New to the group

  • 4 replies
  • 37 subscribers
  • 205 views

Hi there , 

I have recently been diagnosed with cervical cancer , not sure what type though and after my MRI it is stage 2A2, it has spread into the top of the vaginal area so the consultant has offered paxitaxol and carboplatin chemotherapy for 6 weeks then onto chemo radiation with cisplatin, these few weeks have been up and down with worry but on the outside I am so calm and matter of fact about the whole situation is that normal ? 

I have been told that I will lose my hair but I refused the cold cap but as my daughter said , think of it like this you will have virgin hair when it grows back ie no hair dye etc. I guess my main concern is how I’m going to feel and what I do about my job as I’ve already been off work for 3 months last year with a broken hip and now I have to deal with this a year or so later 

any way thanks for reading 

  • 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  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


    Community Champion Badge

    Cervical Cancer Forum

    Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm

  • 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.