scared of recurring cervical cancer

:confuse:
Hi everyone
I'm new to this site, what a great place this is. I'm a 33 year women and am hoping someone is able to help me. In February 2003 I was diagnosed with early invasive cervical cancer and, to cut a long story short, was treated conservatively with 2 LLETZ (LEEP) procedures. All paps have come back negative since then but I am worried about recurrence. I was also diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis Christmas time of last year and am on a drug called Betaferon which is an immunosuppresant drug. My concern is if my immune system is being suppressed somewhat are the chances of reoccurance greater?? My gynocologist is going to test hpv type next April (he said he identified what looked like hpv during the last colposcopy.......I am now on 6 monthly checks for the ca.) and I am also wondering that if it is still there and discovered that the hpv type is one of those which leads to cervical cancer (which is a bit late now isn't it) would he suggest a hysterectomy?? Would the chance of recurrance be higher because of a high risk hpv type?? Sorry for all the questions, just feeling a bit confused. Appreciate any responses
Cazzymac

Welcome to this site! It was a godsend for me when I was diagnosed almost three years ago! I've resumed my very active life again and mostly lurk, although every now and then I "pop" up!

I can't answer most of your questions, but I can tell you that I was told with an early stage cervical cancer, the current stats are over 90% cure (haven't checked lately to see if it's changed). I can't really add anything re: HPV. I just try to eat healthy, exercise, and be positive!

I still get a little nervous when I go in for follow-up PAP and exam, and I'm going in this week!! It does lessen as time goes on somewhat...I'm not in panic mode (though, as Ellen says here, don't waste a good panic!).

I'm sure others will be along soon to add their comments.
Glad you found us!

Cazzy!

Incredible! I am also a 33 year old who was diagnosed with MS last winter (as was my sister). I'm taking Avonex. Hope you are feeling well-I'm happy to say that I am.

I had invasive cervical cancer which was treated in July 2002 by removing my entire cervix and sampling the lymph nodes as well.

I have gone every three months for checkups and so far everything is clear! I have also often wondered what my messed-up immune system means in all of this. But so far, so good (knock wood!).

Anyway, I don't know what to tell you except to make sure you get enough folate, and if you smoke-quit now. As for HPV-type, yes some are more likely to lead to cancer (HPV 16 and 18) than others. Talk to your doctor about treatment options until you arrive at one that you feel comfortable with.

Beth

Hi Gail and Beth
Thank you both for your replies. It was my gyno' suggesting at my last pap in October that he type the hpv next April and it got me wondering if he was thinking 'hysterectomy' because of a chance of recurrence. Guess I'll find out then hey!

Glad you are well and healthy Gail and living life to the max. I think you are right about the stats, they could even be higher than that. I wish you all the best and will never waste a good panic!

Wow Beth.....that's amazing. Both the same age, both dx with invasive cervical cancer, both dx with MS last year. I was actually dx on Christmas Day and spent the whole Christmas period in hospital which was such a bummer cuz I just love Christmas (and certainly wasn't impressed with what Santa brought me.....MS...oh thank you very much, that's just lovely!!). During the MRI they also picked up an '7cm ovarian mass' which I had to wait another 4 weeks to find out that, fortunately, it was a dermoid cyst (horrible ugly things with hair and sometimes teeth........I remember thinking that knowing my luck it'll need braces!!!)

I'm doing really well (and glad you are too) and certainly look after myself a lot better (well 100% better) than I used to and have learnt so much about myself and what I'm made of..... I'm really quite a tough cookie! I don't smoke but I used to. I gave up about a year before the cancer dx.
I do wonder sometimes if I should have had a hysterectomy, it's always there in the back of my mind that it'll come back and, as you would understand....ms wise, I need to make my life as stress free as possible. Hmmm, it's something I will have a hard, hard think about between now and April.

Thanks again for your kind messages and once again Beth....Wow!
Take gentle care
Cazzymac x

Well, I have ovarian and endometrial cancers, and not cervical, but I do have a very mild form of MS, something one doctor called benign MS (I wish there was such a thing as benign cancer!) I had my first exacerbation in 1990 and have had about five more, but have never lost any function. I have mostly sensory symptoms, like peripheral neuropathy...also a side effect for the chemo (taxol) I was taking for ovarian cancer.

The amazing thing is that I have not any any MS symptoms since my diagnosis in May except a little residual tingling in my left arm. I was sure the stress would really bring it on.

Wow, twofer. I never thought there'd be THREE of us here. I'm glad the stress hasn't caused a flare for you. I think I had one (without knowing what it was) after my surgery for cancer. I'm glad to hear that the MS really isn't a factor for you right now.

Cazzy-I just know you will have an extra joyful Christmas this year! I remember still being quite scared around that time but this year I am ready to CELEBRATE!!

Take care ladies

Beth

Hello Ladies

There is another lady here with MS as well but I can't remember where I saw her previous post.

I have what they call Relapsing Remitting and I guess for you to be on Avonex Beth that you have that type too. My symptoms are mainly sensory as well twoforone and are there on a daily basis however, my Christmas attack had me in a pretty bad way with spasticity in my legs (among other things). I have some residual damage from that in my right leg but nothing to complain about really!

Twoforone, maybe your immune system is so busy working on the cancer that it's forgotton somewhat about the MS...... being that it's our own immune system attacking us, what do you think??

Beth I will definately have a joyous Christmas this year. I have much to be thankful for and although I never wanted cervical cancer or ms, they both have changed my life for the better. I appreciate the things that truly matter (my kids, my DH, my pets, compassion, love, laughter, fun, healthy food, exercise) and have made some decisions about what I truly want to do in life (I thought I always wanted to buy my own house but sod that I wanna travel the world!!!) and feel so relieved and so much better for making them (the pressure to do what I thought was expected is gone).

Take care girls
Love
Cazzymac

I couldn't have said it better myself. Having this stuff hit me was just not on the menu. But now that it is, I appreciate EVERYTHING more, especially the little things. I love my husband more than ever, he is a rock to me and I'm so lucky to have him.

We are adopting a child, too, and I can't wait to be a Mommy! So this will be a great Christmas for us, too.




Beth

I'm also 33 and just recently diagnosed with cervical cancer a few days ago. I won't know anything more until monday when I meet with my oncologist. I'm in Stage 1B1 so I guess that is kind of a good thing. Can you explain your situation with your cancer maybe I could get a better idea of what I should be expecting.