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Stage 1B3 cervical cancer - preventative treatment

Meme85
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Hi,

I had a radical hysterectomy and lymph node removal (18 on one side, 24 on the other) on the 15th August.  Yesterday I received a call from my consultant to discuss my biopsy results.  I have stage 1B3 cervical cancer.

All of the lymph nodes taken are clear, and I had clear margins, so the cancer has been removed. I’m really pleased about this.

However, due to the size of the tumour and its positioning near a vascular structure, I’m at high risk of reoccurrence.  Therefore I’m to have 25 days of radiotherapy. It has not yet been decided whether I will need chemotherapy also.

I have an appointment with the oncologist on Tuesday afternoon, and I have a lot of questions. The main one being why I need localised radiotherapy in my pelvic area if I had clear margins in the biopsy. If their concern is cancer cells getting into my blood stream, then wouldn’t chemotherapy be the more logical solution?

I would really appreciate some advice from an expert please.

Thank you x

  • Hi Meme85

    Thanks for getting in touch.

    My name is Sarah one of the Cancer information Nurses. I can see from your profile that you are a member of some of our online forums, I hope you are finding them supportive.

    I am pleased to read that your results after surgery are positive with clear margins, no lymph nodes affected and a diagnosis of Stage 1B3 cervical cancer.

    Treatment decisions following surgery are based on these results, Cervical cancer guidelines and experience of your team.  On this platform we don’t have access to your NHS notes so your team will be best placed to answer your questions on recommended treatment.

    Page 18 of the Cervical cancer guidelines has information about adjuvant treatment after surgery and Page 19 management of stage 1B3 which may help you with your questions to your team on Tuesday afternoon.

    It is natural to feel uncertain about treatment decisions. Writing your questions down is a good place to start. After talking with your team hopefully you will have a better understanding of their recommendations and can start to think about preparing for treatment.

    You may also find it helpful to call through to speak with one of our nurses on our support line on 0808 808 0000 open 8am to 8pm 7 days a week.

    I hope this information is helpful. Please feel free to get back in touch if you want more information or support, or just need to chat things through.

    Best wishes,

    Sarah

    Cancer Information Nurse Specialist 

    You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email. 

    Ref/PW/SS

    Sarah S-Macmillan Cancer Information Nurse Specialist
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