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 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

Hi Laura,

Hope you are well, latest update. I have had mri and ct scan which showed 4cm tumour contained within cervix, grade 1. I am having pet scan this week to determine if hysterectomy is possible doctor thought the clear margin required might not be there. If  not it'll be chemo and radiation. Physically I feel well just want to get treatment started.

AMF

Hi AMF,

Ok, now you know what you are dealing with, good. Surgery was not an option for me so I had chemo and radiation. It's hard, mainly because it tires you out, but tolerable. You'll get past this and be able to move on with your life. You got this! Keep me posted.

Laura xx

Hi Laura got results back from pet scan no spread and no lymph nodes involved. Treatment is going to be chemoradion should start in a couple of weeks.

Hope all is well with you.

AMf

Hi AMF,

I'm doing well, thank you and I'm so glad to hear no spread! I had about 26 rounds of external radiation, 6 internal and 4 or 5 rounds of chemo (Cisplatin, I think it was).  The best part of starting treatment is that you are one step closer to killing that cancer! My side effects were tiredness, a little diarrhea and loss of appetite. You can do it, no problem! Just stay rested, eat what you can and avoid germs (probably easier right now with covid restrictions). Keep me posted on how you are doing.

Laura xx

Hi AMF,

I'm doing well, thank you and I'm so glad to hear no spread! I had about 26 rounds of external radiation, 6 internal and 4 or 5 rounds of chemo (Cisplatin, I think it was).  The best part of starting treatment is that you are one step closer to killing that cancer! My side effects were tiredness, a little diarrhea and loss of appetite. You can do it, no problem! Just stay rested, eat what you can and avoid germs (probably easier right now with covid restrictions). Keep me posted on how you are doing.

Laura xx

Thanks Lsura,

I was given a number of information booklets and the consultant mentioned that I may suffer from lymphodema as they will be radiating my lymph nodes as a precaution. Did you have this and do you suffer from lymphodema?

AMF

Hi AMF,

I also had some of my pelvic lymph nodes radiated as a precautionary measure but I did not have any issues with lymphodema. Hopefully you will not, either. 

Laura xx

Thanks Laura.

Much appreciated 

AMF

Hi,

Just checking in to see how things are coming along for you? Hope you are doing well.

Laura

Hi Laura,

I met with oncologist on Thursday he showed me my scans. I have beeb staged as 2b as the tumour has just touched the parametrium it is an adenocarcinoma grade 1 and the treatment will be 25 radiotherapy 5 chemo and 3 brachytherapy. 

I have planning scan on 15th for radiotherapy then treatment should start around 10 days after this.

When I met oncologist he went through all the side effects and to be honest it terrified me!! I'm sure I'll get some but fingers it won't be that bad. 

Physically I feel fine no pains or anything, I am still working just counting down the days till treatment starts.

I'll keep you posted. Hope all is well with you.

AMF

Hi,

I am doing well, thank you. It sounds like you are getting just about the same treatment plan that I did. You can do it. It's hard, it tires you out, makes you feel *** for a while, but you can do it. You'll come out on the other side and be able to put it behind you. I didn't have any lasting side effects. Take it one day, one appointment, one treatment at a time. Expect setbacks (I had a bout of low blood counts and had to delay treatment a couple of weeks), but don't let them defeat you. You got this!

Laura 

Hello,

Just wondering how you are doing. Hope everything is moving along well. 

Laura xx

Hi Laura,

My treatment starts on 3 August. I have finished work on holiday next week then treatment. Not planning on going away just going to have a relaxing week.

Still feeling fine physically, trying not to over think things plan to take it a day at a time.

Thanks for getting in touch will.keep you posted once treatment starts.

Hope you are well x

Hi All, 

I hope none of you mind me jumping on this thread.

I've had similar symptoms. Bleeding after sex, bleeding randomly when I'm not on my period, discharge and also back ache.

I am only 23 (no children) and I went to the doctors. I have discussed everything at length and because I am too young for a smear, he advised looking at my cervix. This was only on Friday. 

He did state that there is indeed something there and that he suspects it may be cancer. He has referred me for a second opinion given my age as a fast track/urgent referral.

I now have an appointment booked in for Thursday. The thought of having Cervical Cancer is one thing, but the possibility if having a full hysterectomy when I have no children is truly heartbreaking.  

I believe doctors are generally reluctant to use the word Cancer and the fact he has said so has truly made me worry.

I am hoping, if it is indeed Cervical Cancer, that it can be treated without a full hysterectomy and that I may still be able to have children in the future. 

I've come for any guidance or hope. I'm reluctant to discuss this in details with my parents and partner. They are aware of the situation but seeing them so upset is that last thing I wish. 

Thank you in advance. 

Hi,

Sorry to hear you are going through this. I know its not easy but try not to second guess things until you have had a proper diagnosis it could be lots of things.  If it does turn out to be cancer it may be very early stages and could well be resolved  without the a hysterectomy. Just  take one day at time. 

Hope things go ok on Thursday let us know how you get on.

Take care

AMF X