I put this on the main discussion forum previously but it is more suited to here:
I feel like I am in a nightmare right now and just want to wake up! Does anyone else feel the same?
Long story short I was diagnosed with Adenocarcinoma of the Cervix Stage 1B2 on 2nd April 2026. Since then it’s been a whirlwind of tests, dates, information, paperwork and worst of all Waiting!!
I was given a date of 11th June for my Radical Hysterectomy surgery but then the surgeon states “Oh no we need to see you before then! Don’t make any plans or go anywhere as we may call you to come in earlier”. This was 3 weeks ago and since then I feel like I have aged a decade!
I have 2 adult daughters and my elderly parents who live with me. I know they love and care for me but I just feel like I can’t cry or let it all out! I feel like I need to be strong for them. I feel trapped in this nightmare! Does anyone else feel like this?
My bags are packed (unpacked and repacked, so many times I’ve lost count!) and I am just waiting to hear or not that I need to go in earlier I attend therapy sessions every week but are the support groups worth a try in the Leeds/Bradford area?
Sending Love and well wishes to everyone dealing with this awful disease 
Hi again Paula54F and welcome to our group.
I think a lot of us will identify with the feeling of being plunged into a nightmare when we get a cancer diagnosis. Life suddenly changes the day you hear those words and is never quite the same again.
I can understand it feels like things are taking a long time, and the waiting is probably the worst part of the whole process. In reality, things seem to have moved quickly for you, even though it doesn’t seem like that right now.
I was also diagnosed with adenocarcinoma, stage 2b where surgery wasn’t possible, so I needed to have chemoradiation. I was diagnosed in mid September and my treatment didn’t start until November, which seemed like an eternity!
It will be very difficult for you to cope with the uncertainty of not knowing your exact surgery date, but it sounds like it’s going to be pretty soon. Can you call your CNS to ask if they have any idea when it might happen? I don’t think the medical staff understand how hard it is for us to deal with uncertainty when we just want to get on with things.
I have 2 adult daughters and I found it very difficult to tell them about my cancer, since I had to do it over the phone. I understand the feeling, as a mum, that you need to be strong for them-we always want to protect them, no matter how old they are! But I’d encourage you to try to share how you feel, and cry if you want to. I’ve learned over the years that it’s not a sign of weakness to say you’re struggling or need help, and nor is it weak to admit you’re scared. We are all only human, and fear is just one of the emotions we feel, and it’s impossible to feel strong and positive all the time.
It’s a shock when you hear you need surgery, but try to take comfort from the fact that you can have this, and it may well be all that is needed to get rid of the cancer with no further treatment. I had a radical hysterectomy as part of a much larger surgery to get rid of my cancer when it recurred, and there is light at the end of what seems like a dark tunnel now.
If you’d like to find out more about local support groups in your area, this link might be helpful
It can be very worthwhile to connect with others who understand, and our group here can also help support you through things by sharing our own experiences.
Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on, and hopefully your surgery will happen very soon.
Sarah xx
Thank you so much for your kind words. I have spoken with my CNS and all she can confirm is I am on the “Cancellations” list. They have been brilliant with explaining everything to me. I have AuDHD and have a need for details and she answered all my questions to help me prepare. I have other health problems and have to take other meds like morphine already and this has been an issue for them around painkilling drugs when I come out of surgery, so this is a worry 
My daughters have been very good with it all. My oldest is ASD and has moved home a few months early from University and has been insistent on coming to all my appointments. Whilst the other has ADHD and has remained at Uni until August and has focused more on if I have a Will and POA. My parents are just denying it’s even happening. I am recently divorced and just feel very much alone
I will look in to a local support group as I am struggling. The operation is set for 11th June and I have focused on that date as it was driving me mad trying to second guess when they might call me. Thanks again for your help x
