r/CervicalCancer

I finished my last day of treatment (brachy) at the end of February and am coming up on my three month post-treatment PET scan later this month. While going through treatment, I still had my Mirena. I had it removed after I finished treatment and have not had a period since. My oncologist said I would probably be sent into menopause from radiation. Should I ask for bloodwork to be done at this upcoming appointment? Is menopause something I should be concerned about or should I wait until I haven’t had a period for a year (per Google)? Just wondering what others experiences have been post-treatment.

hi, scariest time in my life happening. I just got diagnosed with stage 1b1-1b2 cervical cancer. I thought. oncologist tried to reassure me it was stage 1 MAYBEEEE 2 after first oncology appointment with exam - then I got a MRI - she called me today, results show stage 3?!!!!!

Basically 6cm tumor confined to cervix, with possibly one lymph node involved. Maybe not pending PET scan.

still waiting on per scan. just looking for some reassuring stories or something. I don’t even know anymore. I’m lost. very scared.

I have little symptoms. just the discharge, spotting minorly and bleeding when cervix is touched. no pain, no sickness, nothing.

Im so scared. I am young 35 and a mom of 2. Anyone have a success story. Im hysterical.

Hi,
My mom(48) is diagnosed with Cervical Cancer Stage3c1 with lung lesion(diffused interstital pneumonia). Doctor suggested the treatment as Paclitaxel+carboplatin(auc2) weekly for 6 cycles, then 25 radiation with 5 cisplatin and then brachytherapy session. Onco also suggested that we may have to go for immunotherapy. She started with her first chemo on Thursday(7th May). She was better when she was on steroid(dexa 4mg) but after stopping steroid(2days), she is feeling fatigued. She has been sleeping whole day. Her voice seems very low. There are 5 more cycles left. I am worried. Can someone please share any tips which helps get through this tough phase? She is also been suffering from Constipation . Although I have been giving her 10ml of Dulphalac twice daily but the constipation is yet not cleared and she has got bloating because of that. I am taking care of her diet but if someone can share their experiences then it would be great. Also maybe reassurance that things will get better and that she would be fine after this treatment. Also if I should really opt for immunotherapy because I have heard it has severe side effects. I am sorry if i ranted alot .

Hi all, I had a full hysterectomy June 5th of last year, due to havjng cervical cancer, I am in remission, surgery went smooth healing was nothing, having the vaginal cuff terrifies me, that it is going to rip open and my insides are going to come out. I am very anxiety ridden in general, and it has taken me some time to build up the courage to even make this post, because I don't typically discuss these kind of topics with others, but here it goes.

MY husband and I have been easing back into trying to get a normal sex life back since my treatment ended in September, for the most part it is going okay, and he has been so patient with me and my irrational fears every step of the way, but he is really missing Doggystyle, so far we have only explored, missionary, and side positions, not to be too personal, but I am already making this post so why not just be honest, my husband is pretty well endowed, he has also been really great about not fully penetrating as well, to be honest we both miss doggystyle, but I am just so convinced that the moment we try that is when it will be too rough or painful and rip open the cuff. So I guess my question is, really for mainly my fellow cancer survivors because the radiation exposure to the area makes the healing process a little different ( but I also am curious for non cancer hysterectomy women too) how long after your full hysterectomy/ chemo and radiation did anyone wait until attempting doggystyle, and if so did you feel like it put more pressure on the cuff, or has anyone had a bad experience where doggystyle damaged your cuff? I just need some insight because noone I know has been through any of this and honestly I am kind of a private person so wouldn't feel comfortable discussing with others anyways. Any and all answers are welcome. Thank you in advance ☺️

Anyone have a pelvic lymph node look suspicious on MRI and it turn out to be not related to the cervical cancer? I’m hysterical, I’m so scared.

Hi. I’m 31 and finished treatment about a month and a half ago for stage 1B3r SCC of the cervix. 25 external radiation, weekly chemotherapy, and 4 brachytherapy.

