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...

[ummmm]

It sounds like he's preparing her for the worse case scenario.

My Mum had cervical cancer in her late 20's. It was successfully treated and she hasn't had a problem since (she's 58 now)

[rowanwitch]

she will probably need lots more investigations ... and that will indicate how extensive any surgery needs to be but wait and see ...a lot will depend on whether it has spread beyond the cervix... and even then it may still be confined to a smallish area, let us know if you get any more info but at the moment no point in panicking she may just need to postpone things while she is undergoing treatment... fingers crossed

[Anngel123]

Macmillan have a free service for support of the person who has cancer and for their friends and family. 0808 808 00 00

Cancer is not the death sentence it used to be by any means. I know it is easy to say "Don't worry", but it could all be a false alarm. It is better to be absolutely certain than not. Meanwhile, if the worst news comes your sister will need you to give her all the love you can. If she wants to talk, let her. If she wants to bawl her eyes out don't be ashamed to cry right along with her. If she prefers not to talk to you and the family give her the number above and urge her to ring them. They know what they are talking about. I wish you all the best in the world.

Lots of love.
Ann

[fliptheswitch]

Thanks for the answers. I know it's almost jumping the gun, but I just needed to get it off my chest and talk to someone. I've obviously spoken to my sister, and my family about it, but sometimes it's easier to talk on here. I feel I have to be positive in front of my family, and say everything will be ok, but what if it's not? I know I shouldn't even be thinking like that, but I just can't help it. I feel sick to the pit of my stomach.
I've told her not to even think about things like Uni, and her job (she's 26 by the way) and that we'll face the non-important stuff another time... if it comes to that. She said the nurse told her they'd have to "take everything out" if she had to have surgery, so she was devastated about that too. I told her that her health is the most important thing, and that if it meant getting rid of the "C" then that's the only thing that matters. I just think she's now faced with so many things to think about, and I can't even begin to imagine how she must be feeling. It's really nice to hear than your Mum was successfully treated, and that's what I keep telling myself... that is can be cured/beaten. She's young, fit and healthy, and I just keep thinking how unfair life can be.
I'm praying for her with all my heart that she's ok, but I feel sick at the thought of it being the other thing. I've had a look at the Macmillan site, where I've read up a bit on it. Thanks for the number though, I will definitely speak to her about it after we know for sure what's happening.
We're all getting together this evening, just to try and support her a bit and take her mind of everything... which I know is easier said than done.
She's staying over at my other sisters house, so she can be with her when the nurse calls in the morning. The consultant told her "don't be on your own when we call with the results".
I do hope it's just a case of "preparing her for the worst", it would literally be the best news in the world, if they say it's nothing to worry about.

I will, of course, let you know what the outcome is.

Thanks again.

[johnk]

Stay positive Flip, the last thing your sister needs is for you to fall apart. Stay strong for her.

[fliptheswitch]

Thanks John. I woke up this morning with just a feeling of emptiness, like I just feel really deflated.
I will be completely different when I see her later, though. I'll try and be as positive as I can. Thanks again.

[chrissa1]

My thoughts are with you. keep strong.

[rowanwitch]

ok so they are possibly expecting to do a radical hysterectomy... huge deal emotionally for a young woman of 26 and likely to be followed with radiotherapy and or chemo... she will need lots of support...
Because of her age they will probably give her all the radical treatments in the book as she will be able to cope physically with the side effects..

You will need to be there to help with the black days as well as going out and enjoying the good ones.. still might not be as bad as they have hinted...

I hope you get some more encouraging news tomorrow

[NoMercy]

I had to have a colposcopy at 21.

I think it's a disgrace that women are not called for smears until the age of 25 now.

[rowanwitch]

Especially as so many are active so young... I'd like them to start at 18 really
At least they'd be able to pick up and treat the disease in the early stages

[fliptheswitch]

I've just been reading about the radical hysterectomy. I think that's the positive, that she is young and healthy. She doesn't smoke, rarely drinks and is very active and fit.
With regards to the screening issue, that's the thing, she says she's had these stomach and back pains for over a year!

For anyone that believes in god, please pray for her. I've always called myself an "atheist", but it's amazing how times like this make you ask for help...

[anneasquith]

flip, im so sorry to read your posts........ i will indeed pray for your sister and send her very best wishes, and know its easy for me to say, but lets hope tomorrow your sister will get good news.. please keep us informed... anne

[fliptheswitch]

Thanks Anne, that's kind of you. I feel so selfish, moaning... when god knows what she's going through right now. I just feel so gutted for her.
But yes, as you say, lets see what tomorrow brings. I will definitely post an update and let you know.

[anneasquith]

flip, will someone be going with her to the hospital tomorrow ?

[fliptheswitch]

They're phoning her, Anne. She went all by herself on Monday, as she said she didn't want to worry any of us! The nurse told her that she doesn't want to go into details over the phone, but basically if they phone and tell her to go in, then it's obviously not good news. The consultant also told her "not to be on her own" when she receives the call... which doesn't exactly sound positive. She's staying at my other sisters tonight, so she has people around her tomorrow.

[anneasquith]

shes with family flip, thats important, ill look out for your posts tomorrow,

[BAKERS DOZEN]

My lovely daughter-in-law has just been told that she has months to live due to cancer at the base of her spine which has now spread into both lungs. They have not yet celebrated their third wedding anniversay. We've known for a while that she is not well but for it to be put into words by her specialist is just too much to bear. I do hope your sister can keep a positive outlook on things whatever the result. She can go back to university, she may lose her womb but if it saves her life then so be it. My thoughts are with you and your family. Fingers crossed.

[anneasquith]

BD, oh my, what dreadful news, all i can offer you all is best wishes and prayers.

[fliptheswitch]

Thanks, Anne.
BD, that is absolutely awful, as has reduced me to tears. I can't even think about that with my sister, although I also can't seem to stay positive.
I've told her not to worry about the hysterectomy thing, as her life is far, far more important. It was heartbreaking when my Mum told me she was crying down the phone to her, asking whats going to happen to her.

[nannybooby]

Flip ,so sorry to hear about your sister and will pray for her of course.It is always a good idea to take someone with you when you go to the specialist for something like this, you cant take in everything that is said on your own so a second brain is helpfull, just need not to get too emotionial if you are the 2nd brain. Also I find it helpful to make a note of any questions I have and take the list in with me. Hope that it will come to a happy ending.