From cervical cancer . . Now need a hysterectomy

Hi Jane75d4408e 

Was this the decision after having your second LLETZ procedure? Lots of ladies in the group have had a hysterectomy for their cancer, but I’m sure it must have been a shock for you to hear.

However, if you can take anything positive from it, the cancer must be at a stage which is early enough for surgery. Once a cancer is of a higher stage, surgery is not normally possible and the treatment would usually be chemotherapy with radiotherapy.

I’m sure your head must be spinning right now, so once you’ve had a chance to process this news in your mind it is useful to start to think of questions to ask and make a list for your next appointment.

Feel free to ask any questions here in the group, and I’m sure some of the other ladies who’ve had a hysterectomy will be along soon to offer some support and encouragement.

Sarah xx

Sarah,!?

Thank you!  Tbh it's not sunk in yet. Although I don't know if it will be an abdominal hysterectomy or vaginal?? Also help on questions to ask?? I drive a bus for a living will this mean I can't drive for a period of time?? I don't know where to start!

Many thanks for your reply!! Xx

Hi Jane

It would most likely be an abdominal hysterectomy for cervical cancer rather than vaginal. You would definitely need time off afterwards, no matter what kind of surgery, especially if you’re a bus driver.

There are different types of hysterectomy, so you could ask your doctor which type of will be done. Usually it’s a radical hysterectomy for cervical cancer, taking the womb, cervix, top of the vagina and surrounding tissue and lymph nodes. A simple hysterectomy removes the womb and cervix.

So yes, ask about the type of surgery-would it be open abdominal where you have a longer incision or keyhole surgery, which isn’t so invasive and  doesn’t have such a long recovery time. Will your ovaries be removed? If so, that would put you into a surgical menopause, so you could ask about that and the possibility of HRT afterward if you do have your ovaries removed.

Check how long you will be in hospital for-usually it’s just a couple of days, and ask how long you might need to be off work. Recovery is usually something like 6-8 weeks. You need to remember that you will have healing inside as well as externally. Driving a bus will definitely require some time off! 

These are the questions I’d immediately be thinking of, but I’m sure others might have some more thoughts from their experiences too.

Sarah xx

My feet haven't touched the ground yet. Im worried about everything but at mo work ssp runs out soon im behind with my bills. Im going stir crazy 

Hi Jane

I didn’t realise you were off work and on SSP- what a worry for you. I’d suggest you give the support line a call tomorrow to chat through your situation to see if there is any help and advice they can give you on the financial side of things. 

The number is in my signature and the staff are available from 8am to 8pm every day.

Sarah xx

My head won't stop spinning, ive had a call from southmead today op is booked for 9th Dec. I've not even been to the gynaecology/ cancer appointment yet. . . . What is the likelihood I have cancer else where too?? 

Desperately in confusion and turmoil 

Jane

Hi Jane

There should be an appointment before surgery, and also a pre op assessment carried out to make sure you are ok/fit for surgery. The pre op assessment normally involves things like a height and weight check, heart check, swabbing for MRSA and maybe Covid. 

There should be an appointment with your gynaecology consultant first to discuss the surgery because you will need to know the details of what the operation involves, and sign a consent form. I would expect you to get details of these appointments very shortly. 

I can’t recall what scans you have had already but I remember you mentioning an enlarged nymph node which needed investigating-has that happened? It’s impossible to say what the chances are of having cancer elsewhere, but if it is in one or more lymphodes that would change the stage of your cancer and potentially mean a hysterectomy would not be the correct course of action.

it would be really helpful for us if you update your profile information so that members can see what diagnostic tests you’ve had already, what stage of cancer you have etc. it makes it easier for us to try to answer questions and help you.

To do this, click on your name and select profile to add your story. When you’re done, press “save” and then everyone will be able to see where you are in the process of diagnosis and treatment. 

Sarah xx

Hi , sorry to hear you now need a hysterectomy, it can be a very stressful time just try to take one day at a time , it’s helpful to write down all questions you have so you can ask them at appointments as I find my mind goes blank at appointments, 

I was diagnosed in September was told a second lettz would probably sort it out but when the day came for the second lettz they took one look and scaled the idea as could see it would not work I’m booked in for radical hysterectomy on 2nd December 

scared but glad to be getting treatment plan 

So sorry to hear that! I am 50,  ive had my kids and im going through the menopause. I was shocked as I expected the call to be all clear! But today getting date for hysterectomy tells me they had to call me before I was called about a date for the op! It seems a bit rushed.  . Which if it works great! But im now worried  that I may have it else where . . Lymph node?

My dad passed 6 years ago he had an accident, but whilst in hospital was told he was pretty much riddled with cancer. (He passed quickly and not of fighting cancer) im not trying to be negative but I want any test they can do to check?? If you get me?? 

Hence my head spinning.  . 

Not sure how to ask gynaecology that??

Have you had any scans like mri pet scans these  are a good indicator of finding spread I seen you mentioned southmead hospital amd I know they do pet scans as that’s the hospital I had to attend for mine ,

it’s ok to not be ok 

sorry to hear that your dad passed , 

Not sure what hospital your under but from my experience the best way to ask is to just call them and ask the gyno team are really understanding and will answer any questions you have Iv asked them some ridiculous questions ‍♀️