I’m glad you feel a bit better now. The unknown is terrifying and I remember it well when I was in your position.

I haven’t had any surgery. I was told when first diagnosed to expect a radical hysterectomy, but after my scans and being staged at 2b, surgery wasn’t possible. It is normally only done at stage 1. I had chemoradiation, which basically means daily radiotherapy with chemotherapy once a week. 

I hated having the mri scans. The noise! And I am claustrophobic so even though it’s not your whole body in there, I find it hard. I had another one 3 months after treatment finished which took longer as they scan pelvis and abdomen/chest at that one. It is normal to check on kidneys to make sure they are functioning well..they need to know this for having a CT scan and also for if further treatment is required.

I had bloods taken before my scan and very regularly throughout my treatment. You are very early stage, and hopefully you will just be able to have a straightforward procedure to remove the cancer. I need to stress that I had different treatment due to my cancer being more advanced. 

But I am fine now, going on holiday in 3 weeks and with another 3 holidays booked to make up for the time when I was ill and our lives were on hold. I am a very positive person, and I’m sure this helped me cope.

I’m sure you will be fine too.xx

Hiya Maria thank you for your lovely message.  I hope you are feeling well especially after having your operation only 3 days ago you are amazing.

Your right the speed is the scary bit and you don't feel in control right now did you feel like that. 

I had my smear on the 6th February. Then results and appointment came through for the 18th March.  MRI done Thursday just gone and this morning I have now received a letter to see my team of consultants this Wednesday . I cannot fault the NHS the speed of everything and the care so far has been fantastic.

How long did you have to stay in for your operation sorry for all the questions and do you need any further treatment like chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

It looks like we are exactly the same stage . I am 1b and they put a spot in a circle to show how far in I am on 1b and I would say it was about a tenth in maybe.

You and all the other lovely people on here have been so helpful and reassuring thank you so so much.

Rachel 

x

Hiya Maria thank you for lovely message and advice.  

Wow the keyhole surgey how mad is that and the chances of six times more likely to get the cancer back.  Did you get to decide and were they ok about that.   

The trapped wind ouch that sounds painful thanks for the tip will keep that onboard too. 

Will you need chemotherapy or radiotherapy at all do you know . 

Thank you so much will keep in touch.

Take care

Rachel 

x

Hiya everybody just to let you all know MRI was done last Thursday . Letter came yesterday and I have an appointment with my team this Wednesday . Do you think they will have the MRI results then? Seems all a bit quick . Do I find out on Wednesday exactly what it we are dealing with . Any idea on time scale for operation.  I can't fault the NHS they have been amazing and have acted so quickly.  If I had s lot of money I would donate a large amount to help with their research etc .

Rachel 

x

They do move quick for the simple fact it is cancer. When I went for my CT scan they said the results will be done in 3 weeks. Same with MRI scan. In reality my surgeon had the results ready 3 days later and 1 week after I was in surgery. :)

Stage 1b1 can be solved by radical hysterectomy and then you are fine. If it moves on to 1b2 you are more likely to need radiotherapy. I think this is why they move so quickly.

I kept on thinking:

one day at the time. 

You are in the best hands :)

Oh and as an update:

I had my surgery Tuesday 23/4 at 8.30. I was waking up 3pm or there around. I spent 3 nights in hospital and then went home. Now I'm talking 20-30 minute walks, I sleep on my side (you have no idea how amazing that is after just a few nights on back only lol), I eat and drink, the only pain relief i take is ibuprofen and paracetamol. :) Xx Maria

Thank you so much I don't know what I would do without you and the other lovely people on here . 

Wow that's fast and the NHS I am speechless at dealing with all this so fast .

When I had my results a few weeks back I was told 1b. And then she drew a circle with a dot in it showing how far into 1b I was.  I would say maybe 10 or 15% in possibly . 

I can't wait for Wednesday now I am going to go to work as normal and feel positive. 

Did I tell you I was right in the middle of having a new kitchen when I had my results . Still ongoing now so no time to hide away on the sofa lol.

Have a lovely day and how are you today . I hope you are ok bless you.

Rachel 

x

Wow Maria you are certainly amazing. Look how much you have come on in such a short space of time. 

I bet it was a relief to be able to sleep on your side now after sleeping on your back bless you .

Out and walking how amazing and I hope that lovely sun, if your lucky enough with this British weather lol was shining on you.  It sure makes you appreciate life doesn't it . 

Keep me updated lovely lady how you are getting on. 

Lots of Love and positive thoughts your way .

What would we do without this lovely chat .

Take care 

Rachel 

x x x

Hi, I was also diagnosed on 9th April with stage 1B1 Cervical Cancer. i had an MRI and a CT Scan on the 10th which they used to stage me. I am having a Radical hysterectomy on 7th May, I'm sorry to hear you're having such a hard time with this, 1B is very early stage xx