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.