Well I had a reminder to go for my cervical smear test last week, first one since completing treatment, so I thought I’d make a telephone appointment with the nurse prior to going for the actual appointment just to give her a little background on my situation before turning up. What a lovely understanding lady! I explained about my diagnosis & subsequent treatment & the issues this treatment leaves behind, stenosis, fragile skin & so on & the fact that I’ve never managed to find out if my particular diagnosis was HPV related, she double checked through my smear history & said there was definitely no history of HPV ever being picked up on any previous screening. I’m going to have to put a call in to my surgeon to see if he can take a look at my notes to see if there’s any mention of HPV being the cause of my cancer. She has also said she’ll book a slightly longer appointment for me in case I feel the need to stop during the examination & has said she’ll start with the smallest available speculum so that it’s not too uncomfortable. I also voiced my concerns about the possible change to cells because of the radiotherapy giving a false result but she said she would put all the details on the form that’s filled in to go away with the sample so that the lab technicians would be aware of my history. Anyhoo my appointment isn’t until 12th April so still over a month away but will update once it’s done.
Nicola
Hi Jidshurl , thank you, I had to say goodbye to the lovely Dr Simmons a while ago, I really couldn’t have asked for a kinder, more caring oncologist, such a lovely man. Since then I’ve been under review by Mr Coyne (colorectal surgeon) at the RVI who’s also lovely, he’ll be the one that hopefully discharges me, I’ve been incredibly lucky with my treating team, I’ve been very well cared for.
Nicola
Hi Jaycee12 ,
Thank you…. I have to admit depending on when you ask me this question will depend on the answer, some days I feel a sense of complete relief that it’s over then other days I’m scared that I won’t have that safety net of even the annual check-ups although my surgeon mentioned at my last appointment that even after discharge should I have any concerns then all I have to do is call & he will see me, hopefully this will be the case.
Nicola
Ahh thanks Suz, it’s a good feeling to know for now all the lady parts are ok!! Just got to get the butt signed off now lol
Nicola
Hi Nicola
Very pleased to read your good news!
Sarah xx
Hi Nicola
Fantastic news for you hurrah! 
You're almost there now just one more appointment to go and a summer of celebration!
So happy for you - you have always been there for everyone on the forum so thank you for your kindness, advice and reassurance means such a lot.
Happy times ahead for you
Love Carole x
Thanks so much SarahH21 it was a relief.
Nicola
Aww thank you for your kind words Carole21 , I just try to offer a fraction of the support that I received here when it was needed the most.
Yes there’ll be some celebrations if I’m discharged this summer.
Nicola
