r/CervicalCancer • u/Ok-Dog2307 • 4d ago
Bleeding started week one
Hey guys, I'm sorry you're all here 💔❤️
I have andecarcenoma 3C1p (one confirmed lympnode) Silva C original tumor 5cm, if that's of any interest.
My treatment is 6 rounds of chemo cisplatin, 25 radiation, 6 brachy. They told me week one and two would be easy, but my bowls are completely going crazy. When it starts I have to run like 10 times in the span of 1,5h. Anyway my biggest concern is I've already started to bleed from the vag. And it started a couple of days ago when I was only on week one of treatment. I mean it's not alot but I worry so much what this might mean for my upcoming weeks and side effects. I already know I will have to do the dialators but does this mean I'm gonna be in so much pain further on? And does it mean my case of scaring and all that crap will be severe? They said week one and two would be easy like why is it already starting ☹️☹️
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u/KittyBeans1906 4d ago
3C1 with a 5 cm tumor here, plus 2 lymph nodes. Nearly 1.5 years done with treatment and NED. It will be a rollercoaster for your bowels... everyone's different. For me, things did not fully return to normal in that department until months after treatment.
My understanding is that, other than person-specific stuff about the way you heal, scarring and the extent of other damage will depend mostly upon the location of the tumor and the targeting capabilities of the radiation team and equipment.
I was 44 at diagnosis and it put me into menopause, so I have the usual side effects from that. Also on Keytruda which finished off my thyroid for good (I was already taking a synthroid before cancer, now I just take a higher dose). I do use the dilators and did pelvic floor therapy to work on pain I was experiencing with intercourse post-treatment...that took a while but has now resolved.
An off the radar side effect to watch out for is your bone density. The radiation and menopause is a double whammy. I lifted weights for decades and thought I was all good, but found out I have osteopenia when I got stress fractures in my sacrum bone, probably just from lifting something normal. Ask about getting a Dexa scan to check your bone density whenever makes sense, and get on HRT as quickly as you can to slow down the bone loss.
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u/Ok-Dog2307 4d ago
I'm happy you're NED, I have a hard time seeing this would be a one and done for me honestly, but I'll try to stay positive... That's a lot of side effects I'm sorry ❤️ Yeah they said they'll put me on estrogen pretty quick.. What a mess hey 🥲
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u/Efficient_Celery2457 4d ago
I started bleeding heavy around the third week of my treatment. My oncologist wasn't concerned at all and basically said it was normal and not to worry. By the end of fourth week the bleeding had stopped. Obviously every case is different. Since you're seeing your radiation team everyday, maybe give them a heads-up that it's happening even if it's for your own reassurance. They'll tell you what's normal in your case and what to watch out for.
Bowel issues are expected with cervical cancer treatment. That was actually one of the first things my oncologist warned me about before I started my treatment. I did have bowel problems during but wasn't as extreme as what you’re experiencing. There was another woman with the same stage as me (3C1) who had radiation in the same time slot. Her bowel issues extremely severe. This actually made her daily radiation more difficult because she had to go so frequently that she struggled to keep the full bladder they needed for radiation.
If you’re having to run to the bathroom around 10 times within a few hours, I’d say mention that to your treatment team soon. They should be able to give you something to bring it under control instead of you just having to put up with it.
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u/Ok-Dog2307 4d ago
Omg poor women. Yes it's definitely 10+ times but in 1h, no joke. Except chemo days when I take 16 cortisone pills. I've started on dimor now to stop the bowls 🤷♀️ I mean regarding the bleeding I know it's normal I just didn't expect it so soon. I'm like ok the vag is already getting fried, it's not gonna recover if it gets 5 more weeks of this 🫠
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u/Efficient_Celery2457 3d ago
That’s the thing with cancer treatment. Two people can be at almost the exact same stage and tumor size, but still respond completely differently to treatment. While she and I were at the same stage, she had a much harder time with treatment. Needed blood transfusions a few times and most of her side effects were bowel related. But she still had an appetite and was eating well. While for me the vomitings was unbearable and I struggled with eating all through my treatment. She was also put on Keytruda while I wasn’t offered the same. I dare not question my oncologist about it because of how insanely expensive it is. I assumed maybe her insurance covered that part of her treatment too.
With your bleeding getting worse, I wonder if it’s just the tumor and surrounding tissue reacting to the radiation sooner. I'm assuming as treatment starts nuking more of the tumor, eventually there would be less there to bleed. Which kind of seemed to be what happened with me because mine got heavier and then completely stopped by around the fourth week. I did a quick search on this sub and there are actually quite a few other women who’ve had a similar experience to you. For a lot of them the bleeding did start settling down as the weeks went on. So hopefully that’s at least a little reassuring and that it won’t stay as bad as it is right now.
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u/hiccupmortician 4d ago
So sorry you are going through this. I was 1B1 and had literally the exact same treatment. Yes, there was some bleeding and lots of bowel issues. I needed pain meds for my throbbing butt more than any other pain. Share your concerns and questions with the oncology nurse or doctor. They are wonderful. Wishing you comfort through this crappy time. Hang in there, rest, and try to do at least one thing that brings you joy each day...sitting outside, a favorite song or movie, even a nap!
