Just diagnosed with cervical cancer. Scared and confused

tdovga · New User Joined: 10 May 2008 Posts: 5 Location: Toronto

Hi All,

I have been diagnosed with cervical cancer this Friday. I am still recovering from shock. I was stupid enough not to do my early POP test for 13 years. I am still very emotional. Thinking about what went wrong and what is my life going to be like. They told me that I have cancer during coloscopy and took sample for bio. I a waiting on results next Friday.
Any suggesstions on how to handle myself this week and be ready for any results. I need to get my head in order and overcome my fear, I havd no idea it's going to be that difficult.

thanks to all in advance,
Tatyana
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Diagnosed with Cervical Cancel. scared

brainman

Tatyana, I am very sorry about your cancer. Although I know very little about Cervical Cancer, I do know how hard it is to wait for test results. One week can seem like an eternity.

What I suggest is that you use this week to start your own medical journal. In it, write down any and every question that comes to your mind. Use this forum and the Interned to find questions you need to ask your doctor. You absolutely need to know some specific information about the cancer... such as grade and size. Take the journal with you Friday. You would be amazed how fast questions fry out of my mind when my doctor walks in the room Smile

. My journal has saved me many a phone call to the doctor after leaving with out asking a question. I rarely do that anymore due to my journal.

You are in my thoughts and prayers.
_________________
Jim
Site Administrator and long-term cancer survivor
1992 Astrocytoma grade 2, left motor strip
2005 Recurrence this time said to be an Oligodendoglioma grade 3, same location.
My Story Part 1: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?p=7350
My Story Part 2: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=8029
Blog http://jimhawkinsport.blogspot.com/

sorrento · New User Joined: 06 May 2008 Posts: 7

I was recently diagnosed with cervical cancer and after several biopsies, ultrasound, PET/CT scan I'm scheduled for radical hysterectomy on the 21st. I know it's hard to wait, but like brainman suggested, you can start looking online different information - it would be good to have some questions ready for your visit. It is good you found this forum right away. Lots of really good first hand information here that are from real people who have the same questions and experiencing the same as what you are having.

tdovga · New User Joined: 10 May 2008 Posts: 5 Location: Toronto

Hi Guys,

Just want to say thank you for all support.
I am very greatful to talkto someone.

What type of ? should I asked y Gyn?

What woul you recommend

Thanks a lot
Tatyana
_________________
Diagnosed with Cervical Cancel. scared

brainman

Tatyana, I am sure there are some specific Cervical Cancer questions that you should ask. However, since I do not know those, I can only offer general questions that would apply to any type of cancer.

For sure, come away knowing as much as you can about the specific cell type of your cancer. I am not sure if there are different types of cell possibilities with Cervical Cancer but if so, you need to know which type it is.

What grade the cancer is: Be prepared for the doctor not to know the answer to this questions since he/she might still need other tests to determine this.

What treatment options are available to you. This will vary based on the two first questions. Therefore, you need to ask about the side effects and long term results of each treatment option.

I always like to ask about my prognosis with and without treatment.

When will the treatments start? Again, this will change based on your decision about treatment type. Surgery may take a little longer to schedule if it is your option. Usually, surgery is the best option since the surgeon can remove most of the cancer if not all of it. But the choice is up to you in consultation with your own medical team. The speed with which any treatment they schedule will depend on the cancer's grade: the higher the grade, the quicker they will want to begin treatments.

These five questions are the main ones for this next appointment.
_________________
Jim
Site Administrator and long-term cancer survivor
1992 Astrocytoma grade 2, left motor strip
2005 Recurrence this time said to be an Oligodendoglioma grade 3, same location.
My Story Part 1: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?p=7350
My Story Part 2: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=8029
Blog http://jimhawkinsport.blogspot.com/

sorrento · New User Joined: 06 May 2008 Posts: 7

Those are very good questions to bring along with you. You can also google "questions to ask - cervical cancer" - I found quite a few links on suggested questions. I have to say though - beware of information overload - it caused me confusion as well.

brainman

Amen to what sorrento suggested. It is very hard to process too much information, especially if you do not have a basic understand for the subject. Ask question, write down the answers, bring the answers here if you need further help in understand or sorting through your questions. Then from that make a second list of questions for your next appointment.
_________________
Jim
Site Administrator and long-term cancer survivor
1992 Astrocytoma grade 2, left motor strip
2005 Recurrence this time said to be an Oligodendoglioma grade 3, same location.
My Story Part 1: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?p=7350
My Story Part 2: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=8029
Blog http://jimhawkinsport.blogspot.com/

Yelyzaveta · New User Joined: 13 May 2008 Posts: 2 Location: NY city

I had radical hysterectomy March 24, 2008. Surgery was on for 6 hours.
I felt that bad and sick before, that I didn't care about "can I ever gonna make it".
Pre-surgical test was really helpful as a rehearsal, so I was not that scarred and threatened.
Also, I prayed a lot, it helped especially after the procedure.
I understand, it hard to accept the fact you have cancer, (I'm 33 y.o.), but try also to believe, your case is very curable and easiest case among all others.
You can ask your doctor to give you something for an anxiety, also keep in mind , painkillers can cause you constipation. Keep your eye on it.
Consult with your surgeon in advance about all medicine you can possibly have after surgery. I happened to be an allergic to morphine, got unpleasant experience with that drug.
Yes, one more thing, in spite of everything, since my very first moment after operation I feel MUCH BETTER than BEFORE.

If you have more questions, let me know.
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Sincerely Lisa

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