Hi I am not sure if you will see this message but I am desperate to talk to someone as I am terrified. I had a smear test done on Friday my first one I am 39 I suffer with severe anxiety and depression so always put them off as the fear made me seriously ill. I actually was proud of myself for going on Friday I knew it had to be done as I have children and I've been feeling a little better with my anxiety up until now. They found a mass on my cervix pretty big and they were very concerned they have referred me to a cancer specialist who deals with colonscopy ever since my smear test I have been getting throbbing aching pain in my private area and pelvis I also suffer with watery discharge have done for as long as I can remember. I don't have any bleeding as of yet but I am convinced I have cervical cancer I was finally given the appointment to see to see the specialist on Monday and i am terrified she is going to give me bad news specially with the pain I am dealing with it doesn't sound to promising for me. My mind won't shut off and I am constantly terrified I lost my cousin 3 years ago to cervical cancer so i know what to expect I just want someone who understands to talk to as I feel so alone right now I really hope you you this reply xxx

Hi Sara,

I'm so sorry you are going through this and feeling scared. But you are not alone, there is me and [@Minska]‍  and [@AMF]‍ and many more out there, I'm sure. You are on the right track and doing what is the most important, getting checked out and taking charge of your health. Yes, waiting is the worst part but once you know what's going on you can confront it and make a plan on how to proceed. I feel like no matter what happens, you will be well on your way to managing your health anxieties. You are right to be proud of yourself, now take it one day, one appointment at a time. Keep us posted.

Laura xx

Hi Laura

Thank you so much for getting back to me. I have been having such a bad time with my anxiety and fear. 

You are right least now I am in the right hands. Can I ask how advanced your cancer was when they found it.

My pelvis starts up as soon as I go for my first wee in the morning its like a stinging, heavy dull ache feeling yesterday was the worst with the pain. I have no bleeding as of yet. At first I thought maybe it's a bad water infection but I had it checked last Friday and it was clear.

Just be glad when I get my appointment on Monday so at least then I know what's what and what needs to happen if it is xxx

Hi Laura

Thank you so much for getting back to me. I have been having such a bad time with my anxiety and fear. 

You are right least now I am in the right hands. Can I ask how advanced your cancer was when they found it.

My pelvis starts up as soon as I go for my first wee in the morning its like a stinging, heavy dull ache feeling yesterday was the worst with the pain. I have no bleeding as of yet. At first I thought maybe it's a bad water infection but I had it checked last Friday and it was clear.

Just be glad when I get my appointment on Monday so at least then I know what's what and what needs to happen if it is xxx

My cancer was stage 2A when diagnosed. I hadn't been to a doctor of any kind for about 15 years due to my health anxieties. So stupid of me but that fear really takes hold and makes you too afraid to seek help. I'm glad you are getting yourself taken care of. Don't assume the worst case scenario, assume you are on your way to feeling better. Try and have a good weekend and relax the best you can. And stay off google. 

Laura xx

Hi Laura

2A is that quite advanced? Did you have any symptoms?

Yes I am at a family bbq today going to have a few drinks and relax well at least try anyway. 

Thanks for being so lovely hun I appreciate it and for getting back to me xx

Hi ladies. I hope you don't mind me posting here you all seem to lovely! 
 

I went to the docs last week as I had a super long period of over 3 weeks, well I assume period they are irregular anyway. Since it stopped I have had light bleeding after intercourse which isn't the norm for me. I also have had an enlarged lymph node in my groin for a few months. Since going to the docs I have had a lower back ache. I feel like maybe my mind is in over drive! 
 

My doctor has arrange bloods for me Thursday, with results on Friday and to make a plan from there. 
 

I guess I just wondered if anyone could relate to the worry and potentially the symptoms? Thank you xx

edited to add is there anything I should be asking for on Friday? If my bloods are ok I am assuming there still needs to be more in depth checks, scan etc? 

Hi Lisa

There isnt any blood test I’m aware of used in diagnosing cervical cancer specifically, but I’m guessing that your symptoms, which could be a number of things, indicate that blood tests would be a good place to start investigations. Normally with symptoms like bleeding after sex, etc, a doctor would refer you to a gynaecologist to do some further checks. This could be a pelvic exam, camera to take a look at your cervix/womb. Maybe even an ultrasound. It’s hard to say at this early stage in the process of trying to find out what’s going on though. Once you have your blood test results your doctor should be able to advise any other tests needed, but you can’t really ask for specific checks and scans. Doctors follow guidelines in the UK based on symptoms when deciding on referrals to specialists, but if your doctor thinks you need to see a gynaecologist I’m sure he/she will refer you. Good luck and keep us posted. xx

Thanks for your quick reply! 
 

I think my mind is a bit frazzled with worry and I have spoken to two different doctors. One who didn't seem bothered at all and another who said that I should probably go in to be examined so I'm not sure why that didn't happen when I had my appointment. Anyway I guess I'll wait for the results Friday and see what they decide on from there. 
 

I found a lump in my breast a few years back and it all seemed to be dealt with a lot more urgently and I had a mammogram within two weeks so maybe I'm just expecting things to happen faster than what they usually do! Thanks again x

Hi Lisa

I think when there is real concern that there is something badly and obviously wrong, things move pretty quickly in my experience. Your symptoms seem to not be bothering the doctors too much to move at speed, but obviously for your own reassurance you need to get to the bottom of it so if your own doctor doesn’t suggest a referral to a gynaecologist I think it would be worth suggesting it. Hopefully it’s something easily sorted-there are many reasons for bleeding which aren’t cancer. xx

Thank you, that's really helpful. I'll check back in and let you know how I get on Friday. Take care xx

Hi,

In my case it was still treatable and it is my understanding that it involved the cervix and the upper part of the vaginal canal. I did have symptoms but it such an individual thing its hard to compare with others. 

Laura xx

Hi Laura

I keep getting really bad pelvic pain and pain in my private region. I haven't had any bleeding but I suppose not everyone bleeds.

I am super anxious this morning about my appointment tomorrow because the thought of hearing the word cancer is utterly terrifying me and with them finding a mass on my cervix that tells me it's clearly pretty advanced :( 

I went to the family bbq yesterday and it took my mind off if but this morning I feel so bad and so scared I am terrified of leaving my kids behind if I can't fight this or its to far gone to fight it. I was expecting to feel better having this appointment but I feel worse right now because I will know for sure and not sure I can handle the bad news I've barely handled not knowing but the thing is their isn't anything else it could be with the mass and my symptoms so I basically know anyway but I think hearing the word would be completely different for me xx

Hi Sara

Dont write yourself off before you’ve even been to your appointment! It is absolutely horrible to be told you have cancer, there’s no doubt about that, but having cancer isn’t an automatic death sentence, nor is it necessarily untreatable or very advanced. I had a visible tumour on my cervix when diagnosed with cancer in 2018, but I’m still here after treatment. Your fear of the unknown is taking over your mind at the moment and that’s perfectly understandable, but even if you get bad news tomorrow you WILL cope, because we all do. xx