Cervical Cancer.
I’ve never known anyone who has gone through cancer, but now here I am facing it myself.
I was prompted to have my Pap test after getting the reminder notice for my breast screen. Knowing I had had abnormal results from my last Pap test (although my Dr confirmed at one appointment that my Pap test did need to be done, I put off doing it that day) I thought I might as well book the Pap test in the same week as my breast screen. You know, get them both out of the way and check them off the list.
October 20th 2015, Pap test – check
On October 27th 2015 at 2:30 pm, I took the call that changed everything.
I was told I had cervical cancer. No re-testing and no ifs or buts, it was real and happening to me.
The conversation with the doctor was just a blur. He told me I was to attend hospital on the Friday. We had planned a fantastic weekend away with a great bunch of friends since February and Friday we were going sea kayaking around the South Peninsular of Tasmania with the seals. The weekend was a terrific distraction for myself and hubby – a time to enjoy life.
It was arranged for me to attend Royal Hobart Hospital on Monday the 2nd of November 2015. A colposcopy and a biopsy was performed and we were given a little more information. I have a 4 cm tumour at the top of my cervix. The next step was arranging an MRI and PET scan to find out how big and far this tumour had spread.
I also had another goal for this year and cervical cancer wasn’t going to stop me from doing it! On the 8th of November I survived Triple Top Mountain Run, running 19.7 km over 3 mountains with spectacular scenery. Trail running is something I love doing and has given me the strength of mind to get though all that’s going on. I would have much rather stayed up on the mountains just a little longer.
Back to my cancer story, I was fortunate enough to have the MRI and PET scan on the 11th of November 2015. An appointment was booked for the 13th of November to receive the results and discuss the best way to approach this Cancer. I have a 5 cm Glandular Adenocarcinoma and nothing else… phew!
So a hysterectomy has been booked for the 24th of November 2015, which is in just 2 days time and 4 weeks from when I was told I had cervical cancer. I have been so overwhelmed by how quickly this has all happened to me and also the support from all my friends.
I am hoping the hysterectomy will be the end of my cervical cancer story, although I know life will change and I will have a few more challenges to face with recovery.
I am so grateful for the life I have and the people in it, you are all so special. xxx
Update from Lynnda – December 2nd, 2015:
“Just the best news…. cancer free!!! My very short five week long cancer journey has changed everything for me. I am so grateful for the doctors and nursing staff, they do an amazing job! I am so thankful for the support of my amazing partner, family, running buddies and friends. Being able to write my story prior to surgery helped with my acknowledgement of what was happening. Thank you ACCF. I am very much an ambassador for Pap tests now, mine saved my life xx ?”