Cervical cancer pains- spread?

I have very recently been told that I have cervical cancer. The consultant was 99% sure, so it's not confirmed and awaiting results of biopsy- but she seemed very adamant that it is from my colposcopy.

 

my symptoms started only a month ago, with some irregular bleeding. I was long overdue (stupidly!) a smear so booked one in. Nurse was worried so I booked a private colopscopy for the very next day!
Looking back- there have been some minor symptoms that fit- but nothing major at all. 
Now- for the last week or so I have been suffering with the strangest pains in my lower back. It's like a burning sensation below my ribs and across my lower back. I also get severe tightening, pressure, and strange pains that seem to run up and down my spine. This is a very new thing- everyone is telling me it could be stress related, I am taking codeine, paracetamol and naproxen with no let up at all. It is worse when I sit, and even more so laying down. sometimes it feels like there is actually something in my back- fizzing aggressively. I am so worried that this points to the cancer having spread and am 100% thinking the absolute worst. 
Now all I think is doom and gloom. I am 34 years old with 4 children- and also the worlds biggest wimp! Terrified is an understatement. 

  • Hi Charlotte

     

    I’m sorry to hear about your possible diagnosis and the worry you are having. But until you get the results of a biopsy, cancer can’t be confirmed. I presume you had a biopsy when you had your colposcopy? I think we all tend to be concerned about new symptoms and automatically assume the worst, while it may well not be. I’ve had cervical cancer twice in the last 18 months, so I understand the fear but IF you have cancer, there are many more tests to go through to find out what exactly is going on. Feel free to ask any questions if you’d like to..when do you get your results/follow up appointment? 

  • Hello Charlotte290 and thank you for your post,

    I am sorry to hear about the pain you are having along with the wait for biopsy results. This must be a difficult time for you. Pain can be made worse if we are worried so while I cannot tell you what is causing it I know that you may be feeling it more because of the worry and anxiety you are going through.

    When you get your results do let the doctor you speak to know about the pain you have. Cervical cancer (if this is what you have) does not always cause pain. There could be other reasons why you have it. So, you may want to speak with your GP about this as there may be a more straightforward and less worrying reason why you have this pain.

    You are not a wimp but you do need to try and not focus too much on this, which I know is not easy to do. Keeping busy and focused on something else will help.  And try not to 'google'  your symptoms as this cannot diagnosis you but will definitely cause worry.

    Sometimes not knowing the results is actually worse than getting the results, so I hope you know them soon.

    Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Take care,

    Caroline