Hi Chantelle, I was diagnosed with stage 3 cervical cancer at 36. I had a 3yr old and an 8 month old. At first I was told they would perform a hysterectomy but further scans showed it had got to my rectum area so I needed chemo/radiation and brachytherapy. I was ok with this and thought that the side effects couldn't possibly be worse than the cancer.... I finished treatment almost 2 years ago and I'm now 38. I always wanted 3 children but that isn't a possibility anymore. I have gone into premature menopause from the moment I started treatment. I was offered the chance to freeze eggs but I was never going to be able to carry them. My only option would be surrogacy. I discussed this with my partner and we decided that I didn't need the extra stress and we started with treatment. I do regret not saving some eggs, not for myself, but for the fact that I know some people who are having trouble to start a family and I could have helped... But in the end, I needed to do what was right for me at that time. The only side effects I now experience is those of menopause which is treated with HRT and because of my young age, my body still needs these hormones. Also, some very slight IBS symptoms which I just control through my diet. I still get tired, but I am also a mum of 2 young kids so that Is probably a big contributor. Vaginal atrophy was explained to me but I'm lucky that I haven't experienced any of that. I was given a 'cylinder ' to use which helps prevent it. I do however not feel as sensitive during intercourse but I am still able to be active. My hips do ache a bit in the cold and also when I've been in a seated position for too long, but staying active has helped. I feel that walking tends to ease the pain for me and the stronger my muscles in that area are, the less pain I have. Pilates has been a great help for me to strengthen the pelvic and buttocks muscle and I couldn't recommend it highly. Please bear in mind, it has been nearlY 2 years since I finished treatment and there were many times that these side effects were much worse. My bowels for example took almost a year to settled down and whenever I went out, I made sure I knew where the toilets were....especially if I had had a coffee. I did have osteoporosis and was on medication for 12 months to help my bones recover. As I never had had a bone scan before the cancer, there is no way of knowing if it was due to the treatment.....(I'm a chef and we are not known for having the most nutritious of diets...). I have been advised to have another scan in 12 months to see if they are still improving. Another factor I believe helped in my recovery was my naturopath who put me on some fantastic complimentary suplpliments. Good luck with your fight and I wish you a wonderful, happy future. You've got this!!! It's such a wirlwind time with so much to take in. I don't regret having all of the treatment I had, it's what has given me another chance at watching my kids grow up. I would suggest that you take the time to do some meditation as I found that helped me stay focused and not stress out about the 'C' word. ... View more