2020

During October and November of 2020 I had multiple unexplained bleeds during pregnancy, although my cervix was checked by medical professionals on a number of occasions, nothing untoward was discovered.

2021

Following the birth of my youngest son I booked my smear test, prior smear tests had always come back clear. The results of my smear were ‘borderline changes’ and ‘HPV’. Following this result I was seen at colcoscopy in August and my cervix was examined under a microscope. Again, I was informed that my cervix was clear and I would be seen within a year due to having HPV.

2022

I had a repeat smear test in August 2022 which produced the same results as the previous year, ‘borderline changes’ and ‘HPV’. Again I returned to colcoscopy, when being examined I had a huge bleed which resulted in a trip to Durham University Hospital. After a long two week wait for my biopsy results, I had a phone call inviting me into the hospital to discuss my results, not once was I advised to bring somebody along with me.

When I entered the doctors room, I knew! There was a doctor and two nurses present, I was informed that I had cervical cancer and to potentially prepare myself for surgery. Following a CT scan, MRI scan and a PET scan I was staged as a 3C. I was informed that I had a 6.4cm tumour on my cervix and two infected lymph nodes. At this time I also learnt that the borderline cells on both smear tests were squamous cell, whereas the cancer I am diagnosed with is glandular. I was informed of my treatment plan, when I questioned whether I could still have surgery, surgery I was then eligible for (pelvic exoneration) I was informed by professionals that radiotherapy and chemotherapy would be the path I would be taking. Prior to diagnosis I had no symptoms, however once the tumour had been disturbed symptoms began, including an unpleasant discharge and excessive bleeding which result in hospital trips, hospital stays and multiple blood transfusions.

In early December, I began 5 weeks of daily radiotherapy and a weekly complementary chemotherapy. Other than occasional fatigue and nausea I felt relatively well throughout the treatment. Towards the end of my treatment I had an MRI scan to plan my internal radiation, also known as brachytherapy. This is when I received the devastating news that the treatment had not worked and that the cancer had actually progressed whilst on treatment.

2023

After learning that I wasn’t able to have Brachytherapy at this time due to cancer progression; I was also informed that the progression of cancer also made me ineligible for ‘Pelvic Exoneration’ surgery. I then met my new oncologist and learnt of the new plan. At the end of January 2023 I began intense chemotherapy consisting of three drugs, administered three weekly. This was a terrifying time as without success on on this treatment my options were extremely limited. It was a huge relief to see symptoms clear after my first treatment and to find out that my treatment was working at my mid way scan in March and has continued to be a success, making all of the excruciating side effects worthwhile. The body aches, the fatigue, the nausea, numbness in hands and feet, changes to taste and the absolute exhaustion that comes with intense chemotherapy was paying off. In June, my scan results were very positive I had huge shrinkage on my cervix as well as shrinkage in lymph nodes. I am now on a treatment break, a very unnerving time considering I still have cancer in more than one area of my body.

Hearing an immunotherapy drug - Pembrolizumab is now available for cervical cancer was positive news, a drug I am apparently not entitled to due to not being a new patient - as this drug is funded through the Cancer Drugs Fund and not through the NHS. Limiting peoples options when trying hard to rid themselves of this disease unless they are in a position to pay thousands of pounds every 3 weeks to access the drug through the private sector.

I continue to research, continue to add supplements to support holistic healing and will continue to fight for immunotherapy and explore private options for surgery.