Small cell cervical cancer at only 25 - Treatment options?

Recently diagnosed with cervical cancer
1

Hi everyone,

I never thought I would write in a cancer forum but I am in need advice, suggestions and support :) Only last Monday I was told I have cancer. Luckily, since I'm so young (25) things are moving very quickly. I had a CT and MRI last week and already been to a specialist this week for a chat and another biopsy. We still don't know exactly what cancer this is, the only information I have been given is that it is small cell. The tumour is growing in the cervix wall and has an opening, which seems to confuse everyone. It was 7x5 cm when I was admitted bc of pains and unusual bleeding about a month ago and they have emptied it twice (while under anaesthetic for biopsies). I never imagined or let myself believe it was cancer until I was told. And even then I'm still in disbelief. 

I know the only thing I can do right now is to wait for the results next week. They said they are rushing them to get a result sooner. I have been told that I will most likely undergo a surgery to remove it and possibly chemo as well, but I suppose that is to be decided. The thing that hit me the hardest was the news I will not be able to have my own children. I'm in a very happy relationship and I desperately want kids with him, so this hits harder than being told I have cancer. So... I'm reaching out here, to people who might know possibly treatment plans and options I could take. I know this will be decided by the doctor, but I just want to know what my options are. Are there any chance of me ever carrying a child?

Just a few facts: I'm Norwegian but have been working in the UK for the past 4 years, while still maintaining my tax residency in Norway. I came home the beginning of August to spend some time with family and I got sick unexpectedly beginning of October. I'm so happy I am in my home country surrounded by friends and family (and still in this health care system), but it also is a bit confusing to look at my sick pay rights and all that mess split between UK and Norway. And I also know that my doctors might think different from the UK cancer doctors, but I want to know more anyway. I feel like all information is welcome at this point :)

- Thank you :)

2

Hi Bluegecko

I am so sorry you find yourself in this situation at such a young age. 

In regards to children, make sure to ask if you can go for egg retrieval before you start any treatment. If it is possible they should be happy to do it. It was the first thing I was offered before my treatment began. Since you are in Norway I am not sure how it works out there exactly, but definitely look into it. If you would like to have your own children it is still possible through surrogacy if you can get some eggs frozen - that is my only option too. I know it is not the same as being able to do it all yourself, and it could never compare, but I just want to assure you, you have options. 

I wish you all the best through your diagnosis and treatment. 

Xx

3

Just wanted to say hi! And that i am so sorry. I had surgery last year for cervical cancer. I am 36 and have to kids, but am still sad i won't be able to have any more, so i can't even begin to imagine how you are feeling. Anyway. I am Norwegian too and got treated there. And i must say "pakkeforløp for kreft" (not sure how to translate it into english), really amazed me! And so did all the wonderfull doctors and nurses. You will get through this! ?

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Hey, 

Just wanted to say I'm also 25 and have been recently diagnosed with cervical cancer following a LLETZ for CIN3 cells. They're unsure at this stage how large it is but likely to be early stages as wasn't detected at colposcopy  or biopsy's.

I am hoping I will only need a cone biopsy and will still be able to have children but will not know until MRI has confirmed the stage. My consultant seemed confident there were lots of options to preserve fertility.

Hope you're doing well and you've got more answer 

xxxxx