Hi,
I found out I have stage 4b cervical cancer this week. Mind is just racing and im fluctuating between anger, denial, despair.
on December 16th I had an appointment with gynaecologist as I had been having bleeding between periods and more severe period pains, they found a 5cm tumour on my cervix. I was then quickly referred to a hospital where I underwent biopsy, MRI scan and PET -CT scan. These scans have now confirmed it has spread to lymph nodes, from pelvic region to the para aortic lymph nodes and all the way to the left subra clavicle lymph node (below my collar bone)
doctors are saying I need ‘radical’ treatment. They haven’t done this treatment combo on others before.
im starting chemo this coming Monday, weekly induction chemo for 6 weeks. Carboplatin and paclitaxel.
Doctor said I could use cold cap (at my own expense) so I will try that.
following the induction chemo I will go on chemo radiation combo for 6-7 weeks. Cisplatin. And possibly immunotherapy (they are still to complete the PDL 1 inhibitor test from the biopsy sample), if that indicates that immunotherapy may work they’ll put me on that as well, radiation will be external beam for approx 30 sessions and then some brachytherapy as well. Then targeted radiation to the collarbone lymph node.
I’m just in shock, I’m only 40 years old, I was feeling fine, always been healthy and now this.
i think I just need some encouraging words, maybe someone with similar diagnosis to tell me about their journey. Maybe someone has had ‘radical treatment’ before?
I don’t want to take over the thread, so that the original poster can get relevant advice for her situation and she won’t be having the pelvic exenteration. So I will start a post in the stoma group for you-please look out for it and I’ll try to help.
Sarah xx
Hi, that's interesting, as they told me it dosent work with radiation. I will have a read of the article.
Hi everyone. I am new to the group. I have recently been diagnosed with stage 4b cervical cancer. It has spread to the lymph nodes behind my collar bone on the left side, so I was told its not curable, but it can be managed. I will be having a cocktail of 3 different chemotherapies, and maybe immuniotherapy, if I'm eligible. It has all come as a massive shock and I'm finding it very difficult to process the information.
Hi Jugsie,
Sounds like same spread as mine then.
do you know what chemo drugs they are planning to give you? And the frequency?
im based in Spain so maybe slightly different approaches from the Uk but from what my oncologist says, the first chemo is to try and stop the spread then the chemo radiation combo is to stop and shrink tumours.
have you started treatment yet or do you have a date for when it’s due to start? My induction chemo starts Monday.
Hi SarahH21 thanks for the tag - how are you? Xx
Hi LOO1 I’m really sorry you’ve just been diagnosed, it can be completely overwhelming at first and I’m pleased you have your sister there for support
The radical treatment programme is what they would be following in the UK too and I’m pleased you’re having the 6 weeks induction chemo as that reduces the chance of a recurrence.
I had the radical chemoradiation that you’ll be having, plus chemo (although I had a different chemo regimen as I have small cell CC, so the treatment is a bit different.
I’m now 4b and have just had 6 cycles of Keytruda, Avastin, Carboplatin & Paclitaxol - tolerated it really well and am back working full time (my choice, I work for myself)
Waiting on scan results to see what the situation is now, and my team have plans in place depending on the results.
I’d say a lot of getting through treatment is about mindset. A positive mindset goes a long way.
The radiotherapy is tiring, and the fatigue builds as treatment goes on so do make sure you take care of yourself and if there’s anyone who can help with cooking meals or cleaning etc definitely take them up on that help
Your team can also give you supporting meds if you need them. Sore skin or diahhorea (I can never spell it!!) for example.
Take care,
J x
Hi. I was diagnosed with stage 4a cervical cancer in August last year.
I have since had 4 rounds of carboplatin and paclitaxel. Then 5 rounds of Cisplatin and radiotherapy at the same time. I have just completed 25/25 sessions of radiotherapy.
I responded well to treatment. I had a lymph node in my stomach and one on my right pelvic bone. My tumour had also spread into my bladder wall. I was not stage 4b because it hadnt spread anywhere else. My tumour was 6cmx4cm and after four rounds of chemo it had shrunk to 2.5cmx2cm and I've had 5 more chemos and radiotherapy since then.
My next step is 4 sessions of brachytherapy over two one night stays in hospital. Then, that's it active treatment is finished.
I do not mind you asking me any questions about side effects etc.
Debbie
Thanks aquabambi for sharing your journey.
im glad to hear the induction chemo has proved to work against recurrences. And it’s reassuring to know someone one has gone through similar treatment.
I absolutely think keeping a positive attitude is important and I have to say I’ve struggled with that this past month since they’ve found the tumour. I think as treatment starts it becomes more ‘real’ and I have looked into mechanisms I can use to keep me on a positive mindset path (meditation, journaling etc).
from what I have read and from what I can imagine the radiotherapy does sound like the most tiring part, not just from side effects but also because of daily hospital visits, that in itself will be draining. I will try and ask around for more support, im very independent and normally never ask for help but I need to change that behaviour and accept that this is out of the ordinary. And my friends have said they want to be there first be but I think they struggle to know how they can help but if I ask for practical things it may make that easier.
thank you for taking the time to respond.
Thanks Debbie for sharing your journey. I’m glad to hear that your tumour has shrunk due to treatment, it sounds of similar size to the one I have and it’s reassuring knowing treatment can work.
thank you for offering support with questions I might have regarding side effects, just knowing others have gone through this makes me feel more at ease and I’m sure I will come back here once side effects starts to get some advice. Thank you for taking the time to respond.
Hi LOO1
I have read these posts and wanted to share how much the description of yourself being very independent and normally never asking for help resonated with me, i was diagnosed in October 2023, aged 45, single parent of a 15 year old and would then have described myself as hyper independent, never showing my friends or family any vulnerability etc... then cancer came along! i needed help - 5 weeks chemo/radiation and 4 days inpatient brachy - allowing my friends 'in' and letting them care for me, and then with my two sisters who both live 100s of miles away and have young families and demanding jobs accepting their offer of practical help (coming to hospital with me on my chemo and radiotherapy Wednesdays and staying the night to look after me/clean the flat :)) was the best thing i could have done. Your friends will truly want to help and i would urge you to take all the offers of support offered, i found by accepting the practical help and spending more time with those closest to me i deepend my emotional bonds and over a year on i feel so blessed to feel so loved and cared for. You are doing all the right things to prepare mentally - whilst waiting for and during treatment i also started to connect more with nature, lots of walks, i also subscribed to audible and found the distraction of listening to incredible stories whilst walking in nature really nuturing. Sending you so much strength LOO1
Whatever cancer throws your way, we’re right there with you.
We’re here to provide physical, financial and emotional support.
© Macmillan Cancer Support 2025 © Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). Also operating in Northern Ireland. A company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales company number 2400969. Isle of Man company number 4694F. Registered office: 3rd Floor, Bronze Building, The Forge, 105 Sumner Street, London, SE1 9HZ. VAT no: 668265007