Newly diagnosed.

1 minute read time.

My name is Jacqui and I'm 43 years old.

Just under 24 hours ago I was diagnosed with Grade IIb cervical cancer.

I've told the people that matter most - my mother, my fiance A, my work, my friend SW and my other friends A&A. There's many more people to tell though, but at the moment I can't face it.

I am determined to fight it although feel very daunted by what's happened, and not really in control at the moment. There's so much going through my head. Practicalities of day to day living. Hospitals and treatment. Side effects.

It's 10 to 5 in the morning and my head's full of jumbled thoughts.

But I'm positive - the cancer hasn't spread to other organs, it's treatable and there's about a 70% survival rate. But I'm scared. It's a big thing I'm facing. A has given it the name "Drittsekk" - a Norwegian word meaning "bag of sh*t" which is very appropriate.

This may come across as very calm but that's how I am. No point being hysterical - it won't make things any better. But that doesn't mean I'm not scared, tearful or bewildered.

Mum is coming over tomorrow (today!) and A will be arriving tomorrow (this) evening. We'll cry together, then have a council of war.

There's another online community I'm a member of. I've been so touched by their response - a number of them have mailed me off board and offered support, help, a listening ear. I've never even met these people - their kindness is extraordinary.

Tears coming again, so signing off for now.

Jacqui

Anonymous
  • Hi Jacqui,

    So sorry you have had to join us here but be assured you will find a lot of support. You fellow patients will know EXACTLY how you are feeling just now - we have been through the roller-coaster of emotions. I know this business of telling others can be a problem so how about sending out an email or asking your mother or fiance to make the 'phone calls?

    It is still very early days for you and I promise you that once you have a treatment plan sorted you will feel in a better frame of mind - you'll have a goal.

    Keep posting and let us know how you are doing.

    Best wishes,

    KateG

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Thing will start to fall into place love. Your journey has just started and it is a scary time, many of us have been there and know exactly how you feel, it is fear of the unknown my sweet. Take one day at a time and come on here and say how you feel, it does help, you will have support from some of the most amazing people there are on the planet here. You are on an emotional rollercoaster, you head is all over the place, it is bound to be. Like Kate said, once you know what is going on with your treatment, you will settle down...Take care...love Carol x

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Hi Jackie

    Just really echoing what Kate and Kezzer have said - the time before treatment started was the hardest for me mentally but you soon get into the 'routine' of treatment. Great thing here is you never have to feel alone and there's always someone who's been through/going through something similar to you so stay in touch.

    By the way 'drittsekk' is my new favourite word! I've been saying it out loud and it definitely means what it says, haha

    love karenx

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    hello jacqui - you will def get all the support you need from these peeps  in macland - i joined because my son has testicular cancer - i was hoping to "talk" to other mums - but i have always been amazed and grateful for the support everyone has shown me

    macland has certainly been my lifeline!

    good luck hun

    xNx

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Love the name drittsekk, sums it all up nicely. ease up jacqui, we have all been there and a lot of us still are. We are a support team, one hurts, we ALL hurt. We all care. I live half my life in the real world and the other half in 'Macland'. I had a lung lobe removed, given 50/50 survival 2 years ago.

    Hang in. It aint over til the fat lady sings.

    Bill xxx