Hi,
I had a consult today with my oncological gynaecologist and I was a bit floored.
i was diagnosed stage 4b in January, cervical tumor with distant lymph node spread. I’ve undergone induction chemo (as per interlace study), chemo radiation and brachytherapy and now on immunotherapy.
After treatment, scans showed clear lymph nodes but an ‘inactive residual’ tumor left on cervix. It wasn’t lighting up as active on the PET scan.
fast forward 3 months and next scans (both PET & MRI) was showing it as active again. The medical team reviewed my case and out of 2 options (chemo or surgery) they referred me for surgery.
i had consultation today and my understanding was that it was a hysterectomy that was being suggested but the gynaecologist suggested tgat due to possible complications with irradiated pelvic area an exenteration would be the likelier option.
I fell apart in his office as I had mentally prepared for a discussion about hysterectomy.
he did an exam on me and he said he ‘wasn’t able to find my cervix’ but said this could happen due to extensive radiation.
he suggested that he does a more extensive vaginal exam and biopsy on me (under general anaesthesia) and the after that he could be more informed about if a simple hysterectomy (removal of uterus snd cervix) or an extenoration would be best option. He said a radical hysterectomy would increase the chances of complications such as fistulas.
i just feel this is quite extreme, and I just need to hear Simone else’s stories and how their doctors came to the conclusion that an exenteration is the better option.
I know Sarah has had one (but I can’t remember her name to tag her here)
Thanks,
L
