Cervical cancer

Jessthemess81 · 2021-12-10T23:49:36+00:00

Hi, I'm posting for traffic as I'm really scared and could do with someone talking me down or sharing their experience. I had a smear test that showed abnormal cells and tested positive for HPV. I've previously had normal smear tests but have suffered with symptoms such as bleeding between periods, discharge, pelvic pain and sometimes lower back pain (not consistent back pain) for the last few years. I've been to A&E last year as I was in so much pain. Everytime I'd told them my symptoms, they'd ask what the results of my last smear test were. This seemed like enough of a reason to rule out cancer I'm guessing. The symptoms have worsened over the past year and the GP referred me for an ultrasound whilst I await my colposcopy. After my ultrasound, the lady told me is I'd hear back within a week unless urgent. I recieved a call from my gp that very day telling me a large mass was found on my upper cervix. I have a colposcopy and biopsy next week. But, what are my chances of it not being cancer? My doctor suggested it was highly likely that it is. I'm just really scared. I have children and don't want to think of having to tell them. I'm 40 by the way- if that makes a difference. Thank you

CaroleFuckingBaskin · 11/12/2021 00:08

I didnt want your post to go unanswered, and I'm sure tomorrow there will be a lot more support.

I'm sorry you are going through this. I haven't got personal experience of it, but can say that I had a hysterectomy and cervix removed, with no problems after. I have no idea of treatments but I'm sure there will be better advice coming along x

Original poster

Jessthemess81 · 11/12/2021 00:11

Thank you so much for your lovely reply. I'm so pleased to hear you have been fine since your hysterectomy. X

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catfunk · 11/12/2021 00:13

That Sounds scary op. I have 2 friends recently who have had surgery due to fibroids. Try not to think the worst. Whatever it is - knowledge is power.
Sending hugs x

TheOriginalEmu · 11/12/2021 00:13

I had cervical cancer back in 2007, my kids were very small and it was scary, but the good news is I’m very much still here and I’m fine. I had to have a hysterectomy but that was it, no other treatment needed.
None of us can tell you if it is or isn’t, but they are sorting it now and that’s what matters, if your last smear before this was clear, then it’s less likely to be an advanced cancer as CC tend to be very slow growing. ♥️

SequinsandStiIettos · 11/12/2021 00:15

I don't know babe and I hope fervently that you get the best treatment soon and all goes well. I did want to thank you though - I have irregular bleeding atm and am 4 months late for my smear. You have reminded me of its importance and I will stop procrastinating and sort it Monday.
Thinking of you now - let us know how it goes XXX

Largethighsbadeyes · 11/12/2021 00:16

When you say your GP suggested it was very likely what did they actually say?

I only ask as I've had tests for stuff before and was convinced it was cancer. Then the tests came back and they referred my somewhere else and I convinced myself it was cancer because of what the doctor DIDNT say, if that makes sense.

Regardless OP I'm sending you a really big hug waiting for appointments/results is the worst part. Once you know what you are dealing with it will help.

I have everything crossed for you

Silkieschickens · 11/12/2021 00:17

I am so sorry Jess. I am in similar boat, large mass found on breast and in skin and a second mass found on adrenals, 2 kids who need me.

There is a cancer support thread on general health board which we can keep you company on. I hope you dont have cancer but if you do you can access treatment quickly. I now have breast cancer confirmed, stage 3 or stage 4 if in adrenals. I am in my 40s.

It is advised to tell children, if you think can keep it secret until treatment plan, that is a reasonable time to say.

AliveAndSleeping · 11/12/2021 00:18

Op I'm so sorry you have to deal with this. I don't have anything useful bto add but didn't want to read and run. It looks like it was caught fairly early and that makes a big difference as far as I know.

HunterGatherer · 11/12/2021 00:18

It's easy for me to say I guess, but try not catastrophise things. You are looking at the worst case scenario and it may be nowhere near as bad as you are imagining.
Do you have a partner and people around you who you can turn to for RL support?

ArblemarchTFruitbat · 11/12/2021 00:19

Like Carole I have no experience of cervical cancer but can report a very positive experience of hysterectomy and removal of cervix for other reasons. I was back at work less than 2 months after the operation and, 5 years down the line, I consider it one of the best things I ever did.

Silkieschickens · 11/12/2021 00:19

My gp told me there was only the slimest of chances it would not be cancer.

Chesneyhawkes1 · 11/12/2021 00:20

So sorry to hear your news.

I was diagnosed with cervical cancer in March last year at 41.

I had chemo and radiotherapy for 5 weeks. Also brachytherapy for 3 days.

I've since had two clear MRI scans. So as hard as it is, try not to worry until you know what you are dealing with.

Also if it is cancer - there's many things they can do to treat it.

Original poster

Jessthemess81 · 11/12/2021 00:35

@catfunk

That Sounds scary op. I have 2 friends recently who have had surgery due to fibroids. Try not to think the worst. Whatever it is - knowledge is power. Sending hugs x

Thank you catfunk. I hope your friends are in good health now x

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Original poster

Jessthemess81 · 11/12/2021 00:42

@TheOriginalEmu

I had cervical cancer back in 2007, my kids were very small and it was scary, but the good news is I’m very much still here and I’m fine. I had to have a hysterectomy but that was it, no other treatment needed. None of us can tell you if it is or isn’t, but they are sorting it now and that’s what matters, if your last smear before this was clear, then it’s less likely to be an advanced cancer as CC tend to be very slow growing. ♥️

That's so reassuring. I'm so pleased that you are ok now too. I just wonder if I've had this (assuming it is cancer) for much longer, but the smear test didn't pick it up as it's high up in my cervix?

