Newly diagnosed

Hi Ruth 

I'm realy sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I also was told 2b, I had 28 external radiotherapy sessions, 6 chemo(cisplatin,so no hair loss) and 3 internal brachytherapy. All finished now and feeling so much better. Just remember it is doable and you will find the strength to get through this. Right now the waiting for you will be worst but once you have a plan as to what treatment etc, you will settle down. You'll find great support on here to get advice or share your feelings, and we all understand how overwhelming this news can be, so keep posting and we will try to help you along the way.

Angela xx

Hi Ruth

Sorry-I replied to your other post before seeing this one. I was also diagnosed with stage 2b originally so know what a shock this is, and how scary it is at first. Once the cancer has spread it is not classed as early stage, but equally the treatment can be very effective and your team will be looking at curative intent.

Smears are not always 100% effective at detecting cancer, especially if it is high up, but try not to focus on this as you cannot change what is in the past. Better to focus on how you can deal with this going forward.

I see Angela has already told you about her treatment which is standard for stage 2b. I had 32 radiotherapy and only managed 4 Cisplatin chemotherapy and didn’t manage to have the brachytherapy, but I was unusual in that! As Angela has said, you don’t lose your hair on Cisplatin as it’s only a low dose, but other chemos may result in hair loss, so it will depend on what chemo you are given.

It’s natural to feel overwhelmed at this point as it’s a lot to take in and process but things do get better once you have your treatment plan and get on with tackling this. It’s tough, but we’ve come through it and you will too.Stick with us and keep posting, and we’ll do our best to support you through.

Sarah xx

Thank you Angela. This has really pulled the rug from underneath me and I don't actually feel on this planet right now. It's good to hear from you and as you have been diagnosed with the same thing I kind of get a glimpse of what I'm going to be expecting too. My best friend asked me what my worst fear was even before my diagnosis and sorry if this sounds vain but apart from the obvious, it is losing my hair. I've always had really long hair and losing that would be losing me too. I will post more soon. I think I just need to process a little bit more xx

Thank you Sarah. I will post more soon x

Right now your on an emotional rollercoaster so it's normal to be overwhelmed. Please ask anything you need Information on when you've had time to process this. Give yourself time and be kind to you! 

Angela xx

Hi o am facing very similar  treatment to you. I have stage 3c and I start my chemo radiotherapy  on 16th May. I will be having 4 brachytheraphy at the end of chemo. I am very anxious  about the beachy as have hears it is painful  van you tell me what it was like please  in a honest way. 

Hi PoppieSue

Please try to keep in mind that everyone’s experience of treatment, including brachytherapy, is different. You will hear both negative and positive stories for every aspect, but they might not be your experience. Try not to focus on negatives…your brachytherapy is a while away yet-it’s best to focus on getting through each day of treatment as it comes and getting through it, rather than anticipating any future issues which may not happen. 

Sarah xx

Hi Poppiesue.

As Sarah says it's while away yet so just try concentrate on the here and now treatments. I worried about each treatment as it came up, but it turned out out that everything is bearable and any unwanted side effects are treatable. Good communication is key. I did have bother with the brachy but on the last 1 I had more help from the anesthetist so it was a breeze, I just wish I'd been more vocal on the problems I was having with it. So my advice would be to tell your team everything that's going on. They're a  professional bunch of great people. 

Best of luck 

Angela xx

Today I'm feeling very lonely. Since my diagnosis I don't feel like my partner has been there for me as much as I need him to be. Now I know he has also taken my diagnosis really hard and don't know if it's that he also needs to process the information. If anyone has any suggestions on how I can bring this matter up with him I would appreciate it xx

Honestly I'm useless with this advice..I couldn't even tell my kids in person..I sent them a txt!! I was in bits so I also couldn't process. I'm a widow of 10 years so I live alone and I'd nobody to bounce off. Maybe your partner just dosent know how to deal? And men are naturally not good communicators so perhaps you could text him saying how you need his emotional support right now and see how it goes from there?. I prefer txt or email coz iv got time to process my thoughts and ideas so it helps me..I'm realy not sure but it can't hurt to try?. Let me know what you come up with, it's a lonely enough journey we go through so any help and support can only help.

Best wishes and good luck 

Angela xx