Hi,
I finished treatment for stage 3 cervical cancer August 2024, and my consultant is very happy with the follow up MRI in November but said he can't give me the "all clear" as possibly something still there, but will likely be gone by next MRI. I wasn't worried but the closer I'm getting to the next MRI in February, the more anxious I'm getting, as I think its not gone/is growing, and I don't know what that will mean for me if its "still there"...
I'm 46, have been back at work since October but I really struggle tbh, I'm a single parent to 2 young teenagers (I have 2 adult children too and a grandson) and I've now just had bloodwork and an xray on my hand as it looks like I've some form of arthritis and its severe in my right thumb which drives me mad at times.
I was a relatively fit and healthy person before the cancer so I'm maybe just really struggling to adjust.
I feel like I've been throw into old age overnight and still feel in some sort of denial or unacceptance of it all, its still surreal this is my life now! Its been a year and I'm still in shock on some level (it all began January 2024, I naively thought I'd be getting my life back come the New Year) ..
I just want to move forward, but I still feel like I'm "waiting" for things to be "okay" ... its so hard, and lonely.
So I thought I'd be brave and meet (virtually) some people that are maybe in a similar situation x
Hi Kaylee24 and welcome to our group.
I think you’ve done amazingly well so far, especially to have returned to work having such a busy family life. I hope it will help to have found us in the group here and that you’ll be able to find some comfort through the support we can all give to each other. You are definitely not alone with your feelings, and yes, it is a lonely place to be when you are yourself. But you are among friends here who understand.
Scanxiety is a real thing and it’s horrible waiting for that next scan and the results. I’d hold onto the positives for now in that your consultant is pleased with your progress so far, and hopes the next scan will show no evidence of disease. The treatment continues to work in your body afterwards and many people do report needing a further scan a bit further down the line to make sure nothing is seen.
I’m not sure any one of us escapes the fear after a cancer diagnosis that something might still be there or it might come back. But what I can say is that you do learn to live with it and not let it dominate your mind. If you do, you’re not really living life as well as you could be. I can understand this, as my cancer did recur. But that was a few years ago now, and time has helped-I don’t dwell on this now, or fear it coming back again as I’m happy to be here now and getting on with things!
I hope some of the other ladies will pick up on your post and come along to give you some reassurance and share their experiences-we’ve had quite a number of stage 3 ladies come through treatment very successfully who I hope will reply.
You have been through intense treatment, and it takes time to recover from that both mentally and physically so I think it’s important to accept we’ve been through a lot and we need to be a bit kind to ourselves. Stick with us, keep posting and let us know how you get on-I hope you get a good result from your next scan.
Sarah xx
Thanks Sarah, that's really helpful to hear, and reassuring I really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience and thoughts, I'm trying to be very kind to myself n not just feel sorry for myself
it comes in waves, sometimes I'm feeling really positive and good, its nice to have somewhere to turn to when things get tricky, thank you again xx
Hi kaylee I had stage 2b in March 2023 had treatment and I'm still like you I worked cleaning trying to start a business for myself I'm not working now. I'm still having mri every 6 months they told me I still have a tumor so I'm constantly worried and have scanxiety and now I've just had a biopsy on my esophagus told me I had barrette esophagus every pain twinge sets me off what if it's the cancer back xx I think the tumor is probably alot of scar tissue but it doesn't stop being a worry plus being menopausal doesn't help xx so your not alone xx well done for getting through the treatment and getting back to work speak to your doctor they offered me therapy someone to talk too. I didn't go but it might help you xxxx
Oh I'm so sorry to hear this Daisybella, did you not have to have further treatment then, they just monitoring it? I googled the barrette esophagus thing, I can see why that'd make matters worse, and yes I assume the sudden menopause doesn't help keep me emotionally stable
Whatever cancer throws your way, we’re right there with you.
We’re here to provide physical, financial and emotional support.
© Macmillan Cancer Support 2025 © Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). Also operating in Northern Ireland. A company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales company number 2400969. Isle of Man company number 4694F. Registered office: 3rd Floor, Bronze Building, The Forge, 105 Sumner Street, London, SE1 9HZ. VAT no: 668265007