Back again. Cervical cancer worry

Hello all..

Its been a while since I wrote and I didn't think I would be back. But I joined in 2020 when I found out I had cervical cancer at the same time my dad was diagnosed with a cancer tumour.  The last year has been a roller coaster of emotions. My dad was diagnosed with lung cancer when the kidney tumor was removed, and we was told it was terminal. He passed away 30th Jan 2021 and we still grieving.  I was lucky to get the all clear...well so I thought. 

I was in and out of hospital for about a year with ops and checks and more ops to be told the cancer was removed. I have now had a smear at hospital and to make sure the cancer has not returned.

I get my letter from hospital thinking it's results, I open it and it's a call back appointment. It's with the gynaecology oncology. I know this was with my cancer before and now I'm scared it's come back. I see what cancer did to my dad and the process he went through to his last day  

I just kept thinking am I next. 

  • Hello Tb2020

    I'm sorry to hear that your recent cervical smear at the hospital has led to a callback. It's totally understandable that you're feeling anxious about why you've had this letter. Hopefully the appointment date you've been given isn't too far away and you don' have to wait too long for news. 

    We know that waiting for these kinds of appointments can be a really difficult time. Sometimes it can help to talk things through with someone. If you'd like to chat with one of our team of nurses you're most welcome to call them on 0808 800 4040, Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm. I'm sure they will be happy to chat things through with you and offer any advice, information, and support that they can. 

    Keep in touch TB2020 and let us know how you get on. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

  • Hello Jen, 

    Thank you for leaving a message. My appoitment is next Wednesday so im guessing with it being iver a week wait its not anything to worry about. However i am going to give them a call first thing in the morning to see what the appoitment is for and to change the date to sooner rather than later. 

    cross fingers its just a smear repeat and nothing else. 

    TIna 

  • Hello Tina

    I can fully understand your worry since you have previously had cervical cancer, but reading back on your other posts it appears this was a very small cancer which was successfully removed in a lletz procedure. Forgive me if I have understood. 

    It may be that you are going to have a colposcopy appointment for a closer look at your cervix as a smear does not give definitive results-it is a screening for abnormal cells. Or you may have some cell changes. At my hospital, this department is located in the gynae oncology department but it doesn’t mean that everyone who goes will have cancer. The lead person in this department is the gynae oncologist who was my surgeon for extensive surgery for recurrent cervical cancer, but this does not mean to say other ladies are in the same position. What I’m trying to say is not to read too much into the location of the department at this point. 

    It would be highly unlikely to have a recurrence of stage 1a1 cervical cancer, though of course not impossible, but it’s too early to say what’s happening without attending the appointment. 

    Treatments for cervical cancer can be very effective, if this is your ultimate diagnosis,and although I appreciate that you have lost your dad to cancer, the two are very different in terms of treatment and potential outcomes, though I can understand your fear, having lost both my parents to cancer. 

    You don’t have long to wait for your appointment, and I hope things are not as serious as you fear. But please come back here if you have any other questions or need any support. x