Decision for treatment>Radical hyst or Chemoradiation?

sorrento · Regular Joined: 06 May 2008 Posts: 13

I was recently diagnosed with Cerv cancer - tumor is 6cm. PET/CT show that it is isolated in the cervix. My doc gave me 2 options : opt1 - radical hyst; lymph node dissection and 50/50 chance i may need lower dose chemoradiation after the surgery or opt2 - higher doses of chemoradiation.

Has anyone in this forum done either options? Opt1 sounds like a lot major surgery with many alterations and possible major side effects. in the end still possible chemoradiation Opt2 - sounds like major side effects as well. Any thoughts on why opt 1 is better than opt 2 or vice versa?

I'm completely overwhelmed with the vague info on the internet.

smisyk

hi, i also have cervical cancer, appx stage 1b - i have radical hysterectomy scheduled for may 20th, but everything takes so long the tumor is now quite large and they may now want to do radiation. i meet with the surgeon next week and i think they are going to suggest that. I think i prefer hysterectomy, but not sure what is better. I can't give you any advice as to which way you should go- i am interested in your progress though and decision - i share your frustration ! I sooo much want this behind me...!

sorrento · Regular Joined: 06 May 2008 Posts: 13

My radical hyst is scheduled for May 21st. My doc warned me that there is a 50/50 chance chemoradiation will follow.

smisyk

[quote="sorrento"]My radical hyst is scheduled for May 21st. My doc warned me that there is a 50/50 chance chemoradiation will follow.[/quote]

Hi - Just curious to know if you had a cone biospy and the appx time frame that it has taken to get your surgery date, etc. I found out about Feb 15th by colposcopy that i had cancer, i then had cone biopsy about a month after that. I was told that the benchmark date from cone to hyst is about 6 weeks, ideally. I will be 10 weeks before i can get surgery and not too comforting when you have cancer growing in your system.. i hope all goes well for you. I think if given the option, the surgery is preferred and then if needed - radiation, i guess whatever it takes!!

sorrento · Regular Joined: 06 May 2008 Posts: 13

I believe I had my first biopsy around the first week of April - 10th/11th - my gyn also did a colposcopy at that time. Then soon after the results she referred me to a gyn oncologist who did another series of biopsies, PET/CT Scan. She wanted to get me in for surgery sooner - 9th - but I got scared and wanted to get a second opinion and talk to someone who got this done before. And since she will be on vacation next week the next available is 21st. I would say if anything she was adamant that we move very quickly to remove it.

In

sorrento, smisyk.... Hi to both of you- I'm so sorry i haven't replied earlier.

I have a whole massive blog on my own cervical cancer. The Link is in my signature at the bottom, if you wish to read.

With a radical Hysterectomy, you have more chances to suceed then not to have. With Cervical Cancer, if you don't get it all, or have the hysterectomy anbd it does spread, then it is really had to survive. As it spreads to the rest of the body so quick.

Myself I can't make you decide, and by your posts- i'd say you have made a decision.

I would have done the same, Hysterectomy and chemo- or radiation, to me, would be the best thing. The more extensive, but the more sucess to getting it all- for good.

Let us know how you go, and feel free to post as much as you wish to. Even , maybe, the teo of you say a little story- how you found out, how you felt, etc.. Might help yourself and others.
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Thinking of you Inica

*Administrator*

~Nose Cancer~
~Car Accident- Broken Back, Ribs, Spleen
Sternum~
~Continous Cervical Cancer~

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sorrento · Regular Joined: 06 May 2008 Posts: 13

Here's my story - not much really. I went in for a physical exam with the thought of talking to the dr about conceiving again at age 45. We'd been happily married for almost 25 years have 2 wonderful kids 23 & 20.

I have not been prompt about going in for physical exams nor for yearly pap but wanting to conceive at my age my husband thought I'd better go see a doctor first. Also that lately I have noticed some slight spotting in between periods - and I assume that these were pre-menopausal signs. From my perspective there was no reason for concern - i've always had irregular periods. At one point I did not menstruate for months.

My GP had problems with my pap as I was bleeding during the examination. Shortly after the results came in she referred me to a gyn who did another pap and confirmed that she is seeing a rather sizable mass. Then an ultrasound, biopsy and colposcopy confirmed that it is cervical cancer size of about 6cm and I would likely need a radical hyst. She referred me to a gyn oncologist who did another biopsy then a PET/CT. And now here we are - getting ready for the radical hyst and lymph node dissection on 5/21. She said there's a 50/50 chance I might need chemoradiation after the surgery.

