Gut instinct says it's cancer

[eleast]

Could I have some words of comfort please. I have a referral today with a gyno as my doctor wants to check for cervical cancer (then tells me not to lose sleep!) I'm terrified. I've convinced myself it's advanced cancer. Not helped by bleeding after sex last night. I've had a few episodes of spotting over the last 8 months as well as irregular periods lasting 10 days for the best part of a year. Also have frequent watery discharge and back pain.
I have an 18mo old and a 3 yo old and all I can think is how confused they will be when I'm gone and won't remember me. Plus I'm terrified of dying, like panic attack petrified.
My appt is 2pm but I was up half the night googling unable to think of anything else. I just want to run away from it all. All I keep picturing is being told it's cancer, I feel so sure of it

Well I just saw the gynaecologist and im so relieved. He didn't do a smear, did the exam and said straight away I have cervical erosion and cauterised it. He's referring me for a womb scan to check everything's ok in relation to the ten day period, but told me to stop thinking the c word and relax.

I actually wanted to jump up and down and scream with happiness. I feel like a weight has been lifted off me. DH isn't too pleased though just told him they said no sex for two weeks
Again thank you everyone for the comforting words this morning

Excellent news. What a relief for you

Wonderful news

Now listen to your Aunty Charlene and talk to the GP about some CBT for your anxiety to help you develop coping mechanisms.

Thanks Charlene! I've started seeing a counsellor about my anxiety and I did tell her how much i worry about health and dying and she said we will be tackling that. It would be nice to not constantly think I'm ill!

So glad you're tackling health anxiety - it's an absolute bugger!

Merry Christmas 🎄

Blackteadrinker

Unfortunately, the Ca125 blood test is not 'a massive indicator for cancer'. If it were, we could be screened for it. Firstly, as pp said, it's a test for ovarian, not cervical, cancer. It only works for some women. You can have a normal Ca125 test and still have cancer. It can be raised, in my case 5 times normal, and not have cancer. If you're one of the women who had a high level and did have cancer, it's useful during treatment to assess if chemo is working.

However, if you are having gastro-intestinal or ovarian issues, it's a good idea to ask for a test as a prompt to further investigation if it's significantly raised, but, as I said, it isn't anywhere near conclusive proof.