Hello Meme123

I'm sorry to hear about your recent diagnosis. I know that many of our members will understand the fear that comes with being told that you have cancer. I think that most members would agree that once you have more information from the PET scan, and you know exactly what treatment involves, it can often lead to you feeling more able to face things. 

We've two members here [@Minska]‍ and [@LauraP]‍ who have both been through treatment for cervical cancer. I've tagged them into my post here so hopefully, they will pop along to say Hello! and share their experiences with you. 

It can often help to talk about things and I'd encourage you to give our team of nurses a call. I know that they will be able to offer some support and information whilst you're waiting on the next steps.  If you'd like to talk with them, they're available Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm on 0808 800 4040. 

Keep in touch Meme123 and let us know how you're doing. 

Best wishes, 
Jenn
Cancer Chat moderator 

I am so sorry to read this. I am worried that this or ovarian cancer will be my diognoses. Currently going through tests. Please could I ask how you was diognosed/what tests were you sent for and how was you told?

I have no/very little support, it's just me and my 16year old daughter at home and I am absolute beside myself.

I have ultrasound scans via urgent referral on Wednesday and a Gynaecology appointment on Friday again a 14day urgent referral. I've been told I can't take anyone with me.

ive had a loop diathermy in the past to remove some of my cervix after abnormal cells this was some years ago now. I recall having a panic attack during that treatment so this experience is petrifying for me to say the least.

Hi thanks for your message.

I went to my doctor before Xmas as I was having irregular bleeding and bled  couple of times after intercorse. They took my bloods and some swabs and examined me. After Xmas my results came back all was clear but I did have an infection so took a weeks worth of antibiotics. My doctor also referred my to hospital to get an ultra sound as I was still having bleeding. Went for my ultrasound and the diagnosed me with fibroids and they could also see something else there but they weren't too concerned but booked me in for a biopsy went for a biopsy. 2 weeks went by and went and saw my consultant and before my bum had warmed up the seat I was hit with the "the biopsy came back wither cancer".I was all on my own as I wasn't told I could take anyone but the nurse there are lovely and very supportive. I just couldn't believe all my smear tests have been clear and I just couldn't belive it. I have been for an MRI scan to check the size of the tumour and I'm due to go for a PET scan and I'm due to see my consultant at end of month to discuss more in depth about my treatment.

I know it is a worrying time for you and I'm sorry you don't have much support but please try and talk to people. Its very easy for people on the outside to tell you everything is going to be OK nobody truly knows how your feeling but try not to worry until you know there is something to worry about. Whatever the outcome is the health care professionals are all there for you but I understand its a very scary time. I really hope all is OK for you and keep us updated.

Hi Meme123

I’m so sorry to hear about your diagnosis...it’s a horrible shock when you’re first told. I was diagnosed with cervical cancer stage 2b in September 2018, and I’ve been through chemo and radiation, and further surgery. I’m doing very well now! It feels better once the scans are done and you get a definite staging, and get on with the treatment. If I can help with any support or advice, I’m around most days and will be happy to try and answer any questions based on my experiences. I’m glad you’ve got a good support system..that will really help you. x

Thanks for the tag [@Moderator Jenn]‍ 

Hi MeWright

I’m sorry you are in this horrible position of waiting to find out more. Things hopefully will not be as bad as you are anticipating, but I do have experience of cervical cancer so may be able to offer you some advice on anything connected with that. I’ve accepted your friend request, which means you can message me if you’d like to. x

Thank you for your kind words.

Can you think of anything I should ask when I go for when I go for either of these tests? The letters mention writing down any questions but I can't think of anything right now - which isn't like me at all usually.

Ive been worried about driving & crying, feeling anxious and feeling uncomfortable down below after the tests but I think I'd rather do that than go on bus/taxi.

To be honest I dont know, until you know for certain if it is or isn't i suppose its hard to know the right questions. All my last appointments I went very unaware of what to expect. I think just be very honest with your symptoms more information the better. I've written down a lot for when I see my consultant at the end of the month.

Sorry not much help! But just take each appointment one step at a time! And don't expect too much from yourself x 

Keep us updated on your journey x ill have my fingers crossed for you :) x

Hi Minska,

I waited for over an hour to be seen today. I had a letter with me regarding my smear being due which my gp told me to discuss at my appointment today, so consultant agreed to do my smear test initially. He also mentioned about booking me in for a camera being inserted prior to having at my cervix today - do you know what it is called?

When consultant had done the smear swabs I heard him ask for some iodine & I think that was pretty much it gynaecology appointment over - I heard him mentioned colposcopy and I've been put on another 2wk referral appointment for camera and biopsy - it was noted on my paperwork that I may need gas need and air. 

i think this is perhaps because I was anxious and the consultant could tell prior to me ggetting in the chair for screening. I told him I'd had a panic attack when I had the loop diathermy procedure.

I thought that a biopsy would perhaps be taken today. I can’t wait for it all to be over and know for certain what im dealing with

Hi MeWright

The camera is likely the hysteroscopy procedure.. I had that and they put this little camera in on a tube...you can watch it on the screen if you like. A colposcopy is basically looking at your cervix with strong magnification so they can see if there are areas of abormal cells, which they can then take a sample of for a biopsy. It’s unfortunate you’ve got to wait for another appointment...I had all of this done at my first gynaecologist appointment so it at least it got it over with. For me, none of it was at all painful.