approaching 1 year survival of cervical cancer

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  • Friedaf
    Friedaf Member Posts: 6
    beckyracn said:

    It's good to hear that
    It's good to hear that you've tolerated your radiation treatments so well Friedaf and they will soon be over...your an enigma.
    I had two days without nausea, vomiting, and my bowels worked as if normal...YEAH!!!!!!!!! What more could one ask for!

    Eating the right stuff
    OK......so I have a question for anyone of you ladies. Are any of you juicing, eating organic, no sugar and all that stuff? I find it super hard to cut out sugar, coffee and all the good stuff in life and I just wanted to know if any of you feel the same or have any suggestions to help me with it.

    I'm glad you weren't sick for the last two days Becky. Lets hope it stays that way for you!!
  • kty
    kty Member Posts: 7
    Friedaf said:

    Eating the right stuff
    OK......so I have a question for anyone of you ladies. Are any of you juicing, eating organic, no sugar and all that stuff? I find it super hard to cut out sugar, coffee and all the good stuff in life and I just wanted to know if any of you feel the same or have any suggestions to help me with it.

    I'm glad you weren't sick for the last two days Becky. Lets hope it stays that way for you!!

    food stuff
    Friedaf,

    So glad you are about to finish your treatments! If you have been able to eat anything at all while undergoing your treatments is really lucky in my view. The entire time I was undergoing treatment and for about 2 weeks after I was still nauseas and vomitting on a very regular basis. Food was not much of my daily routine for over 2 months. So, when I could eat I was told to eat what I could but to stay away from meat and introduce that very slowly in my diet and to stay fairly bland. Eggs for protein and anything mild. It took me weeks to gain any strength and stamina back. Now that I have been finished with treatments since September I started eating whatever tasted good in October It took time for my taste buds to get back to normal. I have not given up the things I love. Chocolate, etc. I don't do anything to excess but continue to enjoy the things that make me happy. I am not the best person to give diet advice because I don't like fruits and veggies. They are a much smaller part of my diet than is really recommended by anyone. I try to get proper physical excercise on a 5 day a week basis. I want to be healthy and keep the cancer at bay but I want to enjoy my life as well. Once again thanks to all of you for being on this site. It means so much to communicate with folks going through the same experiences. Happy week to everyone! Enjoy your families!
  • beckyracn
    beckyracn Member Posts: 322
    kty said:

    food stuff
    Friedaf,

    So glad you are about to finish your treatments! If you have been able to eat anything at all while undergoing your treatments is really lucky in my view. The entire time I was undergoing treatment and for about 2 weeks after I was still nauseas and vomitting on a very regular basis. Food was not much of my daily routine for over 2 months. So, when I could eat I was told to eat what I could but to stay away from meat and introduce that very slowly in my diet and to stay fairly bland. Eggs for protein and anything mild. It took me weeks to gain any strength and stamina back. Now that I have been finished with treatments since September I started eating whatever tasted good in October It took time for my taste buds to get back to normal. I have not given up the things I love. Chocolate, etc. I don't do anything to excess but continue to enjoy the things that make me happy. I am not the best person to give diet advice because I don't like fruits and veggies. They are a much smaller part of my diet than is really recommended by anyone. I try to get proper physical excercise on a 5 day a week basis. I want to be healthy and keep the cancer at bay but I want to enjoy my life as well. Once again thanks to all of you for being on this site. It means so much to communicate with folks going through the same experiences. Happy week to everyone! Enjoy your families!

    I do eat a lot of organic,
    I do eat a lot of organic, always have, but I have not cut out all the things I enjoy (like coffee in the am with sugar). I've never been a real junk food eater...don't eat fastfood. I've read a lot on the subject and it all makes sense, but at this point in my life...if it looks good, sounds good, ... I eat it! Life is to short not to enjoy!
  • bunnie1
    bunnie1 Member Posts: 21
    beckyracn said:

    I do eat a lot of organic,
    I do eat a lot of organic, always have, but I have not cut out all the things I enjoy (like coffee in the am with sugar). I've never been a real junk food eater...don't eat fastfood. I've read a lot on the subject and it all makes sense, but at this point in my life...if it looks good, sounds good, ... I eat it! Life is to short not to enjoy!

