Hi Laura,

I was wondering if you or if there's anyone else who has been through cervical cancer could give me some advice? I'm out of my mind with worry. I recently lost my mum to ovarian cancer a couple of months ago, and O noticed around Sept last year I started having lower abdominal pain on the left side, some days worse than others. It's been like an achy pain or sometimes a period type pain. Due to taking care of her and also my own anxiety, I only spoke to a doctor in Feb. They sent me for blood tests which I had in March that came back normal, I also had a CA125 result of 25 which is within normal. I'm due an ultrasound next month as well as a smear test (I'm 37 and never had a smear before - I was told by a Dr about 12 years ago that because I'm gay I didn't need one - yes I know it's stupid). I have always had issues with sometimes missing periods for months at a time over the years, but in Feb started having bloody/brown discharge on and off, which I've never had before. My period finished on Apr 3rd, then had discharge between 12th to 15th, then had more yesterday. It doesn't smell funny to me. I was originally worried about ovarian cancer because of my mum, but I'm now thinking it might be cervical cancer. I really feel it is 'some kind' of gynaecological cancer, but I am petrified of having to have any surgery or chemo/radiation etc. What other symptoms did you have and can I ask how long these went on for? I am scared mine has been left too long now since Sept :(

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for reading x

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 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 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 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

Hi AMF,

Great news! I'm glad you are feeling better about things! Yes, definitely keep up with the smears, it is so much easier to deal with anxiety when you see a doctor on a regular basis. Keep me posted on how you are doing. 

Laura xx

Hi Laura,

Got my biopsy results and unfortunately it is cervical cancer not a fibroid. Consultant said its not in the usual place that's why she said my cervix was clear. 3 week wait until scans etc. I am terrified

Hi,

Don't be terrified. You can do this, you can handle the treatement, whatever it is. I had chemo and  radiation and I didn't lose my hair. I was tired but able to function. 3 weeks is not too long to wait for scans, 3 years would be! If you are able to get into therapy now, do it. It is so helpful to talk about your fears and have a 3rd parrty help you put things into perspective. Remember, take it one day, one appointment at a time!  I'm rooting for you, girl, you got this! Keep me posted.

Laura xx

Thanks Laura,

Yesterday was a very bad day had to tell my children (28 & 24) my daughter spent most of the day crying and my son is just in shock. Today I have to tell my parents (96 & 88) it is going to be awful for them. Physically I feel OK although have some lower back pain which worries me, mentally not so good but I know I need to take a few days and let it all sink in its a lot to deal with. As you say I can get through this I have a fantastic family and lots of great friends and for that I am truly grateful. 

Once again thanks for your kind words x

Thanks Laura,

Yesterday was a very bad day had to tell my children (28 & 24) my daughter spent most of the day crying and my son is just in shock. Today I have to tell my parents (96 & 88) it is going to be awful for them. Physically I feel OK although have some lower back pain which worries me, mentally not so good but I know I need to take a few days and let it all sink in its a lot to deal with. As you say I can get through this I have a fantastic family and lots of great friends and for that I am truly grateful. 

Once again thanks for your kind words x

Hi , I'm in the same situation as you at the moment was told on the 28th after a biopsy that it's highly likely cervical cancer . Got assigned a support worker and nurse and given a lot of info to read . Waiting for an MRI which is terrifying I can't help but feel it's the worst case scenario although I'm trying to be positive . I have felt okay just get tired quicker than I used to and a bit of back pain . I have had bleeding and some stomach cramps this week so hoping I get my scan soon .  Take care                                                                                                            Laura