Hi all, I was diagnosed last Tuesday with cervical cancer. I had an mri scan 2 days later and now awaiting results and treatment plan. The waiting is horrendous.
I’m so sorry that you are in the waiting period. I found this time the worst personally and struggled to be consoled by anyone. I was diagnosed on the 29th of April this year and there was a 2 week delay before I received my letter to come for my first appointment.
In the end I just had to keep myself as busy as humanly possible so that I had less time to think. I also wrote down every question and relevant thought so that I had it all with me when I went for my meeting to discuss my treatment plan.
Be wary of reading too deeply in to every treatment option. I went over the top doing this and scared myself silly - on reflection I wish someone had told me how drastically different everyones treatment plan is even if you are the exact same stage. Also a doctor talking you through the treatment is always better than how it can ‘read online’ and you can ask all of the questions and voice all of your scared thoughts so that they are addressed at the time.
Once I had my treatment plan I felt a little more peaceful as I knew what was going to happen to make me better and things moved really fast at this stage. You are never alone on this journey Xx
Hiya, thank you so much for your thoughts. I've told noone apart from my other half and a few close friends for their words of support. But not knowing how advanced and what will happen next is scaring me to death!
I have my grown up children and parents to tell but want to wait until I get my grading and treatment plan so I can answer some of their inevitable questions. Seems cruel to give them the devastation with no way out or answers. They'd just feel like I do.
Wondering how long it'll be til they let me know and give me an appointment?
I only told the people who I thought needed to know at the start as well. It also makes it easier as discussing it over and over again isn’t necessarily the healthiest thing to do when you do not have answers as you have said.
I found mentally that I was at my weakest before the first appointment and I really wish I had called MacMillian or even a Maggies centre to chat to someone. If you have been given a nurse to chat to they are also a great source of comfort. I strongly urge you to do this when or if you find yourself unable to cope at any point over the next few days. My husband was amazing but people who understand and know about cancer can reassure you in ways that your family perhaps cannot.
I was told it takes approximately two weeks to look at the MRI results and for your team to meet and make a decision on the best plan or options for you. It was 3 weeks after my MRI that I then went to discuss it. For some people it can be a really straight forward plan - there was one clear option for me. But for other women they have a little more choice.
I made a decision on that day and as surgery was on the cards for me I literally went straight to have all my pre- op checks and then went in to isolation for 10days with my surgery booked for the end of that period. It honestly moves quickly after the plan is in place. Xx
