Diagnosis stage 2b cervical cancer

Hi. I've been diagnosed with stage 2b cervical cancer. Also been told my treatment plan is likely to be radiotherapy and chemotherapy as they can't operate. Just looking to see if anyone can advise me on the duration of treatment and possibe side effects

  • Hi damo1010,

    I'm sorry to read about your recent diagnosis and I hope you're getting on OK.

    Unfortunately no-one here will be able to advise on your treatment plan - it's only your consultant or medical team who can do this so do make sure you discuss everything with them.

    We're here on this forum for support so do make sure you use it as much as you'd like to write down any thoughts or concerns or perhaps to speak to others in similar situations too.

    Wishing you all the best,

    Ben
    Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Thanks for your reply Ben. I wasn't really asking for advice more looking for other people's experiences with the same treatment, and the same stage as I am. 

    I've seen others discuss different treatments on here so didn't think it would be a problem to ask.

    Regards 

    Paula 

  • Hi Paula

    It isn’t actually correct to say that no-one would be able to advise on your treatmen plan as cervical cancer treatment is broadly the same for everyone at this stage where a hysterectomy is not possible. 

    I have stage 2b cervical cancer and the treatment plan for this is pretty standard for everyone at this stage both in the UK and abroad. You are most likely to have chemotherapy and radiotherapy: 25 sessions of radiotherapy, weekdays over 5 weeks with 5 sessions of chemotherapy (once a week). This is normally followed by brachytherapy, which is internal radiation which can be administered in different ways depending on the hospital and its equipment. It could be over 2-3 days as an inpatient or over more sessions as an outpatient.

    The usual chemotherapy is Cisplatin and is a low dose, which means you won’t lose your hair. Chemo days are long...the chemo is given along with fluids, and anti sickness medication amongst others so you would expect to be there for most of the day.

    You will be given steroids to take for a couple of days after each chemo which can give you issues with sleeping, and ant sickness tablets. Take the anti sickness as advised, even if you don’t feel sick, as it’s easier to stave off nausea than deal with it once it happens! 

    The treatment makes you tired...you will need to rest a lot. Side effects from radiation kicked in for me at 3 weeks in...this is fairly typical. I had severe diarrhoea and awful cystitis. I have plenty tips for this if you need them! 

    That’s probably enough to go on with, but please let me know if I can help further having been through it. xx

  • Hi Paula. Minska has pretty much summed it up. I did quite well through treatment with minimal side effects. I would advise to drink plenty of water and take your anti sickness as instructed. Rest when you need to rest and be gentle with yourself. I am also a 2B lady and nearly two years on from diagnosis now. Good luck! Feel free to reach out xx 

  • Lboyle please read above same message applies to you x

  • Hi Minska and thanks for your reply. Yes I was basically wanting to know more about the length of the treatment. I've been diagnosed but been waiting on pet scan before treatment will start. I've had pet scan and already been told I'll be on radiotherapy and chemotherapy but haven't been told for how long etc. Feel free to add me as a friend or whatever it is in here. Thank you for your information tonight. Fingers crossed for you as well x

  • When you say 2 years if you don't mind me asking what is your prognosis now?

    Am I fooling myself thinking I can be back in work in 3 months?

    Paula 

  • Hi,

    I had stage 2A and I am 7 years post treatment. Minska's description of treatment generally matches what I had, too. I started treatement in late November (2012) and went back to work the following February (2013), part time for a bit. I had some setbacks/downtime during treatment that ended up prolonging things (low blood counts, a cold, the holidays). I was tired, had some nausea (not bad) and some bowel issues. Just gets lots of rest, eat as best you can, hydrate and rest some more.  You can do this!

    Laura xx

  • Laura, thanks for the reply. I'm anxious and a little worried but needs must. I'm more optimistic by hearing your treatment plans so I've got a clearer picture now. Best wishes to all of you xxx

  • Hi Paula

    Just take it a day at a time and drink lots and lots of water. Treatment can be quite tough, but it’s over in a matter of weeks. I finished mine on Christmas Eve last year after starting in the first week of November. xx