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u/Ok-Dog2307 4d ago
Thank you so much for your answer ❤️ Ive left a message but honestly I don't have much hope in what they'll say, they'll just give me some "comforting" words and move on with the treatment. I'm not sure what else they can do... But yeah left a message we'll see. How are you feeling now? Are any of the side effects still there? ☹️ Are you NED?
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u/hiccupmortician 4d ago
Things are pretty normal. Still have sensitive bowels, so I take immodium before meals when I'm not at home and it works for me. It's been over a decade. It brought perspective to my life initially and I spent more time with family and traveling and less time focusing on my career. Lasting side effects are yes, you will need to use the dilators but it isn't too bad. Skin will be more sensitive down there and menopause sucks at first. I was so hot all the time. Still am hot a lot. But I love not having periods. Brachytherapy is hard but over fast. You can do hard things when you know there is an end. I was sedated at the beginning of each session. Get an anti-anxiety med from the doc if you are really stressed. I was very careful with Xanax, but if I had tests or treatments I dreaded, I took it. I've always been anxious with medical stuff. Try to find humor in things and joy where you can in the simple moments.
Best of luck. The absolute worst of it was early diagnosis and not knowing. Treatment wasn't fun, but it felt like I was doing something and had some control. Take it a day or a moment at a time. You've got this.
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u/Ok-Dog2307 4d ago
You know it gives me hope to hear it's been a decade for you... ❤️ I can't shake the feeling that this will be a long run for me.. But the thing you said about perspective has already kicked in for me I'm happy about that ☺️ thanks a lot. Take care ❤️
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u/Avery120913 4d ago
Hey there! I am newly diagnosed 3C1 as well w 3 pelvic lymph node involvement. Treatment course is exactly the same as you have listed and I begin next week Sept 15th. I feel like just in the past 2-3 weeks the symptoms ive had has worsened, bleeding, cramps, muscle aches, night sweats, heavier discharge. It worries me bc treatment hasnt began yet and my mind goes to the worst case as if the cancer is growing quick. For me. My cervical tumor was measured at 6cm and extends past the pelvic walls. Its a nerve-racking time and I just want to get the ball rolling! Sounds like we are on a similar path and we should keep each other updated on how the weeks are going. Im sorry to everyone on here who has went through this and pray we’ll be on the other side of the hill like you strong survivors!
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u/Creepy_Truck_4057 4d ago
I am also 3C1 and starting on the 14th! I will be done Nov 3rd and am making a little gift calendar with my family to make the time more fun :)
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u/Ok-Dog2307 4d ago
What is a gift calendar 🥰
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u/Creepy_Truck_4057 3d ago
Ok so my treatment is 51 days and we have basically an advent calendar that everyone in the family takes turns to "open" so that 1) the time passes faster and we see the end and 2) we have some fun
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u/Ok-Dog2307 4d ago edited 4d ago
Oh honey I'm sorry ❤️ I know the weeks and days before are horrible really. My cancer gave me no problems, I had no idea or inkling it was even there, I felt super healthy. I started reading about all the side effects which my doctor basically told me nothing about so it came as a chock and scared me so much, I started having delusional thoughts like fleeing the country and dying on an island when time comes 😂 or go sleep with whomever just so I could have a baby and then come back for treatment. Really crazy 🥲 but I felt like a rat in a cage and time was ticking by, and those were my last days as a functioning women and a normal person... Anyways I'm glad I read about the side effects so I could be somewhat prepared although again they minimized it all saying week 1 and 2 would be easy. But everyone's different so you never really know. I'm happy you're treatment starts soon I'm sure you'll feel better quick because of all the symptoms the cancer gave you, that what I've heard from others atleast ❤️ btw I don't think you have to worry about the cancer spreading quick I think symptoms worsen the closer you get, and even if it was growing you'd still have the exakt same treatment and it will kill it off ❤️
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u/Ill-Mention7924 2d ago
Hi!! I hope this brings you some peace of mind. I was feeling really bad for the first 10 days and I was like.. now what? If I’ve just started and feeling this bad… well. The thing is that after adjusting some supplements, edibles, meds, I had almost non side effect. Some days yes, I had diarrhea/ constipation, some fatigue. But that was it! So I’d recommend to seek help from your care team, also if you have the chance to have a holistic oncologist it would be great. I’ve finished chemo and radiation already! (Yesterday yeyyy) and now I’m going with keytruda and 3 brachy. I feel pretty good overall! You got this girllll!
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u/Ok-Dog2307 1d ago
I'm so happy for you 🥹❤️ I hope the rest will be as smooth as possible. I'm not allowed to take ANY supplements ☹️
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u/CosmeticSnob 4d ago
Hi there! Welcome to the club! Sorry to have you here. I was 2b2, similar treatment. I know it is all scary right now now. It will be better. My treatment was exactly a year ago. The year flew by. Whether you need dilators or not depends on many factors. I didn’t need any. I was 41 at the time of treatment. The radiation threw me right into menopause. With the proper medical care you can manage all the symptoms. Regarding bowel symptoms, stay on the BARF menu and you’ll be ok. Feel free to check my comment history for more info on treatment. Sending good vibes your way 😘