Hi Laura. 

I keep seeing replies from you on many posts. It's very reassuring.

I am 26, I have two children 9 and 5. My periods have always been weird due to being on the implant. But I think in December it lasted a few days longer than normal. Fast forward to this month, I had my period as normal. It lasted around 10 days which is normal, then 4 days later I started bleeding again and bled for a week. Classed as spotting as it was never enough to wear a pad or anything. I phone my GP, explained everything and she didn't seem too worried. She booked me in for my first smear (haven't had one due to Covid) and also said she'd take some swabs 'to be on the safe side' (don't know what they're for?) 

Since speaking to her I've noticed I have lower back pain in a morning which eases off throughout the day. I have groin pain pretty much constantly, it's just a dull ache and I also noticed I had stomach cramps the day after having sex. Te cramps were pretty painful. They eased off in the evening. 

I don't have any smelly discharge, no bleeding during or after sex, no bloating, I'm not off my food and I don't think I've noticed any changes in bowel movement either.. 

Just looking for some reassurance really. My smear is booked for 10th March but I'm ringing to ask if they can bring it forward. I'm due on on the 10th march and all this worry is really affecting me. 

Hi, sorry I didn't see your post until now! I hope you are doing well and you've found out what is going on. At your young age I wouldn't think your issues would be cancer related but it is always good to follow up and keep tabs on things.  Please message me if you need to. 

Laura xx

I’m fine thanks Dawn...yes, the not knowing is far worse than knowing what you’re dealing with and being able to know what’s going to happen. Are you allowed to take anyone in with you or is covid still stopping that? xx

Hi I'm allowed to take someone with me now, I have done for the coloscopy and the biopsy results which is a relief xx

Oh, I’m really pleased to hear that! I did get driven by my partner for my biopsy results but went in alone because I didn’t realise what they were going to say! It’s always good to have another pair of ears because there’s a lot to take in. xx

There's so much to take in you hear the word cancer and you go numb I had to keep asking my husband for a few days to repeat what had been said because I missed most of it xx

I remember hearing the word cancer and I just couldn’t even think straight—I was really calm, but I had this flush of fear from my head to my toes. It was more than 3 years ago, but I still remember it so well. When I went to my next appointment my partner still took in things I didn’t. xx

Hi Dawnann,

I will be thinking of you on Tuesday. You got this!

Laura xx

Thank you so much Laura xx

Sitting here worried sick about tomorrow, the specialist nurse hinted that it was probably chemo first treatment, that dosnt make sense when all the stories I've read are chemo/rads, I don't want to go to bed and face tomorrow! X

I was thinking about u earlier.  I hope you manage to get a bit of sleep.  I've been feeling very anxious now I have a date for my mri and results.  Need to pull myself together and keep positive. I hope tomorrow goes well and u feel better once you know what's happening.  Xx

Thank you so much the waiting is just awful isn't it, hope you are keeping well and I will let you know how things go xx

Thank you so much the waiting is just awful isn't it, hope you are keeping well and I will let you know how things go xx

You are both in my prayers, [@Dawnann62]‍  and [@Mumof2-86]‍ . Hope you don't mind a quote I keep close at times like this: 

"Do not look forward to what may happen tomorrow; the same everlasting Father who cares for you today will take care of you tomorrow and every day. Either He will shield you from suffering, or He will give you unfailing strength to bear it. Be at peace, then, put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations, and say continually: 'The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart has trusted in Him and I am helped. He is not only with me but in me and I in Him'."

Saint Francis de Sales

️Xxx

Hi Laura had my results yesterday not the news I was hoping for it's stage 4 but they are treating to cure, slight involvement with the back passage but not penetrated, pushing on the bladder, a couple of lymph nodes involved, maybe slight kidney problem, just got to be strong and get through the chemo, at the supermarket at the moment buying loads of good foods to help me on my journey xx

Sending lots of love and positive thoughts your way.  We will be here through your treatment too.  Xx

Thank you so much when are your results due xx

I get my scan the 28th Oct then results the week after which I think is the 6th.  Nerves are shattered I thought I would have been calmer once I knew things were moving but it's all became very real.  Have they gave you a treatment plan yet? Xx

Not yet I'm waiting to see the oncologist but they said it's goi g to be intense chemo first to get rid of the spread, I don't know how often or how long I will have to wait, then there's the scans in betweee treatment to see if it's working which is going to start the worry process over again xx

It's never ending.  I'm trying to get in the mindset that this is just my new normal for a while and have been taking rescue remedy.  Not sure if it works or if it's in my head but I feel a bit better.  Hopefully u get more news soon, I'm always better when I know what's happening. Xx

Dawnann,

You are strong, you can do this. One day, one appointment, one treatment at a time. Keep your notebook close, write down who you meet and what you are feeling. Make sure to talk to the other people that may be there receiving chemo while you are. I met the best people that were very helpful and inspiring. Make sure to rest and hydrate and eat the best you can. And keep posting here with how you are doing. 

Laura xx

It’s really tough news to take, Dawn and it will take a bit of time to process it. But you’ll find the strength to cope and do this, and we’ll all be here to support you. Laura’s advice is the best piece of advice you could have-just take everything a day at a time, one little step at a time. Don’t look too far ahead, just concentrate on getting through each day as it comes. xx