Health

Radical hysterectomy due to cervical cancer – Amanda’s story

November 4, 2015

Hi well, what a whirlwind it’s been. I’m 44, married and a busy mum of 3. Had my first abnormal smear in July which resulted in an LLETZ procedure in early August. 4 weeks later when I thought things must be ok I was called to see the consultant and was diagnosed with cervical cancer on 4th September. CT, MRI and several appointments later I was booked in for a radical hysterectomy, removal of both ovaries and lymph node dissection on 21st September.

Due to be a keyhole but it ended up as an abdominal and unfortunately had internal bleeding the next day resulting in blood transfusions and an 8-day stay in hospital. Came home and what a mix of emotions, struggled to come to terms with the early menopause – never realised it would come on that quick!

Coupled with the surgery and cancer diagnosis it has been a tough few weeks. Have had great support from friends and have found this site and daily emails invaluable. Knew I’d lost ‘my sparkle’ and was emotionally up n down so I called Macmillan who were also really supportive and reassured me that everything I was experiencing was normal.

I’m now 6 weeks post-op and still losing brown type fluid (possible granulation) but seeing a consultant at 8 weeks to get this checked. Have also just started really leaking fluid which I have no idea what it is but know it’s not normal! Just waiting for an appointment to get this checked too. Just started on HRT so hoping I won’t be drenching the bed or ripping my jumper off for much longer!!

All in all, it’s tough for us ladies going through all of this but I would just say listen to your bodies, don’t overdo it, try and maintain a sense of humour and use this site as the ‘hysterectomy bible’ and if you need help to speak out. I feel so much better knowing I’m not turning into ‘a mad woman’ and all my thoughts, feelings, swellings & niggles are normal. Happy recovery everyone x

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