I’m struggling really hard with the aftercare of brachy. The dilation is really triggering and I’m not sure how to overcome it. Following dilation (now that I’ve increased sizes) I’m seeing some light bleeding on the dilator and when cleaning up. Bleeding was one of my first symptoms that I (unfortunately) ignored too long. I have a 3-month post-treatment PET scan in June, but I’m struggling to keep calm. After a session with spotting, I tend to avoid it for days. Yes, I know that isn’t helping the situation.

Does anyone have any advice for keeping consistency with dilation when it causes anxiety?

I already take lexapro daily as prescribed by my oncologist for the anxiety cancer induces.

She had a radical hysterectomy 3 weeks ago. She was 15 weeks pregnant. Next week we are supposed to find out if she needs chemo/radiation. It seems weird to still need it after sacrificing our child, and her ability to ever have more kids. They supposedly successfully cut it all out. I understand it could still be in the lymph nodes, or other places, but if it is then we just do the hysterectomy for nothing? The child could have been saved.

I am wondering if anyone else has been in this position. What i am very interested in is if anyone has had the radical hysterectomy and been told they dont need radiation and chemo. Thanks god bless!

How do you all deal with the anger and grief that this cancer was ultimately caused by someone else, who is more than likely going to live a long healthy life without consequences? It’s something I’m working through with a psychologist but it’s hard not to feel this way everyday after the toll chemo radiation and brachy has taken on my body.

Background: hysterectomy due to cervical cancer. Kept ovaries. No other treatment needed

February pain in abdomen thought was appendix, found 6-7 cm cyst. PET was clear. Ultrasound in March said it was 1cm with possible rupture but ct from last week says “Cyst with septation versus 2 adjacent cysts associated with the right ovary measure up to 6 cm,”

Head of oncology saying to go ahead with surgery Friday, will remove whole ovary as to not further rupture in case any cancer cells are present or wait and continue imaging. Will keep other ovary. What is best option?

Hi everyone,
I’m looking to hear from women who may have gone through something similar. Also, sorry if there are any mistakes cause English is not my first language.
My diagnosis of moderately differentiated invasive endocervical adenocarcinoma was obtained through a fragment biopsy during a colposcopy in March 2026.
On April 14th, I had a LEEP (I’m not entirely sure if it was a full cone biopsy or just a loop excision procedure). Then on May 2nd, I had both a pelvic MRI and an abdominal CT scan (I was still bleeding at the time, either from the LEEP or my expected period).
Here’s a summary of my results:
The initial biopsy confirmed invasive endocervical adenocarcinoma
The LEEP specimen showed no malignancy, only low-grade dysplasia and inflammation, with clear margins
The MRI still shows a small focal lesion in the cervix with diffusion restriction, but no spread beyond the cervix and no lymph node involvement
The CT scan was essentially normal, with no signs of metastasis
So now I’m in this confusing situation where:
One test confirmed cancer
The LEEP didn’t find it
But the MRI still shows something suspicious
My appointment with the oncologist is on the 11th, and my mind is racing a bit.
Has anyone here had a situation where:
The LEEP or cone biopsy came back clear after an initial cancer diagnosis?
Imaging still showed something afterward?
It turned out to be residual disease vs. just healing/inflammation?
I would really appreciate hearing your experiences — especially what your doctors ended up recommending (monitoring, repeat procedure, surgery, etc.).

Details

INITIAL BIOPSY
Invasive endocervical adenocarcinoma.

