Hiya I can't answer your questions but I'm in same position as u, got given the news on Friday. Be nice to speak to someone in same boat. I'm awaiting mri and ct scan, no dates yet. What stage were u given? Mines 1b1 so far unless that changes with tests. This is all so scary and my anxiety is in overdrive. How u coping? I'm not even sure where to start with anything until I get results and plan for treatment. Xxx

Hey! So sorry to hear you've also been given this horrible news .

I hope you don't have to wait long for your MRI scan .

I still don't have a stage yet until my PET scan results are back however I've been told it will either be 2A1 or 3CA if spread to lymph nodes. 
 

I feel the exactly the same, I think it's all the waiting that seems to be the worst but hopefully all will become clearer and easier to process once treatment plans are in place and you can actually ask questions rather than sitting completely in the dark with the unknown. 
 

Just trying to stay as positive as possible and keep as much normality going for my little boy, although I'm sure you'll agree it's so easy to let your mind run away with itself!

How are you coping with the news? I hope you have a good support netrwork around you, and I'm more than happy to chat if you need a listening ear or someone in a similar position to rant to! 
 

xx

Hi

I'm sorry to hear about your diagnosis. For chemo pack stuff to keep you entertained...I took a book, my phone, a puzzle book and my ear phones although often i just ended up chatting to the people around me. I'd recommend taking a blanket as well as I got a bit chilly a couple of times. I also took a drink and some snacks although I was offered tea/water and sandwiches etc every session. I was given anti-sickness medication before each chemo session and I had a telephone call once a week with a member of my oncology team to see how I was coping.

For radiotherapy your team will be able to offer advice on skincare and medication for side effects. I started with diarrhoea after about 2 weeks. I was also told not to use any perfumed products down below - a radiographer recommended Simple soap. Any side effects that you do experience your oncologist will be able to prescribe you some medication. Make sure you get a Medical Exemption form from your GP so that you can claim free prescriptions throughout your treatment and recovery.

Wear something comfy for both. I had to do a Covid LFT twice a week for the radiotherapy team and show the staff the test result but they'll explain all that to you at your planning appointment. I was also entitled to a carpark pass at the hospital so that I didn't have to pay for parking whilst I was having treatment although I imagine that might differ from hospital to hospital.

My treatment has put me into early menopause....have they said anything to you about this and your options?

If you have anymore questions please feel free to ask/message me. 

Xx

Mines a preliminary stage as mine was found during lletz after screening and they tested the bit they removed. 

They were saying hopefully Monday for mri but had no calls yet. 

I'm trying to stay positive too for all 3 of my children although 2 are older - 18 and 25, I told them yesterday and took it quite well. I haven't said anything to my 7 year old until I know more. I'm a single parent with only the 7 year old at home at mo, so just trying to be normal which is hard. 

I have friends too who are there for me but I am finding it hard, my anxiety levels are through the roof and eating has been hard but I'm doing it for little one. 

I'm finding it hard to not Google too much about so as not to scare my self silly. 

Thankyou it is nice just to find someone who going through similar to talk too, I feel I need that to help me deal with it. 

I'm here too if u need an ear. Xxx 

I'm so glad you have good friends around you for support, although I know right now it feels like no matter how much support you have, you still feel like you are alone! I'm the same, I haven't said anything to my 6 year old yet until I know whats happening, however when I went in to tell the school, the head teacher sent me across some links on how to speak to young children which is really useful as it's hard to know what to say and not say for the best! 
 

cdn.macmillan.org.uk/.../talking-to-children-and-teenagers-when-an-adult-has-cancer-mac5766-e04-n

It's so hard to stay off of Google, however I've found Jo's cervical cancer Instagram page quite helpful as there are loads of other peoples stories on their cervical cancer journey and survivors stories which is lovely to hear when your in need of a bit of hope and reassurance!

Such an awful thing to have to deal with and try to process when you just feel completely numb and overwhelmed but I just keep telling myself this will only be a small chapter in our lives, which we will get through and ultimately come out of stronger and more driven to live life to the fullest! 
 

please keep in touch with how you get on, keeping everything crossed you get your MRI soon and don't have to wait long for results and a treatment plan! 
 

big hugs!! X

Do u have a good support network? 

Yes it is helpful but like u said u still feel alone . 

I haven't even thought to tell the school about it, maybe I should. I told my work and they been really good, I said I just want to carry on as normal as much as I can, I'm a caravan cleaner so might be hard, depending on treatment. 

That certainly is a good way to think about it. 

I'll have a look thankyou. 

I will do and you too. 

Big hugs right back at ya. Xxx

Hiya [@Ndx]‍ 

little update had my mri and ct scan this afternoon so now just to wait to be discussed at mdt meeting Thursday and then treatment plan fingers crossed. 

The mri wasn't pleasant but at least my head was out a bit, just glad that bit over. 

How u getting on? Any news. 

Xxx

Hi [@Tubsar]‍ 

I just wanted to reach out to say I hope you are coping okay and are a step closer to getting some answers and a treatment plan in place. X 

I can relate to feeling lost. I didn't know what day of the week I was on as my head was so full of dread, questions and the need for answers. You will feel a little more relaxed when you have all the facts. The waiting is horrible.

I was diagnosed with bowel cancer and am about to start 28 rounds of Chemotherapy & Radiotherapy (1st Feb 2023) in a bid to get rid of this beast!

The cancer has imbedded into my muscles so permanent colostomy is plan B.

Here if you need a chat x