Recently diagnosed MRI scan next week followed by another one I can't remember consultant talked about radiotherapy stopped listening after that
Mind going into overdrive about dying
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
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
