Cervical Cancer

Hello -

I was diagnosed with stage 2A cervical cancer 3 years ago.  I had 26 rounds of external and 6 rounds of internal radiation along with chemo.  Due to a bleeding event prior to my diagnosis I was not able to have surgery. I know how scary a diagnosis can be, the treatments,waiting for results,  the recovery.  If anyone would like to ask me questions about my experiences, please do so. Obviously everyone's cancer is different and only doctor can give medical advice,  but sometimes it helps to talk to someone who's been through it.

Prayers to all that are facing this disease.

Laura P.

Parents
  • Hi Laura. 

    I keep seeing replies from you on many posts. It's very reassuring.

    I am 26, I have two children 9 and 5. My periods have always been weird due to being on the implant. But I think in December it lasted a few days longer than normal. Fast forward to this month, I had my period as normal. It lasted around 10 days which is normal, then 4 days later I started bleeding again and bled for a week. Classed as spotting as it was never enough to wear a pad or anything. I phone my GP, explained everything and she didn't seem too worried. She booked me in for my first smear (haven't had one due to Covid) and also said she'd take some swabs 'to be on the safe side' (don't know what they're for?) 

    Since speaking to her I've noticed I have lower back pain in a morning which eases off throughout the day. I have groin pain pretty much constantly, it's just a dull ache and I also noticed I had stomach cramps the day after having sex. Te cramps were pretty painful. They eased off in the evening. 

    I don't have any smelly discharge, no bleeding during or after sex, no bloating, I'm not off my food and I don't think I've noticed any changes in bowel movement either.. 

     

    Just looking for some reassurance really. My smear is booked for 10th March but I'm ringing to ask if they can bring it forward. I'm due on on the 10th march and all this worry is really affecting me. 

  • Hi, sorry I didn't see your post until now! I hope you are doing well and you've found out what is going on. At your young age I wouldn't think your issues would be cancer related but it is always good to follow up and keep tabs on things.  Please message me if you need to. 

    Laura xx

     

  • Hi hope you don't mind me writing to you so I am 36 and I have been referred to gynae to say getting seen tuesday, as I have an inflamed cervix bleeding in between periods, and sometimes after sex and really itchy down below. Go has already ruled out everything they can std tests etc, I am worried sick I googled about cervical cancer and read if you have symptoms it's usually advanced 

  • Hi Pink,

    I had symptoms and I was at Stage 2A, which was still treatable. I had actually been having symptoms for a couple of years before I finally got the courage to get checked out. You sound like you're doing the right things and following up-that's so important. I wouldn't worry too much and stay off google! The stuff you read there doesn't apply to everyone's situation so you can't use it to try to compare. There is so many other female problems it could be, and even if it is something, it is so much better to find out and get it taken care of! Let me know what you find out.

    Laura xx

Reply
  • Hi Pink,

    I had symptoms and I was at Stage 2A, which was still treatable. I had actually been having symptoms for a couple of years before I finally got the courage to get checked out. You sound like you're doing the right things and following up-that's so important. I wouldn't worry too much and stay off google! The stuff you read there doesn't apply to everyone's situation so you can't use it to try to compare. There is so many other female problems it could be, and even if it is something, it is so much better to find out and get it taken care of! Let me know what you find out.

    Laura xx

Children
  • Ok thank you I am a nurse and finding it hard not to do research I am worried it's spread into my vagina with have the soreness and itchiness, I have a 3 and 5 year old and I am petrified for them, my gut is telling me it's not good news what symptoms did you have 

  • I had yellow discharge that now is bloody but has no smell to it, did you have pain in your vagina at all, I bleed after sex in between periods even though I am on the pill pelvic pain not all the time, inflamed cervix, pain down below , I also only got these symptoms when I started sleeping with new boyfriend, doctor said that could be coinsidental, I feel sick with worry  Laura thank you for support what were all the symptoms you had if you don't mi d me asking 

  • I don't mind you asking. I didn't have pain during sex but did have occasional bleeding. I had waited so long to go to the doctor I am not sure what my cervix looked like. I didn't have pain until a week/days before my diagnosis, and then it was quite bad, lower right side, groin area. I had night sweats/couldn't sleep, was incredibly tired and could not walk very far at all without becoming exhausted.I kind of had a pressure or a cramping feeling all the time, too, that made me thing my period was going to start, but it never did, at the end.  One thing I remember is that when I finally did go to the doctor and she looked at my cervix, she said she was 99% sure it was cancer. I should also mention that I was 48 at the time, so pre-menopausal, I guess. Just keep following up with all your appointments, maybe see a counselor to help with the fear/health anxieties. Let me know how you are doing.

    Laura xx

  • Hi Laura,

    I hope you don't mind me messaging you but of all the experiences on here yours resonated with me the most.

    I basically have the symptoms you are describing, I am literally out of my mind with worry and anxiety and wondering how I can muster up the strength to deal with what's around the corner.

    I have been told by my GP via a phone appointment that my symptoms are heavy menopause bleeding, I tried to explain to her that I feel awful, have no energy, fatigue is off the chart etc. I also have low lying pelvic pain and a burning, stinging sensation.

    I went to the surgery yesterday for a smear test and insisted that I be booked in for a full vaginal examination. Will the GP be able to see anything sinister at this appointment do you think. The nurse yesterday said she couldn't see anything.

    I just feel so wretched, crazy where your mind takes you. Feel I have let my son down as he is extremely scared as well.

    Thank you for listening, any advice or support you can give would be so appreciated.

    Hope you are well.

    Thank you,

    Sam

     

  • Hi Sam,

    So sorry for the delay in responding. I think that you are doing the right thing getting checked out, that is the only way to put the worries to rest. If it is something, you are on your way to getting through it and if not, you can relax and deal with your symptoms. My doctor was able to see the tumor when she did a pelvic exam/colposcopy. She told me then that she was 99 percent sure it was cancer. However, everyone is different and unfortunatley our "symptoms" can be from other causes. So, we have to follow up, get the tests and go from there. Try to take it one appointment at a time, stay off google and if you need to talk, feel free to message me privately, I hope all goes well.

    Laura xx

  • Hi 

    I am new to this site, I have read lots of stories on here and can relate to everyone's worries. I am 48 and had a colposcopy 2 weeks ago, they did a biopsy there and then as they noticed 2 lumps on the neck of my womb. I am having lower back pain on both the right & left sides. Have also had some mild pelvic pain. GP did my full blood count last Thursday so am waiting for the results for them too. I am worried and finding it hard having to wait for results:(

    Thanks Jo x

  • Hi Jojo,

    I'm sorry you are going through this right now. Yes, waiting is so hard, try to just focus on one thing at a time if you can. We are here to provide you support and someone to talk to! Please keep us posted on what you find out. 

    Laura xx

  • Hello jo I've just read your post, it's hard waiting for results isn't it? . The ladies on here are so helpful and they will help to calm your fears, I'm so glad I found them, hope everything turns out ok for you 

     

    love dawn xx

  • Hi Dawn,

    Thanks for your reply, yes it is hard feeling anxious but keeping busy with work & the family.

    Can I ask if you don't mind what your story is?

    Thanks Jo x