Hi all, long time no see! This forum helped me greatly when I was going through my journey 5 years ago and I’m hoping maybe you can help me again.
I was discharged from oncology in February this year, I thank my lucky stars for that, but recently I’ve had quite a bit of discharge. Initially I put it down to normal changes in my body, I’m 43 and have been on oestrogen only patches for the last 3 years (all under advice from a professional and I did my research before starting my etc so I’m aware of the risks).
Recently I’ve not been feeling right and yesterday I started to feel what I can only describe as menstrual cramps and I started to bleed quite heavily, bright red. Now, I’m used to occasional bleeds from scar tissue after using dilators so it doesn’t normally shock me to bleed, but it did yesterday because I literally just stood up from my desk and I could feel it. I haven’t used a dilator for a couple of weeks. The bleeding slowly stopped and by the evening was just brown so I knew it was old blood.
Today I’m not bleeding but I have terrible cramping sensations and feel like I should be cuddling a hot water bottle!
Of course I’m now thinking the worst and reluctant to contact my CNS but I wondered if anyone had experienced this so long after surgery.
Sorry this is a long post, currently sat in tears not knowing what to do and scared. Hoping someone can offer some kind words of advice please.
xx
Hi Chellby
I understand how scary it must be.
Discharge, bleeding and painful cramps are something that you need to get attention for.
Something is causing these symptoms and the sooner you find out what the reason is, the sooner you can get some treatment. There may well be a cause for these that is not related to your previous cancer (eg; the patches, but if there is even the slightest concern then this needs to be ruled out.
Please call either your CNS or even GP today and get this checked. They would likely ask you some questions over the phone and then maybe call you in for a check in the next few days. Have you a partner or a friend who could be with you when you make the call, or even call on your behalf. Alternatively I have emailed my CNS in the past.
If it would help to chat things through first, why not give the Support Line a call and talk to one of the nurses.
Please don't sit there being upset and anxious, get checked.
Jane
