 

    As for supplements, you'll be surprised to know I take loads. They include omega fish oils, vitamin D with K2, B12, magnesium, zinc and some adaptogens like ashwagandha for stress and anxiety. Of course, this should be with your doctor’s advice. I drink a lot of teas - green tea, chamomile, peppermint and matcha green tea. For other supplements, I don't want to encourage others to take what I take so if you want to learn more, I can private message you. They are all anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatory supplements. 

    I do rebounding, walks in nature, grounding, lymphatic massages and also tried acupuncture. As I have said,  everybody is different so listen to your body and do what you think is best for you.  Try to have sufficient sleep every night and surround yourself with people who love you. 

    Keep in mind that your spirit, mind and body are all aligned towards your healing. 

    It has been a roller coaster ride and this period feels like I'm back to square one again. Hopefully, I'll get the results next week after their MDT meeting and hoping for some positive news. 

    Best wishes. 

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    Hi I am now going though the same just had MRI and PET scan waiting for results to see what treatment is needed the waiting is horrible Christmas took my mind off it for a bit but anxiety is back I am 62 with a amazing family 4 a beautiful grandchildren I am not ready to go anywhere yet 

  • Offline in reply to Sue44

    Hi Sue I completely understand. It’s horrible having to wait to see what happens next. Had several abnormal results and colposcopys. 

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