Diagnosed today with Stage 1 Grade 3 squamous cell carcinoma

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Hi all,

i had recently posted ahead of receiving my results and received supportive feedback.  Thank you for this.

This evening I had a call from the hospital. The MDT meeting had finished and I’ve been diagnosed with Stage 1 Grade 3 squamous cell carcinoma. I’m pretty numb, but was also expecting it.. does that make sense?  I’d had abnormal bleeding after intercourse which is why I’d asked my GP for an internal examination. 

My LLETZ biopsy has come back has CIN 3 with no clear edges.  The MRI showed an abnormality on my cervix. And the PET scan confirmed the cancer was confined to my cervix.

I have an oncology appointment booked for the 7th August. Presumably this will be to discuss next steps. I will be having a hysterectomy. It has been agreed that this is the best course of action.

I feel relieved that they think the cancer is contained, but grade 3, does worry me as I know it is more likely to spread.

Has anyone else had the same diagnosis, and please can you share your experience?  Xx

  • Hi  

    I’m really sorry you’ve had this diagnosis today-it’s always a shock even if you’re expecting it I think.

    However, it’s good news that things are stage 1 although I know you will be concerned it’s grade 3. I can’t share the same experience as such as my cancer was stage 2b and therefore a hysterectomy was not possible at my original diagnosis, but I have had this done as part of larger surgery when my cancer recurred. 

    There are a number of ladies in the group who’ve been through a hysterectomy following their original diagnosis, so hopefully they come along to share their experiences. 

    I think feeling numb sounds perfectly normal-my results were delivered in a face to face appointment and I still remember every detail of it-not exactly everything that was said- but I even remember what I was wearing!

    It takes time to come to terms with this and for your mind to accept it, but you will, and your surgery will probably be arranged quite quickly. 

    Please take heart from the fact that the cancer has been found early and you should make a full recovery after your surgery. Look after yourself-cry if you need to, talk about it, and take all the support you can from family and friends. The other ladies in the group can also help you with their practical experience of going through this. 

    I appreciate that you have taken time to come back with your update, despite your shock today, and hope you can sleep tonight and be ready to start a new day tomorrow. 

    Sarah xx


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  • Thank you your message Sarah. I means so much to me. My way of coping is to reach out to people I guess. Although I have noticed how uncomfortable some people get when you mention Cancer. I understand that though. I’ve told my family and close friends. Thank you again for your ongoing support. You always respond so quickly, and I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it xx

  • You don’t ever need to go through this alone, so please keep reaching out to others. I wish I had done this at the start, but I didn’t and sometimes regret that.

    Some people can have a reaction that’s a little strange when they hear you have cancer but often it’s that they simply don’t know what to say-they don’t always get it right, but so long as they care about you that’s the main thing. 

    Sarah xx


    Community Champion Badge

    Cervical Cancer Forum

    Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm

  • I was diagnosed with cancer of my womb and it was stage 1 and after having a full hysterectomy it was graded as 3.  I had my womb, Fallopian tubes, overies and cervix all removed.  I’m now due to start 4 weeks Monday to Friday radiotherapy for 4 weeks followed by 3 sessions of internal radiotherapy then a 4 week break before beginning chemotherapy which will be 4 rounds.  They managed to get rid of all the cancer during my surgery but stromal invasion was found in my cervix. It’s the waiting that I have struggled with but all the staff that I have met so far have been absolutely lovely so you will be well looked after x

  • Thanks for responding to my thread. I’m glad that they removed your cancer, and hopefully your treatment will be successful. Yes, I agree. The waiting is so painful!! I’m an over thinker, so the waiting is torture xx