Recurrence in lymph nodes

Hello Lindylou15

I'm so sorry your cancer has recurred,I do hope the chemo shrinks it even more, if this doesn't work they will hopefully try immunotherapy, Is this the first time you're having chemo?

can I ask what Grade and stage your cancer was originally? X

Hi Madesp. Thank you for your reply. My original cancer was stage 1A grade 1. My consultant said it’s very unusual for it to recur in this way. 

1. Dear Lindylou, I am so sorry to hear of your recurrence and hope the chemo reduces the lymph nodes further.  If not too personal, may I ask what your symptoms were please?  I am experiencing increasing abdominal pains since my hysterectomy nearly 3 years ago but my consultant does not think it is an issue.  Take care.

Hi Georgie1. It’s not too personal at all. My only symptom was back pain which I had for many months. Eventually, a physio requested an MRI scan which is when the enlarged lymph nodes were seen. If I hadn’t had the back pain, I would never have known about the recurrence. 

I agree it is unusual for a lower grade cancer to return after hysterectomy as the operation is the 'cure' for this type and usually nothing else needs to be done, but I guess that cancer is unpredictable and has it's own agenda. I hope that maybe they get their heads together ( your team) and think about an alternative if the chemo doesn't square up to it. Best wishes. xx

Hello Georgie1, hope you don't mind me butting in but I really think you need a second opinion or insist on a CT scan as alarm bells ring if there an unexplained pain or twinge that doesn't go away, it's a warning sign, hopefully I'm wrong and hopefully there's another explanation. My doctor has put me on a six month check-up now but advised if I get any unusual twinges or pain they need to know ASAP and assured me that I will be seen by gynaecology or CNS arrange an urgent scan.. best wishes with this.xx

Thank you Lindylou, I wish you all the very best with your treatment. Take care x

Not at all Mad thank you.  I am not very good at speaking up for myself but do mention the pain every time I go.  To be honest my appointments feel a bit like a conveyor belt and so I am considering paying for a scan.

Hi Georgie, you shouldn't need to pay for a scan, they need to take you seriously and give you the benefit of the doubt, can you take someone with you that will help explain to the doctor how you feel? Or have you told the doctor that you are really worried and because they've ignored your plea in the past, it could be spreading (the cancer, if it's there) and will they take responsibility for this?

Write down what you want to say if it helps, alternative is if your GP has econsult online, you could put this on there and they'll offer you an appointment. Or go back direct to the hospital and see if can speak/phone or email the CNS or consultant secretary (look at previous letters etc, email address sometimes on there).

You sound lovely and don't want to make a fuss, but what if..........please, this is YOUR life, I think by changing your tone, they'll be like Meerkats, stand up and listen to you. Good luck with this, best wishes xx

Thank you Mad, your wise advice to me and support lots of other ladies on here is very special.  I will take your advice and phone my CNS.  Thank you xx