Cervical Cancer Scare

punkypolly

Hi, any doctors out there?
I was wondering what happens next when cancerous cells are found in the cervix? Is it a death sentence or can they be removed? and if so, how are they removed?
Thanks

tbh

Hey punky - unfortunately we don't allow medical advice to be sought or given on the forum. I understand why you'd ask, but there are just too many variables to allow someone to do an online diagnosis.

I'll leave this thread open in case any other posters want to post their personal experiences only.

Wishing you the very best of luck - let us know how you get on.

punkypolly

Hi, ok, thanks, i understand. anyone out there with personal experience that they're willing to share that would be great.
Thanks again

star-pants

Can you explain what tests you've had done / the results?
I assume you've had a colposcopy and biopsy?
(just it will help people to know what stage in the process you are at to give their experience)

punkypolly

Hi star-pants. yeah, had both those and the tests came back with cancerous cells. just want to know what happens next. sorry, what has happened to other people, ie their experiences. the doctor rang and told me about the cells and said he'd call back for another appointment but hasnt yet, and that was last week so now im worried, obviously!!

star-pants

If you're worried don't be afraid to ring up and ask them to explain what the next step is.
They should have given you some form of leaflet or at least explained what procedures *might* happen.

Whilst I'm not one to 'search the internet' (and you shouldn't) because it can cause far more worry than it's worth, there is a good page here http://www.cancer.org/cancer/cervicalcancer/detailedguide/cervical-cancer-diagnosis
on the different procedures, like the colposcopy and what procedures *might* be done depending on diagnosis.

esharknz

Sorry, no personal experience myself, but I wish you all the best with this xxxx

punkypolly

hey starpants. thanks for that. i looked up the page and its really informing. I think i will ring the doctor on tuesday (effing bank holidays!) and see what happens next etc. and thank you private writer, i appreciate your story and i hope everything has worked out well for you (x)
its ****ty because im only 30 and have 2 kids. dont want to leave them but also dont want to have to deal with this. want to block it out, so im fighting with myself. and taking it out on everyone. i know its not fair.

Condo131

Hi punkypolly,

The Irish Cancer Society has information on Cervical Cancer here. You can also call their Freefone helpline 1800-200-700 and speak in confidence to a Cancer nurse. Give them a call. They can be very helpful and reassuring. They can also put you in contact with trained mentors who have had treatment for Cervical Cancer and can talk to you in confidence about their experiences.

Cancer doesn't have to be a death sentence - it is VITAL to catch it in time! I know several Cervical Cancer survivors who are doing pretty damn well and leading normal lives. You are not alone in this!

punkypolly wrote: »

its ****ty because im only 30 and have 2 kids. dont want to leave them but also dont want to have to deal with this. want to block it out, so im fighting with myself. and taking it out on everyone. i know its not fair.

What you're feeling is 'normal' for anyone who has been newly diagnosed with Cancer. I'm guessing that you're also having sleep issues and hardly go 15 minutes of the day without brooding on it. This is all 'normal'. As I suggested, give the freefone a buzz. Unfortunately they aren't operating over the weekend, inc bank holiday monday.

Best of luck!

(from a Prostate Cancer survivor)

DrivingMad

Hi Punkypolly,
I had something very similar when I was 21years old, (am 45 now!)
Found to have pre-cancerous cells of the cervix, after an abnormal smear test (or three) and then had the colposcopy.

Like you I was so worried not really knowing what to expect etc, no such thing as the internet back then either!!

I was called for an appt at hosp where they treated the pre cancerous cells with a lazer. I was knocked out but had the option to be awake too.
I have had no problems since tg.

Each case is different, and I dont know how similar our cases would be, but, I know that things have improved immensly since then, so I would try not to worry too much, but, I know that this is easier said than done.

Best of luck with it all.

punkypolly

hi all, thanks for your posts. Doctor will be called today. and appointment made. i'll let ye know how things go.
Thanks again
PP

punkypolly

Have an appointment now, for NEXT month! why do we have to wait so long to find out more information?? its a shocker. hopefully they'll sort me out with a procedure to get rid of this. fingers crossed :-)

lolli

I hope everything is going ok for you. I have had a couple of abnormal smear tests im due another test this month.

jonnyrudyard

star-pants wrote: »

If you're worried don't be afraid to ring up and ask them to explain what the next step is.
They should have given you some form of leaflet or at least explained what procedures *might* happen.

Whilst I'm not one to 'search the internet' (and you shouldn't) because it can cause far more worry than it's worth, there is a good page here http://www.cancer.org/cancer/cervicalcancer/detailedguide/cervical-cancer-diagnosis
on the different procedures, like the colposcopy and what procedures *might* be done depending on diagnosis.

