Cervical Cancer Recurrance

It's back
Check out some of the other threads for recurrence too but I'll let you know that my side effects after radiation aside from vaginal stenosis have been minimal. My bowel and bladder function are essentially the same-skin in the radiation field is thinner-but not painful-except during dilation. I'm almost 6 years since my initial diagnosis and 1 year since recurrence-7 months since ending radiation-3internal/25 external. I had to have a outpatient surgery to reopen my vaginal cavity a month ago because I stopped dilating. Don't do that-that surgery was not fun. My advice is to find a doctor you like-ask questions and tell them what you need-pain meds, more info. support groups, etc... It really is a team effort to get you through all this. My radiation oncologist was nice but I only saw him once a week-the staff at the center/techs spend more time with you and they are usually very compassionate people. I found the internal radiation treatments painful and humilating but it is over within an hour. Md Anderson has a good website where you can find their treatment plan and compare it to what your doc has ordered. I used this instead of getting a second opinion and it was in line with what I had been told...made me feel better. My last biopsy was ok. If the cancer comes back again my doctor has told me I will need surgery to remove more abdominal and pelvic tissue including my bladder and some bowel-I would have collection bags for urine and stool on my abdomen. I'm not sure if I would want this surgery...and it would only be an option if there were no distant mets. Do you have specific questions. Maybe reposting a question about a specific area that is troubling you would get more replies. I check in once a week or so even though I am doing well-mostly to read, because this disease can be isolating-there is a stigma attached unfortunately so it can be hard.

oncebitten2shy said:

Thanks
Well I am at the stage you mention at the end of your comments. I had the rare type Cervical Cancer 9 years ago and It came back this June, or I knew something was wrong when I got my period after 9 years. I have been to several doctors and had several types of tests and they all have ended the same. I need to have a pelvic exenteration. I will have two stomas on my stomach with bags for collection. I really want to talk to some one who has had this done and has survived. I want to know what life is like with the 2 stomas and is it hard to get use too. I have realized that this is what I have to do to live and that is that. I just want to know a head of time what to expect. I have been thought the external & internal raditation and Chemo 9 years ago and that was not fun at all. Mostly the internal raditation was very painful. But in hine sight I would do that again if I had a choice. But you take the hand you are delt and do the best you can with it.Thanks for writing back to me.

Pelvic Exenteration
Hello!!!

I had this surgery on April 20th, luckily I only have one stoma and no external bag for my new bladder. Are they sure that both need to be removed. Can't you have an internal pouch for your urine? What a bummer, I'm very sorry. Yes life is a little different, I am actually at the depressed phase of this whole thing and have many down days. I'm sure I will get through this as well as you. How big is your new turmor? Where is the reoccurence? Sorry about all the questions.

BJK said:

Cervical Cancer Reoccurence
Hi Friend
I had a recurrence within 10 weeks of a radical hysterectomy and following two very aggressive chemo treatments. I had to switch to chemo/radiation and have just finished with that (thank heavens). I am moving on to internal radiation for 3 one hour/week sessions and am really dreading it. My vagina has gotten so small, I don't know how they're going to get anything in there! I admire the women who have had the pelvic exenteration surgery. I have decided I won't be doing that if it comes down to it. I am grateful to have a choice about the matter...although my doctor didn't make it sound like I had a choice. I would rather spend my time on alternative treatments. I'm looking at nutritional solutions, food grade hydrogen peroxide, etc. However, as of today, I don't know whether I'll need those alternatives as I have to see what the radiation treatments have done. I assume that you've completed chemo and radiation and that it has still recurred? I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

I understand your state of
I understand your state of mind now. I had cervical cancer stage IB in Sept 2006. Hysterectomy done, and six months later, there was a vagina vault recurrence. I had radiotherapy (35 courses) in May 2007. No chemo done then. Since my treatment, I was fine until a week ago, I had a pap test. Showed squamous dyplasia. Suspected of VAIN II. Now awaiting my biopsy test results

hilda_foo said:

I understand your state of
I understand your state of mind now. I had cervical cancer stage IB in Sept 2006. Hysterectomy done, and six months later, there was a vagina vault recurrence. I had radiotherapy (35 courses) in May 2007. No chemo done then. Since my treatment, I was fine until a week ago, I had a pap test. Showed squamous dyplasia. Suspected of VAIN II. Now awaiting my biopsy test results

keeping my fingers crossed
keeping my fingers crossed for you hilda!