Hi, in 2023 I was diagnosed with cervical cancer. I was having problems with my waterworks in May/June 2024. It was confirmed that I had a few ‘escapees’; vagina and 1 groin lymph node.
After interstitial brachytherapy for large tumour I then had SABR radiotherapy for the node. Was unable to have chemo as developed tinnitus from previous treatments.
I’ve been told while the treatments were successful, an MRI has shown a shadow. I’m waiting to hear a date for an op to take everything away and will have 2 stomas; I currently have a SPC catheter to allow the urine to pass into a bag, but bowel movements are sporadic. I have crohn’s and the treatments have caused issues there as well.
I’m unsure which thread to go to.
Hi Madge18 and welcome to the community.
I’m sorry to hear what’s happened with you, and would like to suggest you join some of our groups which might be helpful for you.
For context, I’ve been through cervical cancer and a recurrence and have had a total pelvic exenteration leaving me with two stomas so I know the challenges this can involve.
Please feel free to join these groups and make your own posts there and we’ll be happy to help from our own experiences.
Sarah xx
I found it harder to get my head round my recurrence than when I faced my original diagnosis-I was devastated and it took me a while to get back on an even keel with everything. But I had my tpe more than 5 years ago now and have never regretted it, even though life is very different now.
I’ll be happy to help with any questions you may have-I know what the surgery and recovery is like.
Sarah xx
You’re a sweetie. 
You may regret that offer.
I agree…. Being told it’s back but somewhere else floors you. I’m 9 months in and wish they’d just done the surgery back then. The wait now is worse than being diagnosed.
Madge x
I went through a failed attempt at a radical hysterectomy after my recurrence and wish I hadn’t bothered. My cancer spread really quickly afterwards and I wasn’t in the best physical state for my exenteration, so I wish I’d gone straight to it. Hindsight is a wonderful thing!
Sarah xx
That sounds a horrible experience for you. I couldn’t have brachytherapy at all due to chemo causing a pulmonary embolism, but I was actually desperately disappointed not to get it! Lots of ladies in the vaginal and cervical groups have been through it, and I don’t think you would have got surgery without trying that first as the surgery is so huge and life changing for us.
Come and chat with us in the groups I’ve suggested and we’ll give you as much support as we can. There are a few of us in the stoma group who’ve had the tpe surgery for different cancers, but obviously the issues are different for males having it done.
Sarah xx
