Still Smoking with Cervical Cancer

Tracey

I was diagnosed with Cervical Cancer at the age of 27, I am 32 now. I had a partial hysteractomy, in 1997, and 7 weeks of radiation to reduce my reoccurence rate to 10%. I leave in fear everday, when I go the the doctors for my 3 months check up I am always afraid he will say its back. I have my CT Scans, Chest X-rays, etc. But I always think it will return, I have dreams often of my funeral, who will be there, dying young, not seeing my grandchildren, etc. I cry often alone, my husband tells me I am okay BUT... One of my symptoms was bleeding after intercourse, I have recently had this symptom again, I have a doctor's appointment on 3/26/03, the nurse told me the bleeding is often a side effect from the scar tissue from radiation therapy and sometime the trauma from sexual intercourse can cause the bleeding. I have continue to smoke not knowing this was one of the risk factors for cervical cancer, I thought it came from some sort of sexually transmitted disease I possibly contracted in my early 20's. Now I am fearful that the cancer has return. Has anyone experience bleeding after intercourse as a result of the radiation treatment etc.?

whitneyd74

I too had a radical hysterectomy after chemo, which was followed by radiation. Although I didn't have the typical Cervical Cancer (mine was small cell of the cervix), the scar tissue was also an issue with me during intercourse. I too panicked - EXTREMELY SCARY - and had to have numerous tests to rule out tumors reappearing in my vaginal walls or where my cervix used to be. It was awful!! But, thankfully, it was just the scar tissue. They said that the scar tissue looks like "fingers" whatever that means! But my doctors did tell me that it's common to have side affects years after treatment, and often times those side affects are caused by the scar tissue and nothing else. It's rare when it is caused by a reoccurance. That's what they told me, anyway! Keep me posted on what they find out! And by the way, my doctors and other survivors told me that I will probably be totally paranoid before and after my three-month check-ups for a very long time. YIPPEE!! Can't we just catch a break?! So, I completely understand how you feel!!
Here's to living!
-Whitney

karenlynn

I was just diagnosed with cervical cancer 10 days ago and I am scared to death. I am scheduled for my conization on Wednesday and I am so fearful of what they will find. My boyfriend and family are being very supportive but I still feel so alone. I am a single mom of 3 kids and have always been the one that everyone leans on and now I feel so useless to them. My emotions are un-controllable at times. Can someone give me some insight as to how they handled this diagnoses in the early stages of treatment? Maybe then I won't feel so alone. Thanks

karenlynn

whitneyd74 said:

I too had a radical hysterectomy after chemo, which was followed by radiation. Although I didn't have the typical Cervical Cancer (mine was small cell of the cervix), the scar tissue was also an issue with me during intercourse. I too panicked - EXTREMELY SCARY - and had to have numerous tests to rule out tumors reappearing in my vaginal walls or where my cervix used to be. It was awful!! But, thankfully, it was just the scar tissue. They said that the scar tissue looks like "fingers" whatever that means! But my doctors did tell me that it's common to have side affects years after treatment, and often times those side affects are caused by the scar tissue and nothing else. It's rare when it is caused by a reoccurance. That's what they told me, anyway! Keep me posted on what they find out! And by the way, my doctors and other survivors told me that I will probably be totally paranoid before and after my three-month check-ups for a very long time. YIPPEE!! Can't we just catch a break?! So, I completely understand how you feel!!
Here's to living!
-Whitney

Hi Whitney, I have just been diagnosed and would like to ask you how the recovery was for your radical hysterectomy, The fears that I have right now are overwhelming maybe if someone can give me some insight I might be better able to cope. Thanks

christy11

karenlynn said:

I was just diagnosed with cervical cancer 10 days ago and I am scared to death. I am scheduled for my conization on Wednesday and I am so fearful of what they will find. My boyfriend and family are being very supportive but I still feel so alone. I am a single mom of 3 kids and have always been the one that everyone leans on and now I feel so useless to them. My emotions are un-controllable at times. Can someone give me some insight as to how they handled this diagnoses in the early stages of treatment? Maybe then I won't feel so alone. Thanks

I was diagnosed 6 months ago with cervical cancer. I am 30 and have 2 small kids. I had a golf ball size pollup taken off my cervix. When I went in for my consultation my cervix looked good. My oncologist needed to do a cone biopsy before deciding what type of hysterectomy to do. 3 days later there was another tumor that had grown, so he thought that a radical hysterectomy would be best. So after all my lymphnodes and left ovary along with all the other stuff they take when there in there I came out ok. Now I am cancer free It is scary but if you ask all the questions you can think of and if you feel like your oncologist is not listening to you go to a new one. Ask your GYN questions about your treatment. Don't be afraid to ask any questions. I was very scared to leave my kids and husband. I took time to think about everything and cry and laugh and just about anything. Talking to people that love me and care about me helped me with 1st the diaganosis and now the aftermath. Keep your spirits up. Cervical cancer can be conquered!!!

SHER57

karenlynn said:

I was just diagnosed with cervical cancer 10 days ago and I am scared to death. I am scheduled for my conization on Wednesday and I am so fearful of what they will find. My boyfriend and family are being very supportive but I still feel so alone. I am a single mom of 3 kids and have always been the one that everyone leans on and now I feel so useless to them. My emotions are un-controllable at times. Can someone give me some insight as to how they handled this diagnoses in the early stages of treatment? Maybe then I won't feel so alone. Thanks

Dear Karen, It has been almost ten years for me and still I can remember the initial panic and fear...overwhelming. Talking to others who are long-term survivors helps to give you hope. Also, I would suggest going to the video store and checking out relaxation videos (rent before buying so you get one that works for you). I had a number of procedures and surgeries. Watched that relaxing video the night before each one and it helped me get a good nights sleep. I am a single mom with no boyfriend, family 5 hours away. I understand. Don't be fearful to ask for help when you need it. Prayer does wonders. I had a recent surgery (non-cancer related) and my church family helped with meals and taking my son to school. Please let me know how you're doing. Hugs and prayers to you and your family!

MissyProof

Dear tracy,
I am terribly sorry that i am unable to help with your situation. I just wanted to tell you that I hope that you are aliright and you have been added to my prayer list.
Best of luck,
MissyProof