Would anyone have a recommendation for an exercise or workout regimen that I could do to prepare for this ordeal to help with recovery?

smisyk

hi there, I have been doing pilates and walking and light weight exercises to get ready for this surgery. It sounds like we are very similar in our staging, etc. Here (I am in Vancouver BC Canada) they do a cone biopsy first for pathology and sometimes hope to get it, in my case they could not, i had that done March 11th) - I still actually question that step because the gyn indicated the tumor looked to be beyond the cone step but that is the required step and all they can do at that time. I then had to wait 3 weeks for those results and 3 more weeks after that the get to the Cancer agency. Finally, they schedule surgery, ideally they want it in 2-3 weeks but can't get time in the OR so it will be 5 weeks. Very frustrating. I guess through all of this i am mostly mad at myself for not getting regular pap test, i have always been normal and i ended up not getting one for 2 1/2 years - and here now i have cancer. I am 43 and i guess a common age for this, i always get my mammograms, etc. I know we are all responsible for our own health but there is something about getting that little reminder from the cancer agency in the mail that it is time for your mammogram - that makes it seem a little more important, i think they should do the same for paps.
Anyway, take care & thanks also Inica for your comments.
sherry

In

sorrento,

I hear that you've had the hysterecomy and at home- Good to hear the lymph nodes are clear!!! congratulatrions, I hope you are well, and as pain free as can be.

Give us a little story about how it went, what they did, how you felt etc- IF you want that is.

Again- congratulations.
_________________
Thinking of you Inica

*Administrator*

~Nose Cancer~
~Car Accident- Broken Back, Ribs, Spleen
Sternum~
~Continous Cervical Cancer~

My Story-
http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=6731

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9 Lives and still kicking Smile

sorrento · Regular Joined: 06 May 2008 Posts: 13

When they confirmed cervical cancer, doc gave me 2 options: opt1 radical hyst, lymphnode dissection, and possible lower dose chemoradiation after surgery or Opt2: higher dose of straight chemoradiation.

I opted for #1 - had my surgery on 5/21 (wed). Here are my milestones: they had me start a short walk the next day, more walks on Friday then had my Iv removed and accomplished next milestone - passed gas, catheter removed on Saturday with the option that if I was not able to empty my bladder without the catheter I've had to go home with them. Luckily it went well and came home that saturday (5/24), started weaning myself from Vicodin immediately and stopped pain pills by the 2nd day after I came home. So far, the only pain I've had in the hospital is from the abdominal muscle area feeling sharp soreness - no internal pain, occasional mild discomfort feeling like a light menstrual cramp. Recovery improves daily.

I might be starting to experience the beginnings of menopause as I started getting night sweats.

Today is the 10th day and I went with my husband to Costco. Really more of a walk exercise.

Yes there are discomforts, I have not been sleeping that well - just not as comfortable sleeping on my back as on my side. But that too shall pass. I can tell that my bladder is still healing from being a participant in all the shuffle during the surgery. I'm trying to be very careful with what I eat to make BM's easier.

Doc said the pathology report showed no cancer on the lymph nodes, but the cancer was yet bigger than expected. Surgery took 4 hours because they went back and removed more tissue around the vaginal wall which is where the cancer begun moving to. There are blood vessels in the cancer so lucky that we got it removed inspite of my delaying the originally scheduled surgery. this cancer grew very fast - I recall the reading of 3.34mm during the ultrasound and within 3-4 weeks became 6cm.

I will report here what the prognosis is on Monday - if I will need chemoradiation. This site has been very helpful and informative. thanks for being here.

In

The Forum And this thread has been better because of you, and your brave posting of your own experiances.

I'm glad that the opp, has been done. That finally it is removed and you are getting there. You must be a strong and brave person. Your attitude is coming through- to kick this thing in the butt.

Thank you for all your support and advice to others. It is very valued.
_________________
Thinking of you Inica

*Administrator*

~Nose Cancer~
~Car Accident- Broken Back, Ribs, Spleen
Sternum~
~Continous Cervical Cancer~

My Story-
http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=6731

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9 Lives and still kicking Smile

sorrento · Regular Joined: 06 May 2008 Posts: 13

I just got back from doctor with my pathology reports. The cancer although a sizeable mass, was growing out instead of in - good news Smile

although because of its size, it did start growing to the vaginal wall but was removed.

I still have to do vaginal radiation starting in 3 weeks and no chemo!! It goes for 6 weeks 3x a week. I will keep in touch to report my progress.

Once again, thanks to this forum for letting me talk about my experience.

smisyk

Sorrento, I am so happy for your news and that your surgery went well, i am sure you are feeling much relieved to have the surgery behind you. I started chemo and radiation today. I will have chemo once a week (cisplatin) and radiation each day, so far i feel fine, mostly very relieved to have started treatment. I hope this tumor starts shrinking soon!
thks for your story,
sherry

sorrento · Regular Joined: 06 May 2008 Posts: 13

Thank you and Good luck to you as well, smisyk!!! Keep in touch...

To anyone out there reading these posts - please keep in mind that all is not bad just because one is diagnosed with cancer and/or going through treatments. Here smisyk and myself - we have taken different paths but both doing good... Keep the faith - it really does work

In

Both of you are amazing- and good to see your both still here posting. Alot of people come in to post their fears( which is great) but they post surgery or some treatment- or that everything is fine- and vanish,

So it's great to "hear" from you both, and great for the information and experiance you have both have- so others can read- Thanks
_________________
Thinking of you Inica

*Administrator*

~Nose Cancer~
~Car Accident- Broken Back, Ribs, Spleen
Sternum~
~Continous Cervical Cancer~

My Story-
http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=6731

Smile

9 Lives and still kicking Smile

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