Well we officially got staging at IIB. Radiation is starting Thursday this week for 6 weeks along with chemotherapy once a week for 6 weeks. Then 3 internal radiation sessions over 8 days.

The specialist has stated a high chance of success considering her age & no other health issues.

Everyone is obviously feeling more relieved and my partner will be when she finally sleeps (hasn't slept for 3 days).

I'll keep posting updates as we go through the treatment.

But thanks everyone for trying to ease my mind.

Regards

Kermit

 Hi kemit, that is really good news to hear you both will be feeling alot more relieved as the doctors stated it is highly treatable at that stage,  wishing you both the best. Barbara

I questioned the 'The 5-year survival rate of patients with stage IB, IIA, or IIB cervical cancer was 77% for patients treated with concurrent radiation therapy and chemotherapy, compared to only 50% for patients treated with radiation therapy alone. The specialist explained the to get 5-year survival rates, doctors have to look at people who were treated at least 5 years ago. As treatments are improving over time, women who are now being diagnosed with cervical cancer may have a better outlook than these statistics show.

So after looking at age, current health & western treatment it increases the statistical to higher %s. Obviously we are aware that this doesn't actually mean anything but it appears to be good news.

We've met with radiologist today & meet with chemotherapist tomorrow ready for Thursday.

We just have to get to January 2018 when they will run scans to see how initial treatment has worked.

I think both of us will be more relieved tomorrow though as we get to go home & sleep tonight on our own bed. So hopefully early night & manybhours of sleep.

Hi Kermit,

This sounds much better than you were expecting. I’m glad to see that no time is being wasted before your partner starts treatment.

Prognosis also sounds good. I hope that all goes well with the chemotherapist tomorrow and that there is more good news in January.

Wishing you both all the best as you now embark on your cancer journey for real.

Kind regards,

Jolamine

Thanks Jolamine.

We're both happy things are moving so quickly & her treatment specialist is confident. The last 6 days have been a whirlwind of emotion & action but thankfully tomorrow my partner can have 1 restful day at home before treament starts.

I'm back at work today to make sure all our bills & rent are paid but her sister has been amazing. Between her & myself we will organise transport for the daily treatment sessions as cabs/uber was going to get expensive. Also my partners employer have been great. Although only a couple of months into her employment they are keeping her position open for when the treatment finishes in 8 weeks or so.

Personally I am a lot more relieved & having an outlet not involiving my family has been helpful. Hopefully, after treament has finished, the dristraction of our son's birthday, Christmas & New Year will be enough until the bext major scans to determine success or next step.

Once treament starts I'll check back in with updates on how everything is going.

Thanks

Kermit

Hi Kermit,

It is so good to hear that you are both feeling more positive about moving forward now. I don’t know whether or not you have the same scheme as we have, but thought that I would mention it anyway. If you are going to have to take time off work to bring your partner for her chemo, did you know that there is a volunteer driver’s scheme? As the name suggests, this is run by volunteers who pick you up from home, take you to hospital for your appointment and then take you back home again. I am sure that your partner’s care team will have details if you’re interested and this doesn’t cost a penny.

I know that the last week has been hectic, as will the next 8 weeks, but in a different way. At least you have a little breathing space now. I expect that your partner will be relieved to be home again and I hope that she can manage to catch up on some sleep now.

I look forward to updates as she travels her cancer journey and sincerely hope that all goes well.

Take care,

Jolamine

Hi Jolamine,

We're unsure about any schemes regarding transportation but my partner's sister (a nurse) is taking 6 weeks off to ensure she makes it to her treatment.

She is in much better spirits this evening. I think once it comes starts & the bleeding fully stops she'll be even better. We know the radiation will stop it but no has said if it's the 1st session or take a few.

I've been filled in though regarding her treatment that she can't spend too much time on her own when it starts. She suffers from mild depression so her sister, our son & family will be with her as much as we can. And she has been advised by to take slow casual walks to help.

Within the next 48 hours she'll have had the 1st chemoradiation treatment. So I'll be updating once I've spoken to my partner & her sister.

Thanks,

Kermit

Well so much for a relaxing day before treatment. My partner started bleeding very heavily this morning. Currently in ER while she is being checked & I'll assume an infusion will follow. Will be very glad when the bleeding stops.

Haven't been able to get a straight answer on how quickly bleeding stops once treatment starts. Just she will have 2 sessions (Thursday & Friday) & then break until Monday. What happens if she bleeds over this period? I know the staff will tell me tomorrow but it's the not knowing as she is very emotional this morning.

Hoping this will not delay the treatment starting tomorrow but I'll keep updating.

Thanks

Kermit

Hi Kermit,

She could have done without more bleeding. This is the problem with Cancer. You can have all your treatment plans in place and find that things conspire against you.

I do hope that the bleeding doesn't delay her treatment. tomorrow

Kind regards,

Jolamine

The bleeding has turned out to be nothing. They did a blood test today & found her red blood cells are 101. Admittedly it's a little low for regular females but she was at a count of 79 last Friday after a transfusion. It was as low as 49 prior to the transfusion. So her body is now producing its own blood & a transfusion isn't required at the moment. If it continues throughout the day we have to go back to the ER.

She is scheduled to start treatment in 21 hours with chemotherapy & radiation in about 27 hours.

I just want her bleeding to stop. I'm annoying her & myself by asking everytime she moves or goes to the bathroom.

Thanks

Kermit