Hi Lesley5, 

I'm really sorry to hear you've been diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma, and for how you're feeling at the moment. I hope it helps to know that the range of thoughts and emotions you're experiencing is completely normal after receiving a cancer diagnosis, as explained in the how cancer can make you feel section of our website.

You're doing the right thing by focusing on what you can control at the moment Lesley, and I hope the batch cooking you did went some way to making you feel a bit better. Hopefully some of our members will offer their support and share their advice on how to cope with you soon, but if it would help to talk any of this through with one of our cancer nurses, you can do so on 0808 800 4040, Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m. Our nurses are very understanding and they will do all they can to support you whilst you wait for your MRI and CT scan.

Be kind to yourself Lesley and remember that we will be by your side on every step of this journey.

Kind regards,

Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

Thanks so much for your reply Steph. I am struggling as the feeling of dread comes in waves, finding it hard to sleep and not eating much. Its just good to talk thanks again x

Hi Lesley5

i just wanted to respond as I had a similar pathway to you but  I am now 3 weeks post hysterectomy and cancer free.

My cancer journey started with a GP appointment where she examined my cervix and immediately referred me to hospital to have it checked. That night had a biopsy as there was tumour coming out of my cervix.

During the next 3 weeks while waiting for biopsy results I had a MRI and PET Scan but was really in an information black hole . This lead to me becoming very anxious as my mind was going to all kinds of dark places.This was the hardest part of my cancer journey so far.

As you have been doing keep yourself busy and use any calming techniques such as meditation etc I found the distraction of work really helpful. I also was prescribed sleeping tablets during this phase. Take one day at a time.

Also if you can find out who your consultant is , you can find out who their secretary is and you can start to get information. 

For once I connected with the secretary she connected with the cancer specialist nurse and once you have that you are incredibly well supported.

For me I was originally diagnosed after the MRI and PET scan Stage 3 Grade 3 womb cancer not cervical cancer but even finding out that I felt so much better as I knew what I was dealing with.

i had a total hysterectomy on the 31st October and received the good news that the Stage was down graded 1a .

Hope this helps

Thank you so much for your reply xx  as you say the not knowing is the worst part. Everything seems to be a stressful wait. Since my last post on here I have had a PET CT scan and MRI so just waiting for the results. I keep having  waves of emotions, one day I find even though its constantly on my mind im coping next day negative thoughts and thinking rhe worst. Feel like life is on hold. So pleased to hear your good news x thanks again xxx

Hi

Glad to hear you have had both your PET and MRI scans.

I felt exactly the same way as you but you are nearly there in getting some details and next steps.

The next step is for them to review in the Multi Disciplinary Team (MDT ) meeting.

In Cornwall these happen on Wednesdays and I heard my initial results from the cancer nurse on Thursday.

Hope you hear hear soon and it is good news.

Thinking of you, it would be lovely to hear how you get on.xx

Ive been told multidisciplinary meeting wil be on a Wednesday the same as you. I had Pet ct on Tuesday and mri on friday afternoon . After mri I was told cam be about a week to week and a half. I will let you know x