Results today

Thank you for letting us know, I feel for you as, although my grade stayed at 1 post histology, my stage went from 1a to 2. I had tried to allow for it in my mind that it might change but it still hit me hard - I didn’t cry but just sat there numb, stunned and was barely able to speak or move. I was assured the cancer was removed and gone, but that some adjuvant treatment was recommended as an “insurance policy”, “belt and braces”. I phoned my CNS practically every day after that, wanting to know if there was news of my oncology appointment. They chased it for me (maybe to shut me up! lol) and honestly once I’d had it I felt much much better. I had 25 x radio and 2 x brachy in 2022. 

Hi Tashton

Am pleased you have your results back, even though they have changed slightly. It can be a shock when this happens and it took me a few days to get my head around it. I had adjuvant treatment as well. Like you my cancer was removed during the surgery but with adjuvant treatment they are doing a sort of mop up, just in case any tiny cells have escaped anywhere and to reduce the risks of the cancer coming back. 

I hope that your appointment comes through quickly and you can get a plan in place.

Jane

Thanks.  She said some people refuse it, nearly 50 per cent?

Hi I got 1b results yesterday as well- will be having radiotherapy. Was also told some refuse it - but I want to be absolutely sure it’s gone!

It’s always a choice - as when we see the oncologist there’s consent forms to sign if we want it - so I’d personally say it’s choosing to have or not have it, rather than “refusing” per se. 

My grade was 2 so not sure what difference that makes.  I have only seen Nurse today so will need to discuss with oncologist when I get appointment through.  I'm assuming travelling girl you have seen your consultant already?

Hi only the gynae one but he and the CNS explained the radiotherapy a little - I was keen to know as much as possible. I have an appointment exactly 6 weeks after my surgery- on 13th March.

I am not sure how many chose not to go ahead with the adjuvant (whether chemo or radiotherapy) but I am glad I did. For me it was about doing everything possible to reduce the risk of recurrence. I also felt it better to have it at that time rather than risk it coming back and then it being harder to treat. 

I think it is all about weighing up the pros and cons and then making an informed decision. It is ultimately your choice and they take into account the stage, grade and other pathology before recommending any treatment. They will give you plenty of chance to ask questions at your appointment.

Jane

I agree 100% with that Jane. My stage remained at 1b post surgery and my grade went from 2 to 1. But...there was evidence of LVSI. So the advice was to have adjuvant pelvic radiotherapy. 

Before making the decision to go ahead with that I spent at least an hour with the Registrar face-to-face talking about what the benefits and risks are. Yes it is a big decision but I felt I was fully informed. Like you Jane I wanted to give myself the best chance of non recurrence. 

I can understand why some ladies may decline the adjuvant treatment. In fact we can decline treatment at any point. It is our right to do so. Having all necessary information to hand - and the opportunity to discuss it honestly with a medical professional is important. I am glad I had the face-to-face meeting about it because it was daunting and I had a lot of questions written down. 

It was the right decision for me despite side effects - but it is early days and I hope they improve.

Best wishes.

What side effects are you having can I ask