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Cervix and uterus cancer

AnitaL
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At 81 old and suffering from lower abdominal pain for 6months. Have visited doctor a few times, have been to hospital a few times. Was told it was severe constipation due to change of meds. Then one night had a bleed was taken into hospital and after biopsy and tests was diagnosed with cancer of the cervix and uterus.  Have had further CT scans, ultra sound and next week got MRI. First though have got second appointment at clinic with consultant on Tuesday. I feel slightly let down and 6 months down the line wonder if it had been picked up before when the pains first started would the outcome be different.  

  • A very warm welcome to the forum Anita although I'm very sorry to hear about your diagnosis and how let down you are feeling.

    This must be such a difficult time but I'm glad you've reached out to us as our community is filled with members who will know what you're going through right now, so you are not alone, and I'm sure it won't be long until some of them stop by to offer their support and advice.

    I hope your appointment at the clinic has gone well today but if there is anything you forgot to discuss or you would just like to talk things through with someone then do give our cancer nurses a call on 0808 800 4040. The phone lines are open Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m and our nurses will do all that they can to help.

    We're thinking of you Anita and wishing you all the best on this journey.

    Kind regards,

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Offline

    Hi Anital, hope you got on OK ay your appointment.  Like you I worried that if they had picked it up sooner, would the outcome be better?  My journey started about 2 2 1/2 years ago, as I was 47/48 at the time, was blamed on menopause, HRT was given, which accelerated the issue.  Nothing can be done about it now regardless, but I have no complaints on 2 week rule, about speed to rush me through from diagnosis to full hysterectomy within 4 weeks and chemotherapy a further 8 weeks afterwards.  This type of cancer goes unnoticed, some don't get any symptoms, like me till its in a later stage but the main thing I concentrated on was that I was now on the radar and treatment will follow but I fully understand your frustration.  Last week I got upset ans said to my husband, why out of all the people in the world did it have to happen to me, but then chatted and said - why not me?  I am a lot younger than you and now have a positive outlook although it is not always easy and you sometimes feel all alone, even with an army of support around you, speaking to someone separate to family I found better, as I did not know or love them, so I could spill my guts and not worry.  I hope you hear something soon so things can start for you.  I am with the oncologist tomorrow, then sneaking in 3 days away, then dentists to check gums. Bloods and chemo spaced out through next week, fingers crossed this one works out similar to the 1st one.  

  • Offline in reply to Ruzz

    Hi Ruzz would you mind telling me your story? I’ve just turned 50, had abdominal pain for about five months but no bleeding. I think it may have something to do with being on mini pill for 10 years? I had a failed polypectomy? My cervix wouldn’t open for the camera and I was in agony but they managed to take a small biopsy. That was three weeks ago and not had results yet but I’m in hospital on Monday under general to have the camera and one polyp removed from uterus. Am worried though people keep telling me not to be, it’s a simple procedure etc .. 

  • Offline in reply to Mum50

    Hi, sorry for delay we have been away for 3 nights and had no signal.  Trying to make the most of time between treatment whilst we can.  I am fine to share my story with you, it's no problem.  There are many types of cancer but with a lot they are more treatable now with advancements.  My story is just that, we each have their own, one lady I know had cervical and uterine cancer and the hysterectomy cured her, no chemo needed.  I am the opposite example but fine to share my experience.  I was unwell for a few years, no energy, need a wee all the time and barely anything came out, back pain, lethargy, feeling sick in the morning and generally feeling unwell.  I gave up work April 22 I could not cope.  Signs were missed and was given hrt for peri menopause.  Final straw was very heavy bleeding during sex making it impossible.  Was obvious on scan there was an issue and at doctors next day.  We're put on 2 week rule and punch biopsies done 3 days later.  This and bloodvca125 level of 53 revealed cancer, type was high grade serous carcinoma.  Robot hysterectomy soon followed, removed everything and my omentum.  All 8 bits removed had the same cancer, confirmed after a delay for histology. So faaar have had 2 of 6 chemo (highest dose of paclitaxel and carboplatin).  Recently had it confirmed that I have aa recurrence showing on the 7 'week post surgery scan.  Was not prepared so only yesterday found out I have 2 definate tumours on both left and right flanks/peritoneum andv4/5 smaller growths also on scar tissue, can't be confirmed but are being treated as if they are.  I hope chemo works but will be guided by the oncology team.  All treatment has been excellent and I had biopsies of uterus and cervix with no anesthetic which smarted a bit but was fine.  My sister in law had exactly the same as you done in November and she had no complaints, and is fine no cancer found and since her periods stopped.  She is no longer in pain also.  These are all different situations but hope if nothing else they provide you with some knowledge from others.  I hope Monday goes well for you and you will be fine, will not feel a thing, just possibly a bit uncomfortable for a couple of days at most so don't worry chick,  know you will anyway, it's natural but honesty you will be fine.  Let me know if you have any more questions x

  • Offline in reply to Mum50

    My phone screen has an issue, should read ca125 also I don't mention the type I have, which is fallopian tube so classed as ovarian. 

  • Offline in reply to Ruzz

    Hope it all goes well with your treatment. I recently started hrt and haven’t stopped bleeding since. Only had to wait two weeks for an appointment - I’ve had scans and now I’m just waiting a biopsy result for endometrial cancer. Keeping fingers crossed it’s negative.

    Hope your treatment is successful & you make a full recovery. 

  • Offline in reply to Ruzz

    Wow a lot going on there! Thank you for replying and telling your story, I appreciate it. I do hope your treatment is successful you have been through so much already. I’m just confused, I have constant period type pain but no bleeding g which I am putting down to being on the mini pill for so long. I feel guilty that I’ve brought this on myself by going on the HRT patches last year but was only on them a few months as they kept falling off when I went swimming. We have a history of female cancer on my mums side. Fingers crossed my biopsy is clear and the polyp removal stops the cramps. x

  • Offline in reply to Mum50

    Fingers crossed it will work for you, the body does strange things but they can settle down when you're body gets used to it, there are so many hormone changes going on, and they cause havoc, menopause it a really big change so takes your body some getting used to.  I hope that the surgery helps the symptoms for you x

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