I did a home smear which is a trial they're rolling out at the moment. I was so scared I wouldn't do it properly that I put the swab stick so high up to be sure! When that came back positive, I had to go into the GP for another smear. I told them that I'd done a throughout swab (past the line marker on the stick). She said she would do the same. I guess I'm wondering if my last smears are inaccurate.

I know nobody knows the answer, I'm just thinking out loud!

Take care of yourself x

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Original poster

Jessthemess81 · 11/12/2021 00:44

@SequinsandStiIettos

I don't know babe and I hope fervently that you get the best treatment soon and all goes well. I did want to thank you though - I have irregular bleeding atm and am 4 months late for my smear. You have reminded me of its importance and I will stop procrastinating and sort it Monday. Thinking of you now - let us know how it goes XXX

Thank you for your kindness, and YES please do go for your smear! I hope your results are ok and that the irregular bleeding is nothing to worry about xx

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Original poster

Jessthemess81 · 11/12/2021 00:49

@Largethighsbadeyes

When you say your GP suggested it was very likely what did they actually say?

I only ask as I've had tests for stuff before and was convinced it was cancer. Then the tests came back and they referred my somewhere else and I convinced myself it was cancer because of what the doctor DIDNT say, if that makes sense.

Regardless OP I'm sending you a really big hug waiting for appointments/results is the worst part. Once you know what you are dealing with it will help.

I have everything crossed for you

My GP could give Simon Cowell a run for his money. She says it as she sees it and there is no filter and no reassurance. Whilst I appreciate things not being sugar coated, I'm not sure her response was professional given I've not yet had a biopsy. But I guess she knows her stuff, so I've no reason to doubt her.

I asked her if the mass on my cervix could be cancer, and she said "it's highly likely given my symptoms"

I'm so glad your results turned out for the better.

Thank you for your support xx

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Original poster

Jessthemess81 · 11/12/2021 00:51

@Silkieschickens

I am so sorry Jess. I am in similar boat, large mass found on breast and in skin and a second mass found on adrenals, 2 kids who need me.

There is a cancer support thread on general health board which we can keep you company on. I hope you dont have cancer but if you do you can access treatment quickly. I now have breast cancer confirmed, stage 3 or stage 4 if in adrenals. I am in my 40s.

It is advised to tell children, if you think can keep it secret until treatment plan, that is a reasonable time to say.

I'm so sorry to hear this! It's hard enough as it is without thinking of the impact on your children. Im sure you are in the best hands and wishing you lots of luck ❤ thank you for pointing me to the thread x

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Original poster

Jessthemess81 · 11/12/2021 00:52

@AliveAndSleeping

Op I'm so sorry you have to deal with this. I don't have anything useful bto add but didn't want to read and run. It looks like it was caught fairly early and that makes a big difference as far as I know.

Thank you x

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Original poster

Jessthemess81 · 11/12/2021 00:53

@HunterGatherer

It's easy for me to say I guess, but try not catastrophise things. You are looking at the worst case scenario and it may be nowhere near as bad as you are imagining. Do you have a partner and people around you who you can turn to for RL support?

Thank you. Yes, I have a great support network but I've only told my nearest as I'd rather know for sure and what I'm dealing with before I tell others x

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Original poster

Jessthemess81 · 11/12/2021 00:55

@ArblemarchTFruitbat

Like Carole I have no experience of cervical cancer but can report a very positive experience of hysterectomy and removal of cervix for other reasons. I was back at work less than 2 months after the operation and, 5 years down the line, I consider it one of the best things I ever did.

I'm so glad to hear that you are ok and that you are doing great after the operation. I'm totally happy to have a hysterectomy if needs be. I've had enough of the constant pain!

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Houseofvelour · 11/12/2021 00:56

I don't have any advice but wanted to give you a handhold xx

Original poster

Jessthemess81 · 11/12/2021 00:57

@Silkieschickens

My gp told me there was only the slimest of chances it would not be cancer.

I really feel for you. Horrible isn't it. Sending you best wishes x

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Original poster

Jessthemess81 · 11/12/2021 00:59

@Chesneyhawkes1

So sorry to hear your news.

I was diagnosed with cervical cancer in March last year at 41.

I had chemo and radiotherapy for 5 weeks. Also brachytherapy for 3 days.

I've since had two clear MRI scans. So as hard as it is, try not to worry until you know what you are dealing with.

Also if it is cancer - there's many things they can do to treat it.

So good to hear positive outcomes and I'm so glad you are doing well now. Do you mind me asking.. was your previous smear test normal? And what were your symptoms? Xx

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LeaveHomeNow · 11/12/2021 01:02

I was referred for biopsy and colonoscopy following a mass been seen in an ultrasound. Appreciate every case is different but turned out to be.....nothing. it was so weird and I made them show me the scan as they were doing it but there was nothing there. Fingers crossed for the same!

Chesneyhawkes1 · 11/12/2021 01:02

@Jessthemess81 I'm embarrassed to say I had not been for one for many years.

I only went as a friend had been diagnosed with it and had a hysterectomy. She bugged me to go, so thank god I did.

The only symptom I had was bleeding sometimes after sex. But I put that down to my copper coil.

Mine had spread down slightly so a hysterectomy wouldn't have got it all, so I had the other treatment instead.