Jill S's story
Experiences of cervical cancer and treatment
Hi, My name is Jill, I'm 47 years old, married with one daughter.
In September 2007, I had a clear smear, as I always had every 3 years. In the following months I notice a tiny amount of blood. I thought nothing of this as it was tiny. This spot of blood continued for a few weeks, so I decide to visit my G.P. He said it was probably my age, but he would refer me to a gynaecologist. I received an appointment for 4th March and I was so confident when I arrived at the hospital. The doctor examined me and I could tell by his face that he had found something he didn't like. From that moment I knew I had cancer. My family were devastated. I tried to be positive, but inside I was terrified. The following week I had to return to hospital for the results, I already knew what they would be. Sure enough on the 11th March I was diagnosed with cervical cancer, my whole world just fell apart.
I was referred to the Queen Elizabeth hospital and from that moment things changed. I was told my tumour was 1b1 and I could have surgery to remove it. I was sent for MRI, which gave me positive news, no lymph node involvement and the cancer hadn't spread. This news was fantastic, I was so relieved. Mentally I was in a shocking state, I had to get some tablets from the doctor just to get me to hospital.
On the 7th April 2008, I had a Radical Hysterectomy, I also decide to have my ovaries removed, as I was 45 and felt I no longer needed them. With hindsight I don't know if I would still have them removed, but at the time I just wanted to rid my body of anything which may cause my cancer to return.
My recovery was long and slow, I was very poorly. When my recovery started, it was wonderful, just to start to feel normal again. The day after my surgery my consultant prescribed HRT and I’ve never had a hot flush in 2 years.
My after care at the Q.E was amazing and the Macmillan nurses were always there to support me. The worst thing after my surgery was the fear of the cancer returning. Taking my HRT caused me to gain 7lbs, which I wasn't happy about, so I changed to some different tablets but I felt sick with them. Once again I decide to change to patches this time. These made me feel better, but I suffered dreadful itching, especially my eyes. So I went to see my consultant and she prescribed yet another type which I'm still taking and I do feel quite good with. Generally I think I'm a bit of a pain and am expecting too much from myself and my HRT. I hope to feel as I did before my surgery and I know that's not going to happen.
My surgeon is amazing, she has been very patient with me, if I'm worried about anything, she always sees me within a couple of days at the end of her clinic.
HRT has caused me to gain 9lbs in 2 years, which I'm not happy about, however I am eternally grateful to the people who saved my life. HRT, is a minefield of conflicting information and at times I have found the subject to be very frustrating, there are very few experts in this field. I would recommend any woman having her ovaries removed, or who has had Radio-therapy, to take HRT. It's all trial and error with HRT, so don't settle for one until you are happy with it. Keep asking your GP or consultant to try different types until you find the right one for you.
On 7th April it will be 2 years since my Radical Hysterectomy and I feel really well. I do everything that I did before my surgery. I do have down days and days when I'm frightened, but time does definitely heal mind and body. I'm proud of myself, for coming out of this and feeling well, I am a stronger, braver person for my experience. I couldn't have come through this so well, if it hadn't been for my wonderful family.
I am so grateful to everybody who helped me. Jill xxx
Last updated: 07/10/2011
