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,

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

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 

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