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.

  • Hi NB,

    One of the worst things about health anxiety is that our fears make every twinge, ache and gurgle seem abnormal.  Believe me, I know! So the best thing you can do for yourself now is go to your appointments, find out what's going on and take it from there. If it is something, you can make a plan on how to attack it, if it is nothing, then you can move on. Knowing is so much better than worrying! Once you take control of your health you will find your anxieties will start to subside and become more manageable. Part of my fears were "what will the doctor think, it's been so long since I've been seen" or "what will they think of my not so healthy choices (used to smoke)". I found out the doctor didn't judge or lecture me at all, just wanted to make sure I received help and got myself taken care of.

    I think I've described my personal symptoms in prior posts, so you could probably find them there. But l also agree with Minska, everyone is different so it is hard to compare symptoms to get answers. Make sure to come back and post how you are doing.

    Laura xx

  • Hi Minska,

    Thank you for explaining all of that. I'm astounded that they don't offer surgery as a first option usually if someone is diagnosed above stage 1. To be honest, if it is something bad, I'd rather just have everything out because I don't need it, not having kids etc. Could I ask how old you were when you were diagnosed?

    Thank you again and take care x

  • Hi Laura,

    Thanks for your reply. Yes my health anxiety is really bad, and more so now after I saw everything my mum went through towards the end. I guess I am just trying to prepare myself for the worse as I'm not sure how my reaction will be. I sometimes have quite bad panic attacks. I had to really force myself to have a blood test even (yes bad I know).  I have real issues with my doctors surgery as I've only been with them about 4 years after I moved house, but you can never get to talk to someone or it's multiple different doctors if they do ever get back to you, which takes ages usually. I have read some of your previous posts so I'm aware what symptoms you said you had.

    Thanks again, and take care x

  • Hi NB

    Surgery is too dangerous at higher stages. Location and size of tumour also play a part. I appreciate that the first instinct is to cut it out-mine was! And my gynaecologist said that I would have surgery initially..but then scans to stage my cancer showed it wasn’t an option. I was 56 at diagnosis, so was post menopausal and also not needing any of my parts any longer. But that wasn’t relevant when it came down to treatment. x

     

  • [@S94PHH]‍  can I ask how you got on? I have very similar symptoms to you! I'm currently waiting on a gynaecologist appointment but they haven't put me as urgent. I'm having. Pelvic & transvaginal scan in May. My smear was recently negative for HPV but Iv read that they can miss things sometimes! So I'm really worried  

    Hope things turned out ok for u xx

  • Hi Laura

    I have been reading your posts and my situation is similar to your. I am 54 not had a smear for 15 years. Over the last 6 months I have had intermittent bleeding and recently (3 months) very bad discharge. Went to doctor on Friday she had a look and said she could see a mass and it didn't look good she said she was pretty sure it is cervical cancer. I am waiting on hospital appointment. When I went to doctors I was feeling fine but since Friday I have gone downhill and have convinced myself I have very advanced cancer I seem to have developed all the symptoms. Back ache, stomach pains etc. 

    I see that you had discharge before your diagnosis how long did you have this for?

    Very worried

    AMF

  • Hi AMF,

    I'm sorry you are going through this right now. I probably had discharge longer than I realized but I just put it down to pre-menopausal type symptoms. I will tell you that your mind plays all kinds of tricks on you when you are stressed, worrying about things. It's hard not to compare symptoms, but everyone's case is different. Just take it one day, one appointment at a time and just know that you can do it! Whatever the outcome, whether you need treatment or surgery, you can do it. You are doing the right thing, taking control of your health! Let me know how things go and what you find out. 

    Laura xx

  • Thank you so much for replying back so soon. Its a week today since I was at doctors so should hear about appointment soon.  The discharge is a daily reminder that things are not right but mentally I am in a better place. There is no point in worrying myself sick as this will not change the outcome. Will let you know how I get on and no doubt I'll have further questions.

    Once again thanks for your kind words

    AMF

  • Hi,

    This is Angela, in my early thirties. 

    Am not sure whether I can type this here. 

    Since Dec, I have been having heavy periods lasting 4 - 6 weeks nonstop, only having a week or 2 gap very rarely. 

    In these gaps, I get discharges like pink, red and brown. 

    I am having terrible back pain and always feel tired. 

    I was prescribed Nintesterone and Tranxemic Acid tablets. I couldn't take them for more than 3 days, as it gave me chest pain.

    I have got a Ultrasound scan 5 week later. Just done a smear, so need to wait couple of weeks for results. 

    I am in terrible pain. Did anyone feel like this?

    Where can I find help soon? Am unable to do anything. 

    Pls help.

    Thanks in advance. 

     

  • Hi Laura,

    Just to let you know that I have had my colonoscopy today doctor and nurse were absolutely brilliant. Doctor found nothing wrong with my cervix but did find a grape sized lump which she thinks is a fibroid. She took a biopsy and will have results in a week or so. 

    Why my GP said that she was pretty certain that I had cervical cancer I have no idea have been worrying myself sick. Fingers crossed the biopsy will come back clear. I will certainly never ignore my smear tests now.

    AMF