CONE BIOPSY (CAF – LOOP ELECTROSURGICAL EXCISION)
Specimen description:
Cone specimen with a suture at 12 o’clock, measuring 2.5 x 2.0 x 0.7 cm.
Macroscopy:
Brown, firm fragment.
Microscopy / Conclusion:
Cervical mucosa with:
Focus of low-grade endocervical dysplasia
Chronic nonspecific cervicitis
Endocervical squamous metaplasia
Nabothian cysts
Presence of foci of foreign body-type giant cell reaction
Old hemorrhage in the stroma
Ectocervical and endocervical surgical margins histologically preserved
Note:
Absence of criteria for malignancy in the submitted specimen

PELVIC MRI
Indication:
Staging of endocervical adenocarcinoma
Findings:
Small focal area centered in the endocervical region between 6 and 7 o’clock, showing slightly hyperintense and heterogeneous signal on T2-weighted sequences, with diffusion restriction, without evidence of parametrial extension
No signs of frank disruption of the cervical stromal ring or extension to the parametrium
No signs of involvement of the uterine body, vagina, or pelvic wall
No lymphadenopathy
No free fluid in the pelvic cavity
Impression:
Small lesion compatible with endocervical adenocarcinoma, restricted to the cervix, without evidence of parametrial, vaginal, vesical, or rectal extension
No suspicious pelvic lymphadenopathy

ABDOMINAL CT SCAN
Findings:
Liver, pancreas, spleen, kidneys, and adrenal glands with preserved appearance
Biliary ducts without dilation
Small and large bowel loops without abnormalities
No lymphadenopathy or free fluid in the peritoneum and retroperitoneum
Abdominal vessels with normal caliber
Poorly distended bladder
Dominant follicle in the right ovary measuring 1.9 cm
Minimal free fluid in the pelvic recess
Conclusion:
Minimal free fluid in the pelvic recess
Dominant follicle in the right ovary

Hi ladies ! I got my surgery pathology results today. Went into surgery as stage 1B2 adenocarcinoma with a 3.2cm tumour and came out of surgery with stage 1B3 with a 4.9cm tumour!!! crazy difference in size. not sure how it wasn’t identified in imaging.

no other risk factors present other than tumour size (8mm margins, no LVSI, no lymph spread, no invasion etc).

anyone in a similar situation? was any treatment recommended for you after surgery?

I’ve been having issues on my 400mg/6 week dose of Keytruda. I have done 3 rounds of it so far, since I finished my 5 cisplatin, 25 radiation, 5 brachy and 200mg/3week dose of Keytruda during that time. The first one gave me major issues (diarrhea, abdominal pain and once in a while nausea) for a couple weeks). I had issues eating stuff that would agree with my GI tract.

I had major life changes within a week after that treatment (broke up with boyfriend of 3+ years, week later my dog was diagnosed with a brain tumor and passed a week after that, then other more typical life challenges). I thought maybe the major stress from all that with it made it worse.

During that time, I tried 6 day steroid pack which didn’t help. Then was on 40 day steroids. It was rough. It helped during (minus the side effects being difficult) but diarrhea started coming back after. I had Keytruda last week and this week had terrible diarrhea again, almost went to the ER and am on 30 day dose of steroids again. 😞

They’ve said dropping to 200mg/3 week dose may not change anything and have mentioned potentially stopping treatment but need to talk further. Has anyone else had issues similar? I still have 14 cycles left and unsure what that would mean for me and reoccurrence.

For background, I was diagnosed stage 3c in September. Was cleared with NED end of March. I am a very healthy 36F otherwise. I’ve really struggled not being able to eat my typical foods, having to constantly focus on rice, bread, chicken etc with no veggies or fruits.

Thank you!!

Hi,

I thought this would be the best place to ask beings as Google has directed me here.

Had a smear that came back stating -

"High-grade dyskaryosis ?invasive squamous cell carcinoma.

Unusual presentation as numerous fibre & tadpole

type cells and scanty high grade epithelial cells in a background of inflammation and blood.

High risk HPV detected"

I only know this as my husband took photos of the paper notes.

I went for my colposcopy today not actually knowing what my smear results were apart from abnormal. The consultant was very blunt and said the smear wasn't good and that they would be doing treatment today with my consent. He said it looked like cancer but obviously they needed to look at things. From googling I can see that it is most definitely cancer.

