Cervical Cancer

[fliptheswitch]

I am absolutely devastated. My younger sister has been told she may have cancer. Well, the consultant actually told her it is "highly likely" and to "expect the worst".
She had been having stomach and lower back ache for a while now, and has been in and out of the doctors on a few occasions. She was first told it was a water infection, so was given antibiotics for that.
It didn't help, so she went back and was referred to a gynecologist. They examined her and said her cervix looked "abnormal". They also said she had a polyp(?) and white patches on the scan. She was then referred to the hospital.
She went to the hospital yesterday and was again examined by a consultant. He told her he "didn't like the look of it".
When she got dressed and came out into the room, there was a nurse sat there, which she thought was a bit strange. The consultant then told her "I'm afraid it's not good news", and introduced the nurse to be a cancer nurse! :(
He told her that her cervix "protrudes", which is apparently an early sign of the dreaded C. He then told her it was "highly likely" that she had it, but they would know for sure on Wednesday morning when the results came back. She did say what they did (began with the letter c, but I can't remember or pronounce it) and the consultant told her they would rush it through for Wednesday.
I am absolutely gutted. I haven't been able to stop thinking about it and what the future may hold for her. My Dad keeps saying "she'll be fine, she'll be fine", but I just can't seem to stay so positive. I spoke to my her yesterday, and she was very matter of fact about the whole thing. She said in her heart she knew something was wrong, and has prepared herself for the worst.
I know there's a chance she may not have it, and I am praying that that's the case. But... something tells me it's not going to be good news. For a consultant to tell her it's "highly likely" she has it and that he has "concerns for her", makes me think he knows there is something there.
Also, the cancer nurse that was in the room with her, started going through all the ins and outs with my sisters, discussing surgery and whatnot. She is in pieces (obviously) and was saying to me how she won't be able to continue with university, or her job. I told her not to get ahead of herself, and to wait until Wednesday when we'll know for sure, but she's just resigned to the fact that this is happening to her. I didn't know what to say, I just felt so sad for her.
I don't know what my question is, I just felt the need to get this out. I guess I'm looking for anyone that's been in a similar situation, or any advice on the subject...

[fliptheswitch]

Thanks nanny. She was left in the room on her own for a little while, and had a sneaky look at her notes which the consultant left on the desk. She then went home and looked up certain words on the internet... which was never going to be a good idea. I think this is why she's so negative and resigned to the fact that she does have it. I'm not emotional around my family whatsoever, so i will definitely be with her every step of the way, and will be by her side if she needs/wants me to.

[Mamyalynne]

Flip - my thoughts and prayers are with you and all family, may the outcome be better than you fear xxx


BD - what devastating news to have, my heart goes out to you too and all family, life can be so cruel. xxx

[fliptheswitch]

Thank you, Mamya... :-) x

[rowanwitch]

I really feel for you and for Bakers Dozen...sometimes its much easier to understand an older person no matter how much they are loved suffering from life threatening or worse a terminal illness.. but for a young person who should be looking forward to all the normal things like career, family etc it seems so unfair. Hysterectomy is a big deal but given the choice ...well there isn't a choice is there.. and she is still a woman in every cell of her body not just in her reproductive organs... if you want ideas for post op pressies by the way... make up and very girly smellies are good just for that reason

[Sqad]

Radical hysterectomy, cancer, doom and gloom......wait until the biopsy report comes back....wait until the disease is staged (if it is malignant) as it MAY not be as bad as expected.

[albaqwerty]

I had a colposcopy when I was about 24. And some of the cervix removed which narrowed the neck. My concern was the weakening of the neck of the womb if I became pregnant. Doctor was wonderfully reassuring.
More frequent smear tests after the colposcopy until the all clear was given.
Went on to have 2 wonderful sons with no problems during the pregnancy.

Your sister will be fine. Thinking of you and your sister. xxxx

[rowanwitch]

hopefully it will be a big cone biopsy ..... or brachytherapy..
but it does sound like the nurse has already done the doom and gloom talk.. but everything is still crossed.

[fliptheswitch]

Thanks, Rowan. That was a really nice reply. That's the thing, I feel like I'm not talking about my beautiful, young sister... it's like I'm talking about someone else. Someone older.
I know it's not a full gone conclusion yet, but I'd rather prepare for the worst and then, if it is nothing to worry about, that'll be the best news ever. Yes Sqad, it is all doom and gloom. Sorry for talking about a subject so depressing. I know I should just sit tight and wait, like my poor sister has to, but I just needed someone to talk to.
Alba, that's wonderful. It's nice hearing stories like that, as it makes you realise there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and it doesn't have to be... well... you know.
She did say the hospital were absolutely lovely to her, which is nice.

[fliptheswitch]

That's why I'm so negative Rowan. I just keep asking myself, why would the nurse have gone through all the surgery details with her, if there was a glimmer of hope. Surely they'd just wait and see, before they spoke about the doom and gloom.
I'd better go now, as I need to get ready to go and see her and the rest of my family.
Thank you to all that's answered and I will be sure to post an update tomorrow.

Thank you for listening, it's much appreciated :-)

[rowanwitch]

Any time... if you need more info on specific treatments I can probably get it for you once they decide so you don't need to ask your sister for too much info which she might find upsetting

[Mamyalynne]

If it does tun out to be a big cone biopsy take heart - I had one in 1978 and had my second child a year later. Hope things are ok.

[marval]

Sorr to vhear your news, my thoughts and prayers are with you all, I wish for good news.xx

I also feel for you all Bakers Dozen, not the news you ever want to here.xx

[BAKERS DOZEN]

Flip - will be thinking of you and your sister. Thanks to everyone else for their kind thoughts - you are a great bunch. On a lighter note - when I had my hysterectomy the surgeon said to my husband "We might be taking away the nursery but we'll be leaving the playroom" - what a lovely way of looking at it. Made us laugh anyway.

[4getmenot]

sorry to hear about your sis. Just wanted to ask if you are up to date on smears and if not to take this news as a warning and please get checked out xx

[AlBags]

Sorry to hear about this ..
Good luck with it all x

[fliptheswitch]

Thanks to the other posters who answered last night. I spent the evening with my family, and we just tried to reassure her that things would be ok... no matter what the outcome. It's easier said than done though, and she was clearly in pieces about the whole thing... no matter how "positive" she tried to remain.
Anyway, I'm less depressed this morning as I realise we've all got to be there for her (if the outcome is bad) so there's no point in moping around and loosing the plot. I'm just sat here now, waiting for them to call. The hospital are calling her at 11.30, so we'll know what the situation is then.
Thanks again, it really does mean a lot and it really helped to get things off my chest. It's times like this, when you realise just how good AB can be, and what a lovely bunch of people it has as users... :-)
BD, my thoughts have been very much with you since your post yesterday. I can't even begin to imagine what you and your family must be going through. x

[Smowball]

Am thinking of you and hoping for the best for you and your sister x

[anneasquith]

flip, thinking of your sister and family..........and a huge "HUG" to BD, anne, ♥

[fliptheswitch]

Thanks smowball and Anne.
Just a quick update...
Spoke to my Mum, about an hour ago, and unfortunately it was the news we've all been dreading. The nurse called and spoke to my sister, and has asked her to go into the hospital this afternoon at 4. She said it is bad news.
She'd already told my sister on Monday that if the results were not good, then she wouldn't discuss it over the phone but she'd ask her to come in, so she knew straight away that it wasn't good.
We just have to wait now, until she goes and see's the consultant later, who will be able to tell her more.

I'm obviously not in the mood to chat, but thought I'd post a quick update, as so many of you went to the trouble of wishing her well.

Thanks again.