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...

[anneasquith]

thanks for the update........................take care, anne ♥

[BAKERS DOZEN]

Flip - sorry to hear the news. Was hoping it was going to be alright. Give your sister our love and tell her we are all thinking of her. Love BD

[NOX]

So sorry to hear this flip- it's a terrible thing to learn, but don't give up hope as there are wonderful treatments available now, our neighbour had it in her early twenties and she's now in her 30's with two children. I so hope things turn out well for you both. Thinking of her.

[Eve]

I'm so sorry it wasn't the news you wanted. A friend of mine has recently been diagnosed with cervical cancer. It has spread beyond the cervix so it's looking like a full hysterectomy. Such an awful extra set of issues on top of the cancer itself. At least once she knows things can get started for having her treated.

It definitely gave me a kick start to get my smear done - was due in March I think but forgot about it in getting other things sorted. I agree with No Mercy too about how screening should start younger. I had a colposcopy at 21 as well though it was all fine.

Keep us updated as to how she's doing and how you are - very hard for family and friends too, will be thinking of you all x

[chrissa1]

So sorry to that news flip. Be strong and my good wishes and thoughts are with you all. Chrissa.

[Smowball]

So sorry, but hopefully with this quick diagnosis, and youth on her side then she will get through this and all be well.

[fliptheswitch]

Thanks to you all for your kind words. It really is nice to read.
Today has been an awful day for my family, but we are remaining strong and positive for my poor sister.
She saw the consultant this afternoon, who just told her that the biopsy came back and confirmed the worst, that the cells are cancerous.
Unfortunately, she has to wait until Tuesday to have a scan, where they'll be able to see what stage it's at and if it's spread. We're all just hoping and praying that they've caught it early on.
They spoke to her about surgery, and have told her that they will be planning a "radical hysterectomy", but can't really say anything for definite until she's had the scan.
Now she just has to play the waiting game... which is highly frustrating and torturous.
She's got an appointment in the morning, at the fertility clinic. To me, it seems like the last thing to worry about (although I obviously haven't said that to her) but I guess they have to do things a certain way.

Thank you again, and I shall continue to keep you updated. I don't really have anyone I can talk to other than family, so this has really helped and given me positives to go back to my sister with.

Good night. x

[Euphemia]

My thoughts are with you Flip. I do hope they have caught it in time. I can understand the agony you are all suffering.

[boxtops]

Bakers, that is so sad for you and your family - my thoughts are with you....

but hopefully flip's sister has been diagnosed in time. A hysterectomy at a young age is life-changing but if it saves her life, it's worth it. I am sure there are many ABers on here who can confirm (as can I, though for a different reason) that there is wonderful life after hysterectomy.

[looobylooo]

oh flip, im so sorry to hear about your poor ol sister,
its such a worrying time for you all and the waiting is just torturous isnt it,
me and my family went through just the same, back in june, when my mum found she had breast cancer,
so i understand just how youre all feeling right now. its horrible..
i send my thoughts and best wishes to you all, flip.
keep strong and positive, shes in good hands now, and theyll get her sorted xx

[Mamyalynne]

Flip thank you for keeping us informed, hope this has been caught early and a good and positive recovery made, much love to all family.

[fliptheswitch]

Thank you, ladies. x

[marval]

Please don't give up hope, treatments are so much better now than they used to be. I will think of you all and hope that a good outcome can happen.xx

[thinehost]

It's a horrible shock hearing that someone so young has a cancer; however, womb cancer seems to be one of the more treatable cancers so please don't despair. Although I'm much older (62), and although I was diagnosed at a very early stage, I had a radical hysterectomy at the start of this year, have had 4 chemo sessions and 3 brachytherapy sessions. At all stages of the treatment, I found it much easier than I had expected.
Assuming it is womb cancer, your sister might like to join a facebook group which supports women with womb cancer - http://www.facebook.com/WombCancerSupportUK - where there are women at various stages of diagnosis and treatment. It's very supportive and friendly. I'm a member there and have had some great help through some wobbly moments.

I really hope that your sister's treatment works very well for her - you are obviously going to be a great support for her (which is also very important) as she starts on a challenging journey.

M

[fliptheswitch]

Thanks Marval. I think that's what we have to keep telling ourselves, that there is a huge amount of hope with the treatments they have these days. Thank you x
Thinehost, I will definitely tell her to have a look at that, I'm sure she will find it very helpful. She said the nurse told her to have a look on the Macmillan website, and also gave her the names of another couple of forums. I think as much as we can be there to support her, it's never quite the same as being able to speak to people who fully understand what you're going through. Thank you so, so much for sharing your story. I am going to email my sister a link to this thread, so she can have a read herself, and see all the positive comments people have made. I wish you well on your journey :-) xx

[rowanwitch]

If it is still contained in the uterus outlook will be pretty good... The fertility appt will be to discuss options like egg storage for a possible surrogacy arrangement in the future. New 'selectron brachytherapy' treatments are also improving survival rates and there are also chemotherapy options if needed. She will probably be referred to a major cancer centre for this as it is not available everywhere. Still have everything crossed for you all...

[anneasquith]

as i see it flip.................. she is a young healthy woman. there have been great advances in the treatment of cervical cancers, an appointment at the fertility clinic is a good idea, especially for the future , tuesday is a very long time to wait, but im sure with the love and support of her family around it wont be too unbearable. prayers and best wishes for you all, please keep us updated. take care.. anne

[fliptheswitch]

Thanks Rowan and Anne. I haven yet to speak to my sister today, but I have spoken with my Mum who said that's exactly what they discussed with her... storing eggs, etc. They've said she can have injections, but will need to start it now, so that's something she's got to think about over the next few days. I'll leave it at that, as I don't really know much else about it. Thanks again though, and I guess I'll be back next week with a further update. Thank you.

[johnk]

Got everything crossed for your sister flip, keeptalking to us.