    Eating habits
    Hello ladies, first let me talk about why I didn't ask "why me?" during my treatments of radiation I saw a mother with her little daughter who had cancer, she was about 2 or 3 years old. I felt so bad for her, because I knew she wished it was her instead of her daughter. So I rather go through cancer then an innocent child, who doesn't understand what is going on. I don't eat organic it's too expensive. I'm back to eating anything I like, specially spicy foods,coffee. I don't eat red meat or pork, which I read it's not good for you. I eat tons of veggies and fruits. I read sugar in not bad for you, it doesn't feed the cancer like I had read before. I enjoy sweets and I love to bake so go figure. I gained all my weight back in two months (20lbs) I was eating 3 meals a day. When the treatments are over, you'll be able to eat like before(foods you enjoyed), during radiation treatments I can not handle the smell of coffee, and it was something I had every morning before. Now I'm back to having a cup every morning it's great. Remember to eat healthy foods as much as possible,because your body does need everything it lost during treatments. Take care and happy eating...
  • fammem
    fammem Member Posts: 3
    beckyracn said:

    I, too, am a cervical cancer
    I, too, am a cervical cancer survivor. Went into surgery expecting a radical hysterectomy one year ago this month and came out with a diagnosis of stage IV with mets. I have been in remission since Dec. '08. I went back to work full time 2 weeks after my last treatment...to try and feel like I was normal. It's been a challenge! If something could go wrong...it has...and I've pushed on! I continue to experience alot of GI problems, docs think it's scar tissue from the radiation causing intermittent small bowel obstructions, but are not willing to operate until it totally blocks off cause it will just cause more scar tissue. Intercourse is very painful after the fact. Feels like my bladder and uterus have been beaten up. I know I should be very grateful for each day, but there's a haunting of recurrence in the back of my mind. I guess the constant discomfort doesn't help. I've always been a fresh fruit/veg eater and now I have to avoid them because they cause blockages...always a constant reminder...tears appear without warning as I plant my garden. I try my best to keep a positive attitude, but people have told me that I'be become very quiet...don't talk to much anymore...what can I say? How do you talk to people who really have no idea of what you've been through or going through at this moment? The hubby totally lives in the moment...wish I could be more like him. Thanks for listening/reading...just needed to get this off my chest.

    My mom
    was just diagnosed with stage 4 cervical cancer with lung metts. Any advice you can give me and where did you get your treatments. My mom is 49 years old. Did the docs give you 20% survival? My mom will be doing radation 5 days a week and chemo one day a week for 6 weeks. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks and God Bless!
  • beckyracn
    beckyracn Member Posts: 322
    bunnie1 said:

    Eating habits
    Hello ladies, first let me talk about why I didn't ask "why me?" during my treatments of radiation I saw a mother with her little daughter who had cancer, she was about 2 or 3 years old. I felt so bad for her, because I knew she wished it was her instead of her daughter. So I rather go through cancer then an innocent child, who doesn't understand what is going on. I don't eat organic it's too expensive. I'm back to eating anything I like, specially spicy foods,coffee. I don't eat red meat or pork, which I read it's not good for you. I eat tons of veggies and fruits. I read sugar in not bad for you, it doesn't feed the cancer like I had read before. I enjoy sweets and I love to bake so go figure. I gained all my weight back in two months (20lbs) I was eating 3 meals a day. When the treatments are over, you'll be able to eat like before(foods you enjoyed), during radiation treatments I can not handle the smell of coffee, and it was something I had every morning before. Now I'm back to having a cup every morning it's great. Remember to eat healthy foods as much as possible,because your body does need everything it lost during treatments. Take care and happy eating...

    Well Ladies...I had six days
    Well Ladies...I had six days of bliss (no nausea or vomiting)! But, alas, it came back to haunt me today :( After some alone time with King Porcelain, I took another Zofran and laid down for a bit. When I got up, my husband asked how I was feeling..."Great! Let's go get ice cream while I think it may agree." He gave me the strangest look...I just laughed. And off to the ice cream store we went. I ordered a banana split...YES! My husband said, "You know your never going to eat all that." And I answered, "I know, but it sure felt good ordering it!" So, he just ordered himself a small ice cream knowing full well that he was going to be offered three quarters of mine. Isn't love wonderful! And since that stayed down, I do believe I will drag my husband to the car races tonight :) Just wondering if subs and beer would stay down as well as the ice cream did? Gotta go for it! I do so love life and all that summer has to offer!!!
  • oldspann
    oldspann Member Posts: 1
    beckyracn said:

