Diagnosis

Hi NicNak

I'm so sorry you've been having all these health worries for 8 months only to find you have a diagnosis of cervical cancer.  Like you my cervical cancer was preceded by symptoms so i thought I would share my experience.

My first symptom was a persistent watery vaginal discharge which I had for 3-4 months before seeing a GP!   A swab was taken and this showed 'no infection' whereupon I was referred for a routine scan.  About a month later, before I got my scan, I had a period type bleed (definitely abnormal because I was post menopause) and it was only then that the GP flagged my case as urgent; I was given a 2ww referral to a gynaecologist.  Meanwhile I had further bleeding and on one occasion it was so heavy, somewhat projectile, I got scared and went to A&E.

I hadn't had a smear test for 12 years at this point and was unable to tolerate a speculum.  The gynae thought I may have fibroids so I had a hysteroscopy under GA.  I woke up to the surgeon telling me my cervix was friable and abnormalities were seen and that cervical cancer was suspected. 

I was eventually diagnosed with node negative, stage 2A1, grade 2, squamous cell cervical cancer.  My treatment (2017) included pelvic lymphadenectomy, a radical hysterectomy plus chemo-radiotherapy.  I was discharged from my 5 year follow up earlier this year as NED (no evidence of disease).

Hi NikNak 

I'm sorry you find yourself here after what must have been a very anxious and stressful year for you.Im appalled at your treatment by GP! Omg is it any wonder your in a bit of a state and then to be told cancer! I can't even imagine how you're feeling.  We are a good bunch here and can talk about absolutely anything! No holds barred. There's a few very experienced ladies who will be able to reassure you and give you some more information. I, like yourself hadn't had a smear in 10 years, I also had very bad discharge and bleeding after menopause,  but cervical cancer is very slow growing and mine was caught at 2B so I couldn't have a hysterectomy. I had Chemo radiotherapy followed by brachytherapy. It will depend on what stage it's at to determine what treatment you will have but all that will be discussed by many professionals at the MDT. And once you have a plan to focus on things will become easier. But the treatment is very doable. Pop back in to let us know how you're getting on or if you have any questions.

Angela xx

Hi 

I too had same symptoms then a big bleed after a constant one.   and went to  a&e who basically asked why I was there .  I was first diagnosed with strawberry cervix but swabs came back clear.  Next diagnosis was atrophy .  I didn’t give up saying something wasn’t right and finally got a cc diagnosis ! This has been going on since July.    I had a clear mri but PET shows something and I’ve had a wait for this biopsy - now planned for Friday.   Then a wait for those results before they decide if my plan, surgery, changes. 

it’s a dress full time 

Oh Beth I think iv read both yours and NicNaks post and replied to both as 1 reply #Doh lol..I'm blaming Chemo brain(8months out of treatment) but I'm sorry if I've caused confusion to either of yourselves..my bad Apologies.

Angela xx

No worries Big bang theory - I know the feeling xx

Hiya

well things seemed to move fast, consults had the MRI images the same day and had looked at them and called me the day after. 
they initially thought stage 2b but then said from MRI results 1b2 no further spread but cancer was 4.2cm and lymph node negative. They then put me on waiting list for radical hysterectomy.
I had a phone call yesterday saying the MDT had concerns about the right side connective tissue to my cervix so they now need to examine me under a general anaesthetic, whilst under they also want to check my bladder. This is happening on Thursday and im in panic mode again and waiting is like torture. My specialist nurse has been amazing and suggested meds and counselling for my anxiety and panic attacks and even contacted my GP, the pre op team and ward. 
im still feel like im drowning and exhausted.

thanks for the earlier replies and words of support I appreciate them all xxxx

Hi  NicNak  And welcome to the group!

It certainly seems to have been a struggle for you to get to this point of the process, but at least things are moving now for you. It must be very frustrating to now have another hurdle in the way in needing this examination under anaesthetic, but they are doing it quickly. 

It maybe doesn’t seem like it now, but it really is a good thing that they are doing this just to make sure that surgery can go ahead. The size of your cancer is bigger than I would have expected for a stage 1b2 diagnosis, though only just over the usual 4cm of this stage, so they are just being thorough. If there is anything picked up on scans, they need to make sure what it is before surgery can happen, as if your stage were to change a radical hysterectomy may not be an option.

The worry can be all consuming if you let it be at this point, so try to just take one day at a time and take advantage of counselling and meds and anything else to keep you grounded in the now rather than letting your thoughts overwhelm you. It is hard, but I’m speaking from experience here. The Headspace app on the phone is good for relaxing you, and deep breathing when panic starts to overtake you. 

Waiting seems endless but it’s just a necessary part of ensuring your diagnosis is correct and the treatment is right for you. 

Sarah xx

I feel for u .  It’s all the waiting. Which is necessary but draining.  Asa single parent I find it hard. I’ve not been offered counselling or anything - marching on !