I am told I have to have a pelvic exenteration

I was diagnosed with cervical cancer in October.  Had radiation, chemo then internal radiation.  Tests in January showed I was possibly in remission.  New PET scan and biopsies show cancer cells survived treatment.  Doctor says it is contained in cervix and does not appear to have spread.  He says to be able to cure me I will have to have the pelvic exenteration surgery.  I am 44 yrs old and scared to death.  I know this is life changing and I am trying to stay as upbeat as possible.  I am looking for people who have been through this procedure to help me know what to expect and know what questions to ask when I meet the surgeons.  Plus, I have 3 children at home - 12, 14, and 16.  I want to be able to set the correct expectations for them and let them have all the information ahead of time to, I don't want them to be more scared then they have to be.  If you can help, I would appreciate it.  Thank youl.

Explain please, exenteration? Why do you have your cervix? Why didn't they do a hysterectomy? I had one at age 40 for endometriosis and polyps-no cancer. I was home after two nights in hospital. I was playing pool (no breaking for two weeks!) the next night. The worst part was the shoulder pain from the carbon dioxide exiting my system. At age 46 I turned up with stage IV Ovarian cancer and had de-bulking surgery. It was more intense than the previous surgery. But, all in all, not  too scary.  I was in hospital two nights. I always drink tons of water in the hospital. And try to get off the catheter as soon as I can to start walking. So, I could have been in longer if I didn't do that. I am interested to know what this surgery is like. I would think , rule of thumb; no lifting. So, your teens will need to have more chores. Kids take on responsibilty well, so let them! If they have 'jobs' they will focus on that. Being useful should take their minds off of being scared mama! Oh, and you stop being too scared. There are plenty of studies that show that won't help you heal! ( A little scared is o.k.  :)

thx for your reply.  I couldn't have a hysterectomy before because the tumor was too big.  After the round of radiation and chemo, it was too dangerous with all my organs radiated.  This surgery will require a full and complete hysterectomy - everything removed, removing the bladder, vagina and rectum.  Dr has advised I'll be hosp 7-10 days.  He is hoping from what tests show to only partially remove my vagina and rectum, and if I'm lucky to have clear margins, he will reconnect my bowel and rectum so I will only have that bag for 8 weeks.  I will have a urine bag for the rest ofmy life.  This surgery is going to be rough, but it is better than the alternative.  Believe me, my kids know that the only thing I'm allowed to do for 8 weeks is walk.  They have to do everything else.  Not a bad recovery to be waited on for 8 weeks.  :)

I hope you r feeling better by now. I had mine last year at Sloan Kettering. I'm doing ok, just have bowel issues from surgeries I had. I have an osteomy. If u want to ask me anything. Please do. I would have written u sooner but just got on the web site. By the way,, I'm 20 years older than u so u will bounce back quicker. Take care.