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 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

Hello, 

Thank you for taking the time to reply, I really appreciate it. 

It is the not knowing either way which is worse, as I am sure everyone on here has experienced.

Hopefully, it is as you said, something else. Or indeed in the early stages as you said. 

Thank you once again, x

Hello, 

I had my colposcopy on Thursday the 29th of July and I am currently waiting on the results. I know it has only been 1 week but the waiting is hard as it feels like everything has been put on hold until I know what is what. 

I am sincerely hoping it is something else altogether. However, I was having irregular bleeding, bleeding after sex, stomach pain the day after sex and also severe lower back ache. All the bleeding is very unusual for me as I have never experienced either previously. Also, I have been going to the bathroom far more frequently.

From reading the forums I know these are pretty common symptoms which is even more concerning. 

Hi Laura and

[@Minska]‍

Week one done no issues so far feeling fine eating and drinking OK, getting out for walk everyday.

I know things are likely to go downhill just glad the first week passed without any issues.

Hope you are both well.

AMF

Hello AMF

Good to hear from you and to know you’ve got the first week under your belt. The effects in my experience were cumulative, so I did fine for the first 2 weeks before the fatigue and everything else started. Some ladies sail through it all, so it is different for everyone, but you’ve just got to take it day by day. Hoping you continue to do well, and thanks for coming back with your update. x

Hello AMF

Good to hear from you and to know you’ve got the first week under your belt. The effects in my experience were cumulative, so I did fine for the first 2 weeks before the fatigue and everything else started. Some ladies sail through it all, so it is different for everyone, but you’ve just got to take it day by day. Hoping you continue to do well, and thanks for coming back with your update. x