    I, too, am a cervical cancer
    I, too, am a cervical cancer survivor. Went into surgery expecting a radical hysterectomy one year ago this month and came out with a diagnosis of stage IV with mets. I have been in remission since Dec. '08. I went back to work full time 2 weeks after my last treatment...to try and feel like I was normal. It's been a challenge! If something could go wrong...it has...and I've pushed on! I continue to experience alot of GI problems, docs think it's scar tissue from the radiation causing intermittent small bowel obstructions, but are not willing to operate until it totally blocks off cause it will just cause more scar tissue. Intercourse is very painful after the fact. Feels like my bladder and uterus have been beaten up. I know I should be very grateful for each day, but there's a haunting of recurrence in the back of my mind. I guess the constant discomfort doesn't help. I've always been a fresh fruit/veg eater and now I have to avoid them because they cause blockages...always a constant reminder...tears appear without warning as I plant my garden. I try my best to keep a positive attitude, but people have told me that I'be become very quiet...don't talk to much anymore...what can I say? How do you talk to people who really have no idea of what you've been through or going through at this moment? The hubby totally lives in the moment...wish I could be more like him. Thanks for listening/reading...just needed to get this off my chest.

    newly diagnosed cervical cancer
    I received a call from my gyn this Friday. She tells me my colposcopy reveals carcinoma (cervical cancer). I was at work. i could hear her talking, but my mind couldn't process it. I stayed at work the entire day. Called my husband and he told me to remain positive. my doctor told me that "I'm on it." I assume that means it's in the early stages. i go back on Tuesday for endometrial biopsy to make sure the uterus area is ok. I have cried once on Friday evening. I am trying to remain positive by reading different post and others success stories. I'm ok if I need a hysterectomy. I'm just worried if that will fix things. I feel so alone and anxious, and uncertain.
  • beckyracn
    beckyracn Member Posts: 322
    oldspann said:

    newly diagnosed cervical cancer
    I received a call from my gyn this Friday. She tells me my colposcopy reveals carcinoma (cervical cancer). I was at work. i could hear her talking, but my mind couldn't process it. I stayed at work the entire day. Called my husband and he told me to remain positive. my doctor told me that "I'm on it." I assume that means it's in the early stages. i go back on Tuesday for endometrial biopsy to make sure the uterus area is ok. I have cried once on Friday evening. I am trying to remain positive by reading different post and others success stories. I'm ok if I need a hysterectomy. I'm just worried if that will fix things. I feel so alone and anxious, and uncertain.

    Keep your chin up oldspann,
    Keep your chin up oldspann, those feelings your having are all normal. I am a survivor, remission since Dec. '08, of stage IVA cervical ca with mets to bladder, abdominal, and pelvic lymph nodes. Treatments aren't a lot of fun, but with all the choices of medications out there...some concoction is bound to help improve quality of life during them. I ended up on meds, the only one's that seemed to help a little bit, that were often used during the '70s. I know everything is very scary for you at this time and I'm not going to lie and say it will get any easier in the near future. Life will change for you. You will seek to find a new "normal". There are many of us here that know/understand what you are feeling and going through at this time. Hopefully, you have a great support system out there, but here you will find others who truly know the depth of your situation and support you 100%. Keep us posted...let out your frustration...your fears...your anger...we've all been there...done that...and life does go on.
  • beckyracn
    beckyracn Member Posts: 322
    fammem said:

    My mom
    was just diagnosed with stage 4 cervical cancer with lung metts. Any advice you can give me and where did you get your treatments. My mom is 49 years old. Did the docs give you 20% survival? My mom will be doing radation 5 days a week and chemo one day a week for 6 weeks. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks and God Bless!

    Hello fammem. I too was
    Hello fammem. I too was diagnosed at 49 (I made it to 50), stage IVA with mets. My survival rate is 30-40%...scary huh? I was lucky to be able to get most of my treatments locally (upstate NY); chemo (10)and exteranl radiation (33). I had to travel approx. 150 mls for my first surgery and 50 mls for all the internal radiation (5). I followed my radiology oncologists suggestion and went to Roswell...very far away, but came away unhappy. I told him I felt like a head of cattle going to slaughter...such a large place and so many cancer patients wandering around. I know of people who've had a wonderful experience there...I just wasn't one of them. So, I met with our local ACS spokesperson (this is a very good place to start) and he helped me find other options...and I fell in love with the place I choose. It was small and everyone knew you the moment you walked in the door. We all have different stories, different experiences. Please keep posting...we're here for you.
  • Lisa0626
    Lisa0626 Member Posts: 4
    tahichkad said:

    I hear you!
    Kty,
    Congrats on being cancer free for 1 year! I'm jealous! :) I am only 6 weeks post treatment for 1A2 with an affected lymph node. I went in for a cone biopsy Christmas Eve which resulted in multiple bleeds and 4 days in the hospital. I finished 6 weeks of external radiation, 6 weeks of chemo and 3 weeks of internal radiation the last week of March. I found out last week that a surgery to try to save one of my ovaries failed so I'm in surgical menopause.

