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,

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

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 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