cervical cancer...........

Hello i am branny,

on monday of last week i was diagnosed with cervical cancer. My history is that i have had severely heavy periods, lots of pain, endometriosis, and 5 D&C's. I have had 2 C-sections as well. (the last thing u wanna hear when they go in to deliver your son is "what a .......mess") I have had funny pap smear tests since i started at age 12. nothing has worked. I even went through the hormone treatment LUPRON and that did nothign. I have had 2 laser surgery's and now i am being told that i have cervical cancer. what do you do in that situation? I am very upset and confused. I dont have a date for my full hystorestomy yet but will let you all know when i do. Here in Ireland they have waiting lists for everything and i am on the critical list which means that i will get a letter for a date to come in and i have to be there.

any help and support you can give would appreciated.
thank you
Branny

Hi Branny Welcome to Hyster Sisters. I'm so happy you've found us.

I'm so sorry you've been having such a hard time of it. I can just imagine how you felt when they announced "what a .......mess" during your C-Section - you usually expect the standard: Congratulations it's boy (girl).

I can't help where the cervical cancer is concerned. I'm sure someone will come along soon with answers to your questions. Until then, you can check in the Cancer Concerns message board where you'll find warm, compassionate ladies with experience in this area. You might also want to look into the Hysterectomy Options and Alternatives message board where you'll find discussions on less dramatic alternatives.

Wishing you the best of luck in your quest for answers. The road to an hysterectomy can be long and bumpy. We'll be right there with you, every step of the way.

Hello Branny,

I'm name is Tonilee I'm 25yrs old and about Amonth ago I was told that I had the first stage of Cervical cancer so the DR. told me my choices I had Then when he did a Bio. on my Uterus it showed it was starting to spread up into it. So my DR. told me that the best thing to do for is to head and it A Total Vaginal Hysterectomy which means they took out my uterus and cervix and I kept my ovariers. So don't stress to much cause it depends on how bad your cancer is but if they thought it was to bad they would already have you in for they surgery. When I had my surgery July 25th, 2001 I had the spinial down with this it was easier but some people get knocked out for this surgery but if you need someone to talk to my e-mail address is tonileemitchell@yahoo.com and I will try to help you as much as I can so drop me aline okay. This place is a good support group everybody helps you as much as the can.

Alots of Hugs,
Tonilee

Hi Branny!! I was diagnosed with cervical cancer also, and I too had a tvh and kept my ovaries. I was so very scared and confused. There were so many emotions going through me at once that I thought I would scream!
After my pap that came back far from normal, the doctor did a biopsy and there were a couple of spots on my cervix. I skipped the cone biopsy that a lot of women have, and had the tvh soon afterwards. Luckily I didn't need any treatments after surgery.
I do want you give you an invitation to come over to the Cancer Concerns Forum. We will help you with any questions that you might have, and help to ease your fears. We really do understand how emotional Cancer can be and it does help to speak to someone who has gone through it. Take care!!

Hello Branny and a big . Cancer can sure be scary but when caught early is so treatable. I would like to second Cyd's invitation to CANCER CONCERNS all the ladies there have had some kind of experience with cancer and really do understand all the extra worries and concerns that are associated with that.

Wishing you lots and lots of luck with the hysterectomy . Please dont forget we are all here for you. x x x x

Branny I am so sorry for your troubles. I didn't have cancer but a lot of sisters here did, and you have found the right place for help and advice! Keep posting, any question you have we will help you with, and check out the chat room and pull down menus.

We're here for you!

I had cervical cancer too. I had a cone in May that found it and was told that "they thought" they got in all during the cone biopsy. That was not a good enough answer for me, so I insisted on TVH. My pathology report after hyst showed that "they" did not get it all. There was more. Thank GOD that it is all gone now. I am 4 weeks post. I, too, ahve had years of problems with this. I am so relieved to have this out of my body! Good luck,
Becky

Hi Branny, I'd also like to welcome you to HysterSisters. It's a great place to be and can really help you keep your sanity during this trying time.

I also had cervical cancer. My story is a little different, in that I just didn't bother to go for my yearly exams for around 10 yrs; no valid excuses, I wasn't having any troubles and, like most, I really hate those exams. Can't help but feel embarrassed...really silly now that I think about it.

Anyway, I decided I knew it was for my own good to have my check-up, so I scheduled a routine appt this past Dec. My GYN called me and said that PAP was abnormal and scheduled me for a colposcopy in Jan. Results from that showed severe dysplasia, so I was scheduled for a cone bx 2 wks later. Then the awful news....cancer was found in the cervix. Really throws you for a loop!

Next, I was sent to an ONC GYN, who told me my options were to have a radical hyster OR to have chemo/radiation treatments. This Dr. told me the choice was mine, as outcomes were about the same for either. I chose the surgery...I just wanted it out of me! Had to wait until March for the hyster; they removed the uterus, ovaries, cervix and lymph nodes in the surrounding areas. My surgery lasted just under 5 hours.

I'm thankful and happy to say that path reports indicate that all of the cancer was removed. Now, I just have to have frequent vault (PAP) smears..every 2 mos for 2 times, then every 3 mos for a certain period of time, all the way up to 5 yrs. If all stays clear, then I will just have the yearly exams.

Best wishes and {{hugs}}. I know it's frightening, but try to stay positive and be thankful that your diagnosis was made early.