Hi
Newly diagnosed 38 year old mother of two, 6&3 stage 4 cervical cancer with large mass in pelvis.
I have been told that iv have stage 4 cervical cancer, I haven’t been able to speak with the oncologist doctor yet to get my full result and treatment conversation. I have mostly been dealing with the gynaecologist nurses and oncologist secretary. I have cancer of the cervix and a large mass in my pelvis / vagina. The mass hasn’t gone into the bowel or bladder yet but is sitting close to both. Close to urethra and rectum. I’m unsure if my lymph nodes have been affected, They want me to have a colostomy on Wednesday 27th nov ( earliest appointment) to protect my bowels from chemo and infection. The nurse has explained why I need this as a preventative measure but at present I don’t have any bowel symptoms and everything is working fine.
I’m just a bit worried having the colostomy before I have even had an official oncologist appointment and discussed the treatment for cancer. I’m aware it will be chemo but that’s all iv been told. I have asked and cancer has not spread elsewhere from ct scan, only showing in pelvis area.
I just wondered if anyone else has had a similar situation please? Also has anyone else had a second opinion and their staging changed?
Thank you for reading
Hi Auroraa and welcome to our group.
I’m sorry to read of your situation and where you currently find yourself.
I had a total pelvic exenteration in March 2020-if you click on my name you can read my whole story from my original diagnosis. I didn’t ask for a second opinion, because I trusted my team and knew from scans where my cancer was situated where it had recurred and what my options were.
I you want to seek a second opinion, you can do this but it would delay treatment if you are scheduled for a colostomy tomorrow. I’m surprised you have not had a meeting with your oncologist/consultant and that such a big decision is being relayed to you by the nurses and a secretary. I meet with consultants all the way through the process to discuss everything.
My mass had spread over my bladder and womb, but not invaded my colon, which had been damaged by radiation only. However, I chose to have everything removed, including my colon to try to give myself the best chance of survival. I had two colostomies formed-colostomy and urostomy. I had no bowel symptoms, it was functioning fine, but it was still the best option for my case.
When cancer has spread but is still contained within the pelvis, exenteration is the best surgical option, as it cannot be performed if there is lymphnode involvement or spread to organs outside the pelvis. You really need a discussion with your oncologist, not a nurse, and I would urge you to call them today as your surgery is scheduled for tomorrow.
You have big decisions to make, and very little time, so please try to make contact if you can before your surgery and let us know how you get on.
Sarah xx
