New to the group

Hi. I was diagnosed with cervical cancer stage 4a in September. I am just about to finish 4 cycles of chemotherapy. Exactly the same chemo you will have. Feel free to ask me any questions. I am due to start chemoradiotherapy in December. I am not working at the moment, I was on maternity leave when I became poorly with this and didnt go back to work but before my consultant knew that she was going to sign me off for 6 months. Work have to be fine with it, your ill. Anything else is not ok. I have also been very calm and matter of fact about everything, you have to be. We have to do this, we have no choice. I also didn't cold cap and have lost my hair. Like I said, any questions, I'm happy to help if I can. 

Hi DebDebW , 

Did you cut your hair before starting chemo? As that’s what I’m feeling I need to do and how was your chemo ? Ie any pain with infusion or side effects, 

I have a pet scan on the 12th of this month and probably starting treatment soon after so I don’t know what to expect with the treatment 

Hi Hope68 and welcome to our group.

I was very calm when I was first diagnosed, but naturally worried inside. My main thought was just dealing with what was ahead and getting through everything.

I was stage 2b, but it wasn’t standard when I was diagnosed to have the chemo first before undergoing chemoradiation, so I went straight to my treatment. The fact that the trials have shown very good results from doing the double chemo first now is really encouraging.

You cannot help needing time off work-have you spoken to your employers or investigated what the absence policy is? A cancer diagnosis gives you certain protection under the disability act, and you would be welcome to phone the Macmillan support line (the number is in my signature) to get advice about this if you need it.

It is difficult to anticipate what side effects you may have as everyone reacts differently to treatment, but feel free to ask any questions in the group and there will be others who can share their experiences with you. I don’t have experience of the pax/carbo regime, but like many ladies I’ve been through radiotherapy with Cisplatin, so there will be plenty of advice for you with that. Please let us know how you’re getting on, and I hope your petscan goes smoothly.

Sarah xx

Hi. I waited for mine to start falling out. Once it was very thin and patchy my son shaved it off for me. You get used to it surprisingly quickly but I can't get on with a wig so it's hats outside for me. 

I've had some side effects but compared to some people I've escaped the worst. I've had some constipation, tiredness, achy legs, headaches but all relieved with painkillers. No sickness.