Cervical cancer

Hi Jay276 and welcome to our group.

It’s a big shock, isn’t it, getting a cancer diagnosis? Have you got anyone who can come to future appointments with you as an extra pair of ears? It’s helpful to have someone else taking notes for you, as our minds can go blank with such an overload of information.

It’s likely you will have an MRI scan and a CT scan-both of these give different types of information which go together to give the stage and exact location of the cancer and the treatment plan. Once these results are available, a team of specialists involved in your care will meet to discuss everything and decide on your plan. This is called an MDT meeting (Multi Disciplinary Team) and will likely include radiology, oncology staff and your CNS (cancer nurse specialist).

It’s important that you understand what’s going to be happening as you will need to sign a consent form before you can have any treatment, so it will help to have someone with you, and it’s also a good idea for you or the person with you to write questions down and take this with you when you go to an appointment. You can ask any question you need to at appointments, and the consultant should explain things in a straightforward way, so please ask them to go over anything you don’t understand. 

I understand that a cancer diagnosis can bring a lot of fear with it, and we can be worried about dying. However. treatments can be extremely effective, so try to focus on having a positive outcome as it can help you to cope better with the treatment to come.

I’m coming up to the six year anniversary of my original diagnosis, so I hope that might give you some hope that things can turn out well. Many other ladies have also come through treatment very successfully and we are here to support you through this. Feel free to ask any questions here, and we will do our best to help you.

I can provide you with links if you want to read more information about cervical cancer and treatment, but I’m conscious of not overwhelming you with information that you’re maybe not quite ready for yet. Just ask any time if you’d like this.

Sarah xx

Thanks Sarah, 

I am on my own and right now just feel I want to run far away.

I don't as yet have a treatment plan but my mind is in overdrive and I am convinced I am going to die.

i am hoping to find a face to face support group or one on line but can't seem to find any.

julia x

Oh, I’m sorry you’re on own Julia-I went for my results on my own and recognise that “fight or flight” feeling as I sat there hearing I had cancer. I never went to any appointments by myself after that! Is there anyone who can come with you in the future, like a close friend or relative if you don’t have a partner?

You’ll need to wait a little longer for your treatment plan, but as the doctor has mentioned radiotherapy, I’m assuming surgery (ie a radical hysterectomy) is not on the cards? Many of us in the group have been through chemotherapy and radiotherapy as we couldn’t have surgery at our diagnosis, so we have lots of experience to share with you.

I’m not sure what has convinced you that you are going to die? Is it just the fact that you have heard the word cancer, or if you’ve heard of bad experiences from others? If you are own with these thoughts, I’d really recommend you give the support line a ring-the number is in my signature-and there is someone to listen. I’ve called myself, and found them lovely. 

I will also look for some other links for you where you can look for support/groups in your own area. Macmillan also offer a buddy service where you can receive regular phone calls so I’ll get you the link for that too. It’s good to speak with people who can understand what you’re going through. 

Sarah xx

Hi 

I was diagnosed stage 3, had radiotherapy, chemotherapy and brachytherapy. I was exactly the same as you when I was diagnosed, my thoughts went straight to.. I’m going to die! I feel like it’s a natural process to think that when you hear those words at your diagnosis.

i have had all treatment and now have been clear for 18 months. Please let me tell you , you will be able to do this. The support available is amazing and any questions please ask! 
it’s a tough road to be on but you can do it xxx

Hi, having a radical hysterectomy in April, (Stage 3) I have recently completed my chemotherapy and am about to start my 25 shots of radiotherapy. I have just received a consultation appointment for my Brachytherapy at The Christie. Is it possible you could go through the procedure for the Brachy? I have read on some forums that it is just an applicator but others have said they had a general anaesthetic for the applicator to be inserted. Im confused and worried about what this journey holds for me next. Any information would be helpful, Id rather know what to expect than be surprised when I get there. Thanks

Hi  

Just to make you aware in case you didn’t know, the procedure for brachytherapy is different in cervical cancer and womb cancer. Most ladies undergoing brachytherapy for cervical cancer will not have had their womb removed (as surgery is usually only possible at stage 1 for cervical cancer). 

Some ladies with cervical cancer may have had their womb removed prior to their cancer, but She111  was diagnosed with stage 3 cervical cancer where hysterectomy would not have been an option.

It’s just to be sure that when you are speaking with others having brachytherapy you need to know whether they have had a hysterectomy or not. That may be why you are confused about  the applicators and  the general anaesthetic used for rod insertion for those who us who’ve had cervical cancer.

Have you checked out the brachytherapy thread on the womb group? 

Demystifying Brachytherapy

Sarah xx

Ah, that explains things a bit. Thank you. I had a radical robotic hysterectomy, it had broke through the walls of my Uterus so my cervix was also removed. I couldnt understand how I would be treated with Brachy when I had no Cervix but this explains it. Thanks for your help

Yes, your brachytherapy for womb cancer after hysterectomy is used to try to reduce any recurrence. For cervical cancer it is to target the tumour site. 

The applicator involved for womb cancer brachy leads to a short treatment on several visits, but for cervical cancer can involve the insertion of rods under general anaesthetic, and an inpatient stay-for example for me I was scheduled to be admitted on the Tuesday, have the treatment while needing to lie in bed, and not move over a period of around 18 hours, and be discharged on the Thursday. 

I wouldn’t want you to think that this is what might happen for you!

Sarah xx

Hi, I had cervical cancer stage 3 and hysterectomy was not an option. 
I’m not exactly sure how your brachytherapy will be done however mine was were I needed numbing from the waist down in theatre whilst the applicator was inserted. 

it is uncomfortable and can be slightly painful however the staff at Christie’s are absolutely amazing and will get you through it. They will help anyway they can can and pain relief is there xx

good luck I’m sure you will be ok and here if you need to chat xx