Possible Cervical Cancer? Very scared

Hi, I’m hoping to find some advice from others who may have had similar experiences as I’m going out of mind with worry.

I’ve had a history of abnormal cells following smear tests over the years, in 2007 I was diagnosed with HPV had a cone biopsy following a CIN 3 result and this seemed to solve the problem.  A few years later I had more abnormal cells and another colposcopy, all results came back fine. In 2015 I tested negative for HPV and had normal smear results. I went back to 3 yearly testing. I had my last smear in February and results came back clear. Over the past few months i’ve had Very heavy periods and more pelvic pain than usual, have been suffering with pain in lower back and noticed very recently that I start bleeding the day after sex. I went to see my GP on Tuesday and he tested my urine, took bloods and performed a cervical exam. He said when he touched my cervix it bled, I asked him what this meant and he said that he it looked bad but not nasty and that I needed an urgent referral to gynnaeology for colposcopy as cervical cancer is suspected.  I received a phone call on Thursday for a gynaecology appointment on Wednesday 27th Nov, a letter arrived and it does not mention colposcopy so I am unsure if this is what the appointment is for. I have been bleeding since the pelvic exam and it’s not stopping. I’m imagining the worst and don’t know what to think. Any advice would be very welcome as I am starting to panic.

Thank you. Sarah x

  • Hello Sarah and welcome to the forum. 
    I'm sorry to hear that you've been experiencing some health concerns recently and that you've now been referred to the hospital. 

    It's understandable that you're worried at the moment. I'm going to tag in [@Minska]‍ who is one of the members here who will hopefully be able to share her experience of being diagnosed with cervical cancer and offer some words of support. 

    If you'd like to speak to one of our nurses before your appointment on Wednesday then you can call them on 0808 800 4040 (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm). 

    Do keep in touch and let us know how you get on. 
    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator

  • Hi Sarah, and welcome. Thank you Jenn for tagging me in the post. 

    Can you ring the gynaecology clinic to check whether you’ll be given a colposcopy at your appointment? It could be that this appointment is with a gynaecologist who will examine you, but it’s hard to second guess this when they don’t tell you! I completely understand why you are panicking, but try not to let your thoughts run away with you at this point. I was bleeding when I attended my first gynaecology appointment but was still able to be examined.

    Suspected cervical cancer doesn’t mean it is cancer, but the doctor has referred you due to the symptoms you are having so it’s good you will be seen quickly. The gp is not a specialist, so seeing the gynaecologist will ensure that you get the right tests to see what’s happening, and there are likely to be several tests involved in a cancer diagnosis. 

    I’m sorry I didn’t see your post to reply to you earlier. I will be in hospital tomorrow for a small op, but I will check back when I can and will be more than happy to help if I can with any questions. I know you are scared, so I won’t say not to worry because it’s natural that you will. It’s the fear of the unknown and the waiting. I hope your appointment gives the best possible outcome and this is not cancer, but if it is, the treatments can be very effective and you will find plenty of support on the forum if you need it. Wishing you all the best for your appointment. xx

  • Hi [@Sarah1980]‍ 

     

    hope you don't mind me messaging you, but I was wondering how you got on? I really hope you got positive news x Casey