CervCa: Preparing for Radiation/Chemo

Hey there everyone,
My story starts with me having alot of pain 3 yrs ago. I let it continue and eventually my body became immune to the pain. One day, heavy bleeding started with my cycles and then during and after intercourse. I still didn't go to the Dr. Not sure why, maybe fear. Finally, one day in June of 2009, I was in horrible pain and went to the Dr after work. He couldn't explain what was going on, so he sent me to another Dr who looked at me for a brief second then said, "You need a hysterectomy because your uterus has prolapsed". I looked at him in shock! What do you mean? So, of course, I seeked a second opinion. This Dr did a full exam, took his time and advised me that my cervix did not
"look right" and he was concerned. He put me on antibiotics for a week to see if that would clear it up. Went back a week later on 08/0509 and my cervix was unchanged. So, a hysterectomy was scheduled for 08/25/09.

During the office visits to diff dr's, none of them performed a biopsy on my cervix. I suppose I should have requested one, hindsight huh? On to the day of surgery. Surgery went well. Then on my third day in the hospital the dr came in and told me and my husband that cervical cancer was found. I really don't know how I felt at that moment. I remember saying out loud that "I have babies that need me". I cried for a few minutes. My husband held me and said "It's going to be ok". It may seem strange to say, but I truly felt that everything was going to be ok. He advised us that he believed he removed the entire tumor and needed a CT to see if it spread. That following Friday, I had my CT and the results showed that it did not spread to any other organs, but two lymp nodes in my pelvic were swollen to 12mm. Which they said is a concern. I saw an Oncologist who suggested that radiation/chemo would probably be the best avenue for me. Now, I am awaiting my appts next week with the radiology dept to see what is my next step to take.

I am having some apprehensions about starting radiation/chemo soon. I would appreciate any and all suggestions on getting thru this time as comfortably as possible. I'm not sure what to look forward to, what I need to do to make it smoother-for myself and my family.

To anyone that reads my story, please don't live in the "what-if's". I am not! I know that if I would have been going to the dr for my annual exams it may have been caught before cancer. Please live in the act of being Thankful and Grateful! I am so Thankful that it was caught when it was, that hysterectomy saved my life. I am so Thankful that it did not spread to other organs. I am Grateful to God that He has given me another look on life! I am Grateful that He has blessed me with such a wonderful,blessed husband and beautiful, loving children! I am Thankful and Grateful for the HS site. Please go and have your yearly exams and any all paps!

You all have been a wonderful addition to my support group and appreciate all of your suggestions,comments and well wishes! Please take care of yourselves and stay positive!