Hi Pp79

I’m really shocked reading of your traumatic experience, which quite frankly should never have been like that. You do not have to have people in the room other than the staff carrying out the procedure and should have been asked if you consented to this before everything started. 

The nurse should not have said what she said. It is not up to the nurse to assume you might have cancer, and only the biopsy can confirm it. And she is not a gynaecologist so this is only her opinion, which she should not have voiced. Obviously she had no idea of the effect on you of her thoughtless words. 

Try not to get too far ahead of yourself for now, although I know that will be extremely difficult given what she has said to you. It is POSSIBLE that the diagnosis may be an early cancer, but equally possible that it may be severe dyskariosis (CIN3), which is not cancer but pre cancerous cells which should be removed. 

Even if there is a cancer diagnosis, it would be very early stage and can be very effectively treated. My gynaecologist saw my cervical tumour, which was nearly 4cm, and STILL didn’t mention the word cancer until my biopsy results came back, so that nurse’s behaviour was inexcusable. I was treated with great compassion and warmth by all of the nurses I dealt with who explained everything to me, and one actually held my hand. I am astonished that you experienced women who had no compassion for another woman. Personally, I would register a complaint about what you went through. It was just outrageous. 

So it would seem that you are to have an examination under anaesthetic next, which will give a better idea of what is going on. I had that procedure and had a biopsy taken and was in and out of hospital within a few hours-very straightforward. 

If there’s anything I can help you with, please ask. I’ve been through cervical cancer twice in the last 3 years so although I’m not a medical professional I do have a great deal of personal experience. I’m so sorry you’ve had such an awful experience and hope that things from now on are much better for you. x

You’ve had a very traumatic experience, so it’s not surprising you are feeling like this. I would suggest perhaps phoning the helpline on the forum here to chat with one of the nurses, who I’m sure would be able to reassure you. x

Thank you,  I will call next week when lines are open.  

My eldest son put a complaint in after seeing how much it effected me. He had a call from them today apologising and they are apparently going to call me.  

I’m glad that your son registered a complaint. It’s absolutely unacceptable to be treated in this way, and hopefully your horrible experience won’t happen to anyone else.