Recovering from treatment

[#1]

I am recovering from surgery, radiotherapy and chemo for agressive form of cancer of the cervix and dealing with the side effects, emotional as well as physical. Is there anyone else out there going through the same? I know when I was newly diagnosed about 12 months ago I came to this site for information. It would have been great to have someone to talk to about what I had ahead of me so if there is anyone who I can help out with any questions please post. Or anyone recovering I would love to have a chat.

[mikey]

Welcome to the forums butterfly Thank you for making the first post and I'm glad to hear you're recovering well. Hopefully now that you've started the discussion some more people will be encouraged to pop their heads up and ask questions.

[#3]

Hi and thanks Mikey, I know there are a lot of women out there like me & there aren't  many australian on line forums like this one so hopefully others will join in!! these are my first ever posts like this on the internet I have seen some others mostly american that I havent really felt comfortable with probably because theyre around the other side of the world and it is nice to know you are connecting with people a little closer to home.

[Christine]

Hi There, this is the first time ive seen this forum. If you read my profile you will have the details of my problem. I would love to hear from you if you can offer any advice to me. Also congratualtions, its fantastic to hear your on the road to recovery its very encouraging.  

[#5]

Hi Christine, Im sorry to hear the news about your mum. I had a quick look at your profile and it looks like your mum is scheduled for surgery this week. Im not a doctor but I can give you some info about my situation that may help. The tumor I had was grade 3 which is aggressive, stage 1b1 it was nearly 4 cm, was growing through lymph channels but my lymphnodes were negative.  With surgery and treatments I am doing well and plan on celebrating my 5 year mark, in about 4 years time. I had radical hysterectomy with removal of lymphnodes, I think it was about 3 or 4 days after surgery when the pathology results came back. The recovery from the surgery was hard but trouble free, I was home about a week later. My chemo and radio started 6 weeks after the surgery. I remember when I was diagnosed I just could not believe it was happening so I understand that its a shock for you and your family. Just try to support your mum as best you can, she will be well taken care of. The waiting game is hard but just try not to think the worst the chances are high that they have caught it early and that she will be fine. What state is your mum in? I go through the RNS in sydney all of the doctors and nurses that I have come accross have been wonderful. Please feel free to send me a private message if I can help in any way and keep us updated. All the best,

[Elizabeth]

Hi there, This is my first time on this forum and the first time I have tried to speak with others about Cervical Cancer. I am 36 years old and was diagnosed with Cervical Cancer last December. I had survery just before Christmas and my oncologist passed away two days after my surgery. I had a radical hysterectomy and lymph nodes were removed. The pathology came back negative for the spread of cancer in my lymph nodes. But, it was not suggested that I have any further treatment (ie radiotherapy or chemo). I now have another oncologist who I think is okay, but I'm a bit confused and stressed why it wasn't suggested to have further treatment. Best wishes,

[#7]

Hi Elizabeth, Sorry to hear your story but glad to see you on here. It sounds like there was a good chance that they could cure you with surgery only which is great. What hospital do you go through? Looking forward to chatting soon. All the best

[bev]

Hello, I had uterine cancer with similar treatment to uou, modified radical hysterectomy and removal of lymph nodes. Also, had 28 days of pelvic radiation. I now have 4 tattoos!!!! I have been trying lately to find someone who has had the same treatment as me, just to see how it has affected them as well as any side effects. Would be good to share this with you if you want.    

[#9]

Hi Bev, Sorry for taking so long to reply to your post. Glad to hear you are recovering well from your treatments. I had similar treatments to you by the sounds of it. Radical hysterectomy + Pelvic node removal + Chemo + radiation + brachytherapy. I am recovering pretty well however I do have some side effects to my bowel from the radiation which is probably going to have to be sorted out soon. I have check ups every 3 months which is always a bit stressful, my next one is in 3 weeks. Hope to chat again soon. Butterfly

[bev]

Hello Butterfly, Thank you, it is nice to know that you are not alone. I also had trouble with my bowel. I had a colonscopy and gastroscopy last December and have been told every 12 months from then I will have a colonscopy and every 2nd year also a gastroscopy. My dad and grandfather both had bowel cancer, so I was really scared when I was going to have the colonscopy. They did remove 5 polyps, thank goodness they weren't cancerous. I saw my specialist on Monday, he is very pleased as he said that my cancer was very big and that I am recovering well. I only had 28 pelvic radiation treatments. Yes, I see my gyno oncologist every 6 months and the same for the oncologist on the off 6 months. I see my oncologist in August then the gyno in November. I haven't asked them yet, I know we don't get the all clear until 5 years have passed, but do we continue seeing the specialists every 3 months till then? Do you have to use a vaginal dilator? If so, how do you like using it? Great to have a response to my messages. Chat soon, thanks again, Bev