Cervical Cancer

[NorthernGodess]

Found out today that I’ve got the vile disease 😥
They think it’s in the very early stages (1A1). I have to wait now to see what happens from here as my case has now been referred to the cancer people (can’t remember who as it all was one big blur after the C word) and they will decide what happens next. The lady in Calposcopy who gave me the results said that they will either send me back for another LLETZ treatment or offer me a hysterectomy. I will probably have an MRI too to check the cancer hasn’t spread from my cervix.

Has anyone gone through the same. I feel an emotional mess right now 😔

I'm so sorry to read this. I haven't been through this directly but my sister had cervical cancer so understand some of what you're going through and didn't want you left unanswered.

What's in your favour right now is that you've found out at the earlier stages. Everything we read when my sister was diagnosed was very positive about just how much they can help stage 1 cancer with effective treatment.

If possible take someone a bit cool headed into your next appointment, someone who can listen with a calm ear to ask questions and remember what's been discussed and really importantly be there for you.

A really good website to visit is Jo's Trust

There's all sorts of resources there, including support and forums for people to support one another specifically around cervical cancer and what's next.

Sadly we lost my sister to cervical cancer, but her diagnosis was poor right from the start with a stage 4 diagnosis.

I truly wish you all the best with your treatment

Thank you @LittleLegsKeepGoing and I’m sorry to hear about your sister 💐

Oh gosh I am so sorry to hear this. Sending you a big cuddle! How old are you ?

Thank you. I’m 46

I had the early stages 20 years ago. I was only aged 21 at the time. It was treated surgically and nipped in the bud. No issues since.

@Blamunge how did they treat it?

Oh no
I'm so sorry
I think you posted on another thread that you'd had 3 smears with hpv but no abnormal cells? If so then that's my current situation and I go for the colposcopy in may
How on Earth have the smears not picked this up?
It's worrying as my nurse said people are telling her they are getting letters saying to leave it another year so it'd be 4 hpv results before investigation

No it’s the other way round. I’ve had abnormal cells but no HPV. Under the new system my sample would have been binned and not tested for cancer. Treatment was surgical, they cut off a chunk of my cervix.

I've had exactly this diagnosis OP 💐 I know it is a dreadful shock and can be a blur in those early stages.

I was 31 at the time of my diagnosis and hadn't had children.

Mine was also caught at stage 1a1 so the first question I was asked was about family plans. When they heard I was yet to have children they said that due to it being caught so early they could give me an operation to remove part of my cervix without also having to have a full hysterectomy - or any other treatment such as chemo/radio.

I had to have an MRI to confirm the stage 1a1 diagnosis. The most difficult part was waiting for those results, which thankfully came back clear.

I went on to have two children and had a cervical stitch put in during pregnancy.

They did tell me that had my family been complete they would have recommended a hysterectomy.

The follow up care at the hospital is really thorough and I can't fault the care I've had, and continue to have.

I think (certainly in my position) you hear the C word and you are obviously worried. However at stage 1a1 the cancer really is microscopic and the chances of it being wholly dealt with in a minimally invasive way are really high.

Wishing you all the best OP.

I'm so sorry. I was diagnosed in April 2020.

I was a little bit further along than you, so a hysterectomy wouldn't have sorted it.

I had chemotherapy, radiotherapy and brachytherapy.

I got told I was no evidence of disease found in the September.

It's a very treatable cancer as far as I am
aware. And also very slow growing.

My friend who was diagnosed around a year before me had a hysterectomy and she is also fine now.

I forgot add I was 41 at the time and my treatment did put me straight into menopause.

I’m sorry for you, I received the same diagnosis 17 and a bit years ago and it is such a scary thing to hear.

IIRC I was 1b or something and treatment was a radical hysterectomy. I’ve been clear since. Have suffered prolapse issues but no return of the cancer. I kept my ovaries so didn’t go into menopause and only recently started HRT. I was 31 at diagnosis following a routine smear, I’m 49 this year.

Awww I wish you xxx going through the same in my house at the moment just shocking news, a very emotional time with numerous melt downs. Just remember to stay positive and if you are in the Uk just think how lucky we are to have the nhs they will be swift with an action plan. I keep thinking of countries with no free medical how bloody terrifying it must be for them. Every emotion will go through your head join all forums on the web and ask as many questions as you can. And if you need a melt down have one as and when required. I am a praying person and my faith has never been as strong 💪 . I will have you in my prayers today. Keep strong xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Thank you for all the lovely comments and it’s amazing to hear so many success stories 😊

@mrsharrisgoestoparis im so sorry to hear this. My thoughts are with you too xxxx

@qqq82 no I’ve not posted or commented before. I also had 3 positive HPV tests with 2 being no change to cells, however my third smear in February showed abnormalities which lead to a calposcopy and biopsy. I can’t believe in just 12 months I’ve gone from normal cells to cancer. Unless it got missed in my 2nd HPV smear, as it’s supposed to be a slow growing disease in the cervix. I really hope everything is ok for you when you have your calposcopy.

I am in exactly the same position as you @NorthernGodess. They think it's 1a1 and I am getting an MRI next week. How are you now? I hope you are well.

Hi all,
I had a abnormal cells smear and HPv detected about 4 years ago. Was referred to colposcopy and had a procedure done to remove the cells. I then underwent checks every 6 months until they were satisfied and put back into the every 3 year "pool".
I have just done my next smear and HPV has come back as high risk. I'm not terrified. Does this mean I have cancerous cells? I've frantically called colposcopy today to get an urgent appointment, I just assumed after catching it and removing the cells, it wouldn't be a reoccurring thing? I feel so stupid and devasted and scared 😒 xxx

@Floralsandsmiles the letter will tell you if they found abnormal cells
Does it not just say you still have the hpv but no abnormal cells found ?

Hi @solice84 , because this one was a private scan, it just says that HPV high risk positive. It doesn't say about cells, but because of the previous issue, I'm hoping that they will see me quick. I've been waiting for a routine check due to spotting with colposcopy, and have been waiting 10 weeks so far, so I'm hoping they will see now this is urgent due to previous issues and the procedure. Which wasn't so long ago either. 😒 xxx

@Floralsandsmiles I don't know much about private smears but surely they check the cells as well . You already know you have high risk hpv because you've already had cells removed because of it. The high risk part is just the type of hpv it is .

I don't think they do as its not mentioned, so will be pushing for colposcopy anyways as I've been spotting 4-6 days before my period this year, which isn't normal for me. The GP said that could indicate a problem with this too xx

Late reply here but I hope all is going well for you! I was 1A1, 2 LLETZ since the margins were not clear on the first one. Tumour size 6cm. I am have just passed the 2 year mark since my last lletz op. Now on 6 monthly smears, potentially moving to 6 months, but I rather keep the 6m. Any questions let me know :)

Hi @bulletproofcoffee

i got the all clear last month following 2 LLETZ procedures. Im so fortunate that I didn’t need a hysterectomy and they caught it so early.

Next check in December then 6 monthly after that. Pleased all ok with you too.