squamous carcinoam invasion in parametrial

HI,

I am 43, been healthy until abnormal pap smear April 27, 2009.   May 8th I had a cone biopsy done, and  May 26, had a radical hysterectomy, and based on tissue biopsys and results from surgery, My tumor was grade 3.  I have been advised to have radiation and chemo to get the squamous carcinoma that is in my parametriam.

I have never been sick in my life...not even the flu.  I am nervous about the road ahead.  I have FMLA leave until July 9th with the hysto, but will I need additional time off?  What am I looking at.?

I was told possibly 4 weeks of rad/chemo.  I am also researching side effects - short and long term.

Anyone else have the same experience? Any advise?   I am ready to get all of the cancer out of me.  I just got home from the hospital yesterday and I am in bed ...researching......

I am scared!

Soon to be "Cancer Free"

Emkay TX

First, let me wish you all the luck and prayer that I can offer for a speedy and fast recovery.  As for your pap being normal and now it comes back abnomal, same happened with me.  I"m 35  years old, going in tomorrow morning for a cone out-patient treatment.  I have a 15 year old daughter, and just had a baby 9 months ago.  All has been well up up to this point, it's very strange.  But.....the health industry will dollar you to death, and I have a great doctor but they want to do this test, and that test, and this test agian..etc. It's bad that we have the stress of things but to put the financial problem on to of it is just cruel.

Hey there.

I was diagnosed with stage 3a April 21 and had a radical hysterectomy May 12.  I am scheduled to start chemoradiation next Monday.  I had been having a hard time finding information that gave me what to expect personally from this treatment, and found this blog cancerlost.blogspot.com of a stage 3b cervical cancer survivor.  Although her experience is extreme (I believe) she is willing to answer any questions, and I feel like the answers we want can only come from someone who's been through it.

Crossing fingers with you!

Banthaman

I just finished chemo/radiation one month ago for stage 2A.  I didn't have severe side effects but some people do.  You will definitely have fatigue.  I was able to continue to drive myself but they said some people can't. The fatigue tends to hit about 2 weeks in.  You could probably still work but might need to go to sleep when you get home.  Some people also get severe diarrhea.  I had some diarrhea once or twice but really no issues.  My biggest issue was a lack of appetite and constantly feeling hungover in my stomach.  It really isn't all that bad and treatment takes about 8 weeks, max.  If you are doing brachytherapy (internal radiation), they spread it out a little.  I am happy to say that my radiation got rid of my tumor but I won't have a scan until another 3 months to make sure nothing spread.  Good luck.