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

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

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 

I am so sorry hun you must be out of your mind with worry. I go on Monday to determine whether I have cancer or not and to be honest I am pretty sure I have because of my symptoms :(  I am terrified I have 2 young children and both have special needs and they rely on me for everything. How long did you wait for your biopsy results I am here if you need to talk at any time I feel so alone right now xx

I am so sorry hun you must be out of your mind with worry. I go on Monday to determine whether I have cancer or not and to be honest I am pretty sure I have because of my symptoms :(  I am terrified I have 2 young children and both have special needs and they rely on me for everything. How long did you wait for your biopsy results I am here if you need to talk at any time I feel so alone right now xx

Hi Sara,

I waited 2 weeks. I know the waiting is truly awful but try to keep busy I know its hard. I am now waiting on scans etc the consultant said about 3 weeks so I've still got another couple of weeks to go. 

Try and take it day by day I am thinking about you.

Take care x

Thank you so much for replying they found a mass on my cervix and I am getting agony pain in pelvis which can be very intense at times. Just wish Monday would hurry up so I know for sure if it is or not I am sure it is. So sorry you are still waiting it must be so hard for you I am also thinking about you hun xx

Hi Sara,

You have done the right thing going for a smear. I missed my smears for 15 years and since finding out I have cervical cancer I think about this daily. But we have to move forward you don't yet know if its cancer I could be many things but finding out is the right thing to do. Fingers crossed it will be good news. I didn't have any pains until the doctor said it could be cancer then I developed pains all over so I think we just read into things and before you know it you have every symptom. Keep off the Internet it does you no good. Xx

Hi Amf 

Thanks for the reassurance hun so sorry to hear you have been diagnosed with cancer. Did you have any symptoms before diagnoses? 

You are right Google is the wrong place to be right now its making me totally worse. A few people have said to me the pain could be because I am over thinking it and I keep praying it is just confused what the mass could be if it isn't cancer  

How long ago were you diagnosed with cancer hun and have you started your treatment xx

Hi Sara

Some of the best advice possible, which the ladies have given, is keep away from google and take one day at a time. Don’t try and diagnose yourself or read anything into how medical staff looked-it will drive you crazy! 

Our  minds can play tricks on us and anxiety can make us feel every little ache and niggle, but it’s only cancer when the doctors tell you it is, and the waiting time for results is horrible. Once you know what you’re dealing with, it becomes easier to cope with everything. xx

Hi Minska

Thank you hun. You are so right its just nice finally having people to talk to who understand.

I keep trying to tell myself it could be anything and some days are so much better then others the anxiety hits and I feel doom and gloom again.

Think it's this pelvic pain as it becomes very intense thats making it all worse for me at the moment. I only have until Monday now for my appointment Thank goodness and I promise to stay away from Google xx

I was diagnosed on Monday i am waiting for dates for scans etc i think it will be around 3 weeks before i get the appointment. 

I had bleeding for about 3 weeks then a discharge for another 3/4 weeks then i went to doctor she could see something within the cervix so i  was referred to hospital biopsy was taken got results 2 weeks later. 

In regards to pain before going to doctor none but sincd then i have had some back pain and some crampiing type pains i have been off work this week so i think everything has been heightened i am going back to work on Monday to give myself something to focus on rather than cancer.

When i got the diagnosis the consultant said the tumour was about the size of a grape it us not situated on the cervix but right at the top of the canal between the opening of the womb. She said it looked localised but this cant be confimed until all scans are done.

Wow so just recently diagnosed you must be out of your mind with worry . 

3 weeks seems so long to wait even though it isn't really but when it's something like this it will seem a lifetime away.

I started with bad diarrhea sorry for the tmi the Sunday before my smear test which was on the Friday and then as the days went on i kept getting bad all over stomach cramps top to bottom like a strong belly ache with watery stools, I went to the dr for my smear and that's when they found the mass on my cervix, the dr looked concerned and asked if I was getting any symptoms, weight loss, bleeding, smelly discharge, pain I said no other then the discharge as that was all I was having at the time and I didn't think the watery stool and stomach ache would be linked as I think I have IBS issues as well, 

That's when they said they want me to see an emergency gynaecologist but I've been referred to a cancer specialist which is very scary as that to me already seems like I have it they have made their minds up . 

This pelvic pain has only started since the smear I had some blood spotting after it for 2 days which stopped and then all this pelvis heaviness and pain started and just keeps getting worse I can feel it right inside my private area now I am not sure if I am making it worse from my anxiety or over thinking things but cancer seems to cause pelvis pain.

Can I ask where you feel your pain is it a heavy dull ache in your private area hun. Do you think yours is there from anxiety? It's so hard to know

I am here if you ever need to talk about anything as I know how difficult it must be for you right now and scary and I hope going back to work helps

Hi Sara,

I would say i feel a dull pain and heavy feeling more at night its across the whole of my pelvic region. I am trying not too worry about it ,  I try to  keep busy,  go out for walks, read a book. My usual go to is wine but I have avoided that so far. I am going out for lunch tomorrow so will have a couple of drinks then.

Will be thinking about you on Monday,  let us know how you get on. 

Take care xx

Hi 

Yes this is what I deal with heavy dull pain in my pelvis but mines there most of the day some days worse rhen others. 

Oh lovely I do hope you enjoy your day you totally deserve it I have been drinking a little more then I normally would but think its linked to stress and anxiety. Supposed to be having a family bbq tomorrow so was planning on having a few drinks then to try and take mind off Monday.

Thanks so much hun I really do appreciate it and I will be thinking about you please keep me posted in how you are getting on with everything always here if you need to talk xx