Cervical Cancer

Hello -

I was diagnosed with stage 2A cervical cancer 3 years ago.  I had 26 rounds of external and 6 rounds of internal radiation along with chemo.  Due to a bleeding event prior to my diagnosis I was not able to have surgery. I know how scary a diagnosis can be, the treatments,waiting for results,  the recovery.  If anyone would like to ask me questions about my experiences, please do so. Obviously everyone's cancer is different and only doctor can give medical advice,  but sometimes it helps to talk to someone who's been through it.

Prayers to all that are facing this disease.

Laura P.

Parents
  • Morning Laura 

    Here’s my story. 

    Aged 50 - 2019 Had cancer smear all clear told to return 2024 

     

    January 2021

    Thought I was going through menopause as started having irregular spotting and hot flushes whilst living in Cyprus. Military doctors said I needed scan prior to HRT. Scan showed cyst on ovary. Not a problem as it’s small. 

    So didn’t rush to doctors to finish discussion as I was busy working etc. 

     

    July 2022

    Moved back to U.K.

    Registered here with doctor. 

    They wanted to redo scan etc. 

    Had scan and now 4 cysts. Still nothing to worry about as small. 

    Scan showed irregularities so biopsies were taken.  I thought  it would be fine it’s just the menopause.

     

     December 15 th 2023 

    I took a phone call ( I requested call thinking it will be fine )from gynaecologist consultant. 

    It was the news every dreads. 

    All 8 biopsies were cancerous. 

    My reply was “ What now” 

    Scan and mri 

    Anyway the value in this post is to warn woman not everything is straight forward. PLEASE get checked if you’re experiencing any abnormalities as I’m fit and healthy and only know I have cancer because they looked for it. 

    GET CHECKED REGULARLY

    my letter stated 2024. Luckily I went to doctors. 

    I have been told it’s been there a while.

     

    full radical hysterectomy on March 10 th. 2023. I have been through hell waiting. Slightly better now treatment plan is in place. 

  • Hi,

    I am sorry you are going through this and thank you for sharing your story. We both know how important it is to listen to your body, get checked out and keep those appointments. Some of us are scared, but I will say it again, knowing is so much better than worrying. It did help me to find out my treatment plan and just focus on getting through it. One day, one treatment, one result at a time.  You got this! Keep me posted on how you are doing.

    Lauraxx

  • Hi,

    I'm so glad you've had good news! Thank you for letting me know and good luck to you!

    Laura xx

  • Hi, sorry to jump on this post but I have been constantly following this thread and I'm not getting any response to my own post, hoping anyone can help.

    I am 47 and I am looking for anyone who has possibly been through the same situation as myself.

    So last August I went for my scheduled smear and it came back 6 weeks later as insuffient cells annoyingly, however they did tell me I was high risk HPV positive and to go back in for another smear to obtain more cells.

    I did this and the nurse promised me she would ensure she gathered enough cells this time and spent quite a bit of time making sure she did.

    I then called my GP around 6 weeks later for the results and they advised me that yet again there was insuffient cells and I have been put on the waiting list for a colposcopy in which there is a 9 month waiting list.

    Since then I have had only a couple of bouts of light spotting, I am on the mini pill and have not had a period in about 3 years so this was concerning.

    I felt my cervix with my finger and can feel a rough spot on the left side.

    I have also had very mild pain in my left hip and what feels like I've pulled a muscle in my pelvis which comes and goes also on the left side.

    I am quite concerned and luckily my husband has private family healthcare through his work so have managed to book a colposcopy privately through them for May 12th.

    I am wondering if anyone else has had a cervical cancer diagnosis after two insufficient smear tests in a row?

  • Hi Sue,

    I'm sorry to hear you are going through these troubling issues. I can't answer your question about insufficient smear tests, unfortunately. The only thing I can share is that when we worry, our bodies can experience all kinds of aches, pains and twinges that get worse if we are hyper-focused on them. I'm glad you were able to book an appointment for May so you can get some answers. I would recommend making a list of your concerns and address them all at your appointment. I always find that to be helpful, even if you don't get immediate answers. Good luck and make sure to come back and tell me what you find out and how you are doing.

    Laura xx

  • If you've had light spotting since your last smear it might be a good idea to mention this to your GP they might be able to speed up your appointment if not maybe if funds permit you could go private to get some answers quicker I think that's what I would do because the fear when waiting is not good for us ,I hope you get sorted quickly let us know how you get on .

  • Hi Laura

    Thank you for your reply, I will let you know the outcome, can't come quick enough 

  • Hi Jenny

    I did mention the spotting to my GP however she didn't seem very concerned about that, it's quite frustrating to be honest. 

  • It is but I don't think they'd mind if you got back in touch because you were still worried that's what they are there for don't feel like you can't bother them again they'd rather you did so if things change before your appointment let them know ,you know your own body x

  • This appointment on the 12th  May can't come quick enough, I'm now bleeding daily and the cramps in my tummy are constant

  • Hi Sue,

    Hoping you will find some relief soon. Are you able to take any pain relievers for the cramps?

    Laura xx

  • Hi Laura

    I am just taking normal painkillers the moment, the pain is now coming and going and after a week of daily bleeding that seems to have stopped since Friday, but I expect it to return at some point. 
    trying not to worry too much, I lost my best friend to suicide a few weeks ago and my mind is just complete mush at the moment, just going through the motions and can't wait for this appointment to come and go so I can try and move on from recent events x

Reply
  • Hi Laura

    I am just taking normal painkillers the moment, the pain is now coming and going and after a week of daily bleeding that seems to have stopped since Friday, but I expect it to return at some point. 
    trying not to worry too much, I lost my best friend to suicide a few weeks ago and my mind is just complete mush at the moment, just going through the motions and can't wait for this appointment to come and go so I can try and move on from recent events x

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