I agreed to it and they said they would give me a local injection and get on. This was all before he even looked at anything.

I had taken painkillers before but on inserting the speculum I was in agony. He seemed to get annoyed and removed it and said that if I can't cope with it he wouldn't be able to do anything! The nurse basically said the same thing. Said I need to relax - hard when you have just been told it is probable you have cancer!

I asked him to use a smaller speculum which was manageable. I basically lay there with my eyes closed blanking out the whole thing. At some point he said they weren't going to do any treatment as he managed to scrape some cells off. Presuming this was a biopsy.

I asked what was the reasoning behind not doing the treatment and he just said that he managed to get some cells without it. Confused as I thought the treatment was to get rid of all the cells? I am presuming the worse if he could get the cells without treatment.

I asked him about an ectropion I had had for years and he just said it wasn't important - relevance as I was told it was very large and covering a lot of my cervix. I was spotting after having my baby 4 months ago which is why I had the smear test (was also overdue due to pregnancy) although the bleeding has stopped since being on the mini pill.

I was hoping to have a better understanding of everything but the whole thing was so rushed and nothing was really explained. Obviously now I just feel like my world is coming down around me and it's cancer that has probably been there for years. I suffer from health anxiety as it is and it's like I now have a reason to be going straight to the worst case.

Did anyone else have anything similar? What was the wait like for results and next appointments? Were you offered any support for it all? I didn't realise they could tell it was cancer from a smear test so obviously I wasn't prepared to be told it was in the meeting. The consultant was very blunt and didn't offer any information moving forward. This is UK if it makes any difference.

I am 4 months post treatment, chemo and radiation and brachy (the standard lol).

But I am having a huge issue with what I think might be incontinence?

I called the docs but they are very booked up and an hour and a half drive.

They said they don't feel there is concern right now but then I got another call from them asking if my symptoms have increased at all and yes they have!

Most of the day I don't feel it, but then I go to pee and my pad/liner is full. But several times during the day too I will have trickles to gushes. Even if I just came from the bathroom.

Most of the time when I have to pee, I don't feel it until I really need to go.

Ever since diagnosis and treatment my lower back has been really sore, and I get a lot of sharp pains in my abdomen but nothing overly worse unless I push myself too much.

Would it be possible to have a bladder infection/UTI and not be able to tell? I don't have any kind of fever but I just feel really unwell in general.

There's no odor, the fluid has texture in the sense of discharge, but is yellow to dark orange.

I am waiting for doc to call back to see if I should go to a different physician closer to home in the meantime but just wondering about others experiences.

If you have dealt with this, did it feel different than it would before treatment?

Hi everyone 🤍

I’m 30 and was recently diagnosed with Stage IIA cervical cancer. The last few weeks have been the hardest of my life honestly. Everything happened so fast, doctor appointments, cone biopsy, scans, MRI, treatment discussions and now I’m preparing for radiotherapy, chemo and immunotherapy.

One thing that has completely broken me emotionally is losing the ability to carry my own children after radiation. Before starting treatment, I’m doing egg freezing because I’m trying to hold on to the dream of becoming a mom someday, even if it ends up being through surrogacy.

I wanted to ask if anyone here has a positive story after going through this.

Did you freeze eggs or embryos before treatment?
Did you end up using a surrogate?
Did it work?

I think right now I just really need hope from women who survived this and still got their happy ending and became moms somehow after cancer.

I feel so scared that my whole future changed overnight, and hearing real stories from people who truly understand this journey would mean so much to me.
Thank you so much 🎗️🫰🏻

Hi all. I’m 32 years old, and was diagnosed 3C in February of this year. I had my ovarian transposition and bilateral salpingectomy last week, and am scheduled to begin radiation/chemo next week. My dr called me last night to offer immunotherapy as well. I’m assuming the standard Keytruda at the 3 week/6 week intervals for 2 years. I agreed over the phone, but I am definitely nervous.