    Like you both mentioned, it is very isolating to have cancer. I have not a single friend near my age (36) who has had cancer. My husband, too, is wonderful. But he seems to think it's all over even though I'm still waiting for my first Pap and PET/CT. I met with an oncology social worker today to try to connect with someone who has a remote clue as to what I've been though. She recommended I come by here.

    I wonder when it will be in the past??

    Amanda

    we make ourselves feel isolate
    amanda,
    i survived cervical stage 2 cancer and its been 5 years and the worry of getting cancer again never goes away. i am 37 now so i was 32 when diagnosed. i had a hysterectomy leaving only my ovaries. no children. so you are lucky to have someone who understands you and by your side but as for me 5 yrs of finally being cancer free is great but there is never a day that goes by where i dont wake up and think about it. i think my husband doesnt understand that i cant put this behind me.
  • Lisa0626
    Lisa0626 Member Posts: 4
    fammem said:

    My mom
    was just diagnosed with stage 4 cervical cancer with lung metts. Any advice you can give me and where did you get your treatments. My mom is 49 years old. Did the docs give you 20% survival? My mom will be doing radation 5 days a week and chemo one day a week for 6 weeks. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks and God Bless!

    there is always hope no matter what
    sloan kettering is one of the best for amazing cancer treatments and the place to be where you think the imposible i saw it myself! just research your options.
  • Lisa0626
    Lisa0626 Member Posts: 4
    oldspann said:

    newly diagnosed cervical cancer
    I received a call from my gyn this Friday. She tells me my colposcopy reveals carcinoma (cervical cancer). I was at work. i could hear her talking, but my mind couldn't process it. I stayed at work the entire day. Called my husband and he told me to remain positive. my doctor told me that "I'm on it." I assume that means it's in the early stages. i go back on Tuesday for endometrial biopsy to make sure the uterus area is ok. I have cried once on Friday evening. I am trying to remain positive by reading different post and others success stories. I'm ok if I need a hysterectomy. I'm just worried if that will fix things. I feel so alone and anxious, and uncertain.

    newly diagnosed,
    first you

    newly diagnosed,
    first you need to find out what stage its in and if it has spread ...they will check your uterus....if you get a hysterectomy they will check if spread by taking lymp nodes and if they come back fine then you wouldnt need chemo or rad. i am now cancer free 5 yrs cervical stage 2 and unluckily spread to uterus. but i am good now cancer free. and i dont mean getting here was easy,but im here so stay calm and focused and take a pen and paper with you to the doctor to write things down and maybe research it later.....
  • marybear
    marybear Member Posts: 64
    Lisa0626 said:

    newly diagnosed,
    first you

    newly diagnosed,
    first you need to find out what stage its in and if it has spread ...they will check your uterus....if you get a hysterectomy they will check if spread by taking lymp nodes and if they come back fine then you wouldnt need chemo or rad. i am now cancer free 5 yrs cervical stage 2 and unluckily spread to uterus. but i am good now cancer free. and i dont mean getting here was easy,but im here so stay calm and focused and take a pen and paper with you to the doctor to write things down and maybe research it later.....

    newly diagnosed daughter
    Hi Lisa just checking out message boards my daughters pap came back adnormal she is 20 years old gyn says hp is the cause she is on birth control pill for 3 years now we have to do biopsy next month hubby passed away 5 months ago from lung cancer had papillary throat cancer dont know if this is inherited but gyn says sometimes this virus is inheridted she is so scared will have to wait until the biospy comes back dont know what to do we wont know the stage until we have biopsy she has regular pap smears since age 19 so so scared will keep you posted. thank you for posting prayers to you Mary
  • marybear
    marybear Member Posts: 64
    Lisa0626 said:

    we make ourselves feel isolate
    amanda,
    i survived cervical stage 2 cancer and its been 5 years and the worry of getting cancer again never goes away. i am 37 now so i was 32 when diagnosed. i had a hysterectomy leaving only my ovaries. no children. so you are lucky to have someone who understands you and by your side but as for me 5 yrs of finally being cancer free is great but there is never a day that goes by where i dont wake up and think about it. i think my husband doesnt understand that i cant put this behind me.

    newly diagosed daughter
    hi lisa thank you for your post prayers to you my daughter has to have biospys next month dont know what stage gyn says hp is present in her pap smear could lead to cervical cancer she is 20 years old will have to wait for results we are both so upset her dad just passed away 5 months ago from lung cancer but he did have a papillary squarsoma in the throat dont know if this is passed from father to child your input would be much appreciated please help and pray for us will keep in touch God bless you lisa thank you so much for this post Mary
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