Hi ,
I’ve joined this forum as I’ve recently been diagnosed with cervical cancer and I have a radical hysterectomy booked for 25th April.
I’m 64 years old, still work full time and I’ve never missed cervical screening. In March 2024 I attended what should have been my last smear because of my age. I tested positive for HPV but there were no abnormal cells and my risk of cervical cancer was low according to the letter I received. They said they would check on me again in 12 months. I had a small bleed in December but knew I had a smear coming up so waited for that. The nurse couldn’t do the smear as there was what appeared to be a polyp at the entrance to my cervix.
An urgent referral was done, I had the polyp removed and I’ve been told it’s cancer - ardenocarcenoma which is rare in the cervix, hence the surgery.
I’m absolutely terrified of how I will be after the op, I’ve been told about the risks and I’m convinced I’ll have a catheter, a colostomy bag and chronic lymphoedema.
Any advice, tips or words of encouragement would be welcome. It’s currently 3am as I type this as I can’t sleep for thinking about the surgery and what happens afterwards.