The side effects seem terrible from what I’ve read. Chemo and radiation side effects seem manageable-ish, and they aren’t lasting for life post-treatment if that makes sense. The immunotherapy side effects I worry are something I’ll take with me forever.

I understand that my life is important - duh. So any chance at a longer one is definitely what I’ll be doing. BUT. I’m 32. I’m physically fit. I have an active job and lifestyle. I’m worried about more visible and physical symptoms besides our tiny tattoos and now my laproscopic scars already. Full discloser - hypothyroidism scares the shit out of me lol. I want to stay (mostly) in control of my body appearance after cancer, and continue life as normally as possible.

Does anyone have any tips/tricks/positive stories or advice they’re willing to share?? I understand this post may come off as vain, and that isn’t my intention I swear 😅 I know some of you will understand wanting to be able to look in the mirror and have it be as normal as it was!

Hi all, wanting to know if others have had similar experiences with frequent/unusual spotting post cone biopsy treatment.

Long story short, I had a LLETZ last year to treat abnormal cells. They then discovered stage 1A1 cancer and as a result I had a cone biopsy to make sure any remaining cells were removed. They also had to do an unplanned laparoscopy as they thought they’d cut too far but everything seemed to come up clear. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have caught this at such an early stage, and even more so to have been given confirmation that there were no more abnormal cells six months on.

What I’m still struggling with is that I’m now nearly a year out from having my cone biopsy and experiencing some pretty persistent spotting. I’d had absolutely no symptoms and an incredibly regular cycle pre treatment. However, post treatment, while my cycle itself is still regular, I now get frequent spotting in the days leading up to my period - to the point of having sometimes 11 days spotting + bleeding all up.

I’m booked in to have an ultrasound and my gynae is adamant it can’t be connected to the original surgery, but obviously the timing all feels a bit coincidental.

I’m interested in whether others have had similar experiences, whether it passed, whether it turned out to be something else - anything to help me understand!

I will be eternally grateful for getting treatment so early on but guess I’m just feeling a bit frustrated that my body now feels worse that when it all began if that makes sense!

So 1 year since initial treatment for stage 3b. First treatment was 5 cisplatin, 25 external radiation and 5 brachy. Been on keytruda every 6 weeks since. Recent CT scans (due to appendicitis) show a 2.5 cm mass on my cervix. Last pet scan in December showed still decreasing uptake (down to nearly nothing). Onc scheduled early pet scan for next week due to the mass showing on my CT. She isnt sure whether its scarring, fatty dead tumor tissue or active tumor returning. Obviously im panicking about it being active tumor cells.

I was hoping maybe some of you lovely ladies would be willing to share your experiences with recurrence so I could get a clearer picture of my options if this is a recurrence. Im curious about the second line treatments and how efficient they are at being possibly curative. Im 41 and my dr has said she does not just want to do chemo treatment to "extend" my time. She wants curative options for me which may include finding a surgeon willing to do a hysterectomy on a patient who has had radiation before. Apparently we are considered high risk. Idk.

I think im just looking for a little bit of positivity and hope. Lord knows ive been thru all the scary negative possibilities in my mind already. I dont want to feel like recurrence is a death sentence. But its hard not to feel that way. Im also anxious because my body did not handle treatment well the first time. I dropped to 85 lbs. Couldnt eat. Couldnt function. They actually couldnt give me my last 2 doses of cisplatin because I had dropped like 25% of my.body weight within 4 weeks. So im extremely nervous about the thought of possibly having to go thru treatment again

I know I am kinda putting the cart before the horse. I dont have my pet scan results yet. But if this process has taught me anything its that being informed and prepared makes all the difference.

So if anyone is willing to share their stories or info regarding recurrence and treatment, I would be greatly appreciative.