No offense but I quite disagree with "you sholdn't search the internet." Knowledge is power and the more one knows and learns about their condition, IMO the better they can deal with it and have a better rapport with their doctors. I just suggest sticking to known, reputable sites like NCI, ACS, etc and beware the fly-by-night "alternative cure" quackers. I would also suggest getting at least one other doctor's opinion.

star-pants

jonnyrudyard wrote: »

No offense but I quite disagree with "you sholdn't search the internet." Knowledge is power and the more one knows and learns about their condition, IMO the better they can deal with it and have a better rapport with their doctors. I just suggest sticking to known, reputable sites like NCI, ACS, etc and beware the fly-by-night "alternative cure" quackers. I would also suggest getting at least one other doctor's opinion.

My advice of not searching the internet was when the OP didn't have full information/hadn't spoken to the doctor, and without at least a decent base to go on, you could be looking at anything and everything and could just add to the worry when you're already stressed.

If you have a definitive diagnosis you can look up that specific one / seek another opinion if you wish. There are a lot of sites out there and a lot of things people can come across that don't contain correct information. As you mentioned reputable sites are best.

jonnyrudyard

Got it, thanks for clarification.

And again I would strongly suggest always ALWAYS getting a second opinion, at least.

Drama Girl

I cant sleep and cant think of anything but the results of my test!!!! Dont get me wrong I am propud to be Irish but sometimes it Can piss ya off!!!!

No excuses I have not had a smear in 8 years since my little girl was born Just always had a stupid excuse not to get around to it....Kids....work full time....I am fine...Im only 35.....IT CANT HAPPEN TO ME!!!!!

I went two years ago to have the coyle put in and the Doctor informed me my cervic was swallown and red gave me some pills and told me to come back in two weeks....but did i ??? ....NO Jade died and i said to myself seriously i have to get a smear done I mean its even free in Ireland I applied got my date but did I go????? NO!!!!!

Now i was looking at Eastenders of all things and Tanya got the "Bad news" and she mentioned bleeding after sex well ladies we talking Alarm bells.... Booked myself in to my GP and the nurse said....I cant say its all ok there is something SINISTER. I have to wait three weeks for the results and am in a state!!!!!!! On top of all that I am a Drama queen so I have myself dead and burried one second and fighting the big fight with rocky music in my head the next!!!!!

I have two lovely kids and a great partner I had an STD check a year agao (long story) that came up clean!

Need someon to tell me its ok to be scared to be worried about the worst but that it probably will be fine.
The issue is I have not told anyone. It takes 3 weeks for the results to come back I asked the nurse if she could hurry it up (No) I asked her if she thinks its sinister why cant she do the next test rather then waiting for her to hear the results (No) I was under the impression that all time counted so why the F are they waiting around? Maybe i ambeen to FREAKED i hope so!!!! Any advice would be great!!!!


xxx Drama Queen

tbh

I wish I could give you solid advice, but I will be thinking of you and hoping things turn out ok.

Condo131

Hi Drama Girl,

Read my earlier post - it could have been written for you too!

Give the Irish Cancer Society Helpline a call on FREEFONE 1800 200 700. That number puts you straight through to a nurse to whom you can speak in confidence. (the lines are only open until 5 pm today) (Mon-Thurs, 9am-7pm and Friday, 9am-5pm)

Yes it is OK to worry. It's 'normal'. "What if.....?" is a terrible burden to carry.

You are now "in the system"....follow it through and let the medical people sort it out. None of us here can tell you what the outcome is going to be, but, besides what you fear, your "problem" could be any one of a number of other conditions. Only the Medics can tell you whats what.

Call 1800 200 700. I think it will help!

Best of luck!

Drama Girl

Condo131 wrote: »

Hi Drama Girl,

Read my earlier post - it could have been written for you too!

Give the Irish Cancer Society Helpline a call on FREEFONE 1800 200 700. That number puts you straight through to a nurse to whom you can speak in confidence. (the lines are only open until 5 pm today) (Mon-Thurs, 9am-7pm and Friday, 9am-5pm)

Yes it is OK to worry. It's 'normal'. "What if.....?" is a terrible burden to carry.

You are now "in the system"....follow it through and let the medical people sort it out. None of us here can tell you what the outcome is going to be, but, besides what you fear, your "problem" could be any one of a number of other conditions. Only the Medics can tell you whats what.

Call 1800 200 700. I think it will help!

Best of luck!

Thanks so much!!!
I can't read your post can you copy and paste it in for me would love to hear your story