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I was a busy mother of two girls and working as a reporter at my local news station alongside my husband. We always had a million things we were juggling, but I knew it was important to make time for regular cervical cancer screenings. I have a great relationship with my doctor. He delivered both of my children. I had great trust in him, and his office was excellent in helping me stay on track with my regular screenings and appointments. It was around Christmas when I went in for one of my regular screenings. I didn’t think anything of it since it was just a routine appointment that I had done so many times before. But I’ll never forget getting a call afterwards from my doctor—my Pap test had come back abnormal and the sample they took had precancerous cells. Getting that call was surreal and shocking. At my age, breast cancer was definitely on my mind, but I was never worried about cervical cancer. I immediately went into survival mode after hearing “precancerous cells.” I was a journalist and news anchor for 32 years before recently retiring. Thanks to this work, I am used to digging into the details and researching everything. As soon as I hung up the phone, I went into journalist mode. I knew it was important to advocate for myself and lead with knowledge and not fear in order to take control of my health. I peppered my doctor with questions, and we had a lot of discussions about the options available to me. Taking the time to educate myself and work with my doctor to make a plan that worked best for me really helped ground me during the whole process. I decided to undergo a treatment recommended by doc, done in 2 courses with Cervugid Ovules (vaginal) and Isoprinosine Tablets (oral) . During my recovery, I remember resting at home and feeling so thankful for that appointment. If I wouldn’t have had it, the future might have looked very different for me. It can be very daunting. People hear the word “precancerous cells” and wonder, “Will I survive this? Will I always have to live with this?” But I know that doesn’t always have to be the case. We can find these issues early on, prevent cancer before it even starts and go on to recover and thrive in our lives. As a public figure, I knew it was important to be an advocate for health. I started talking about my experience and sharing stories of other women who had similar experiences with finding cancer early, since this can happen to anyone. With so much going on in our lives, it can be so easy to fall behind and not prioritize medical appointments. I want everyone to know appointments can change your life. If something feels off, trust your intuition. If you have questions, it’s very important to ask them so you can take control of your health.

Hi, I've rang the Colposcopy Clinic and my recent smear is clear and I'm being discharged. I've to receive my letter in the coming days. I'm delighted but I've pelvic discomfort today, and on and off, in the last few weeks since my smear. I wonder should I go for a private smear to be 100% sure? Does anyone know where this can be done outside of Dublin?

I've had my first smear following LLETZ 6 months ago. I'm very worried about all this to be honest. I'm attending the Colposcopy clinic for 8 year with 1 clear smear in that time. The nurse told me about Pepilocare (home treatment for HPV). Has anyone used this with success? I've very expensive Also I've heard AHCC (Active Hexose Correlated Compound) can be used to treat HPV. Has anyone used this either? Again it's very expensive

Hi All I was diagnosed with Adenocarcinoma in June and had a Radical Hysterectomy, during the surgery Lympnodes were removed from my pelvis for biopsy. My medical team advised that there may be some leaking from my pelvis and vagina following this procedure because my body will be trying to redirect the lymph fluid. This did happen, it started 3 weeks after surgery and lasted for 7 weeks, I'm a poster lady for Tena right now, both pads and incontinence pants. The leaking stopped all of a sudden with horrendous pain 3 weeks ago and then I experienced a discharge from my back passage for a week, again thankfully this stopped and all was going well until yesterday. The leaking has started again, every time I stand up the fluid runs out of me, I have worn 5 pads between 10pm last night and 9am this morning. A lot of info but I'm wondering has anyone else experienced this leaking following removal of Lymph nodes. I'm in for a CT scan tomorrow as I had a serious UTI in the first 4 weeks since surgery and the Medical team want to ensure there is nothing else going on, this is peace of mind but the leaking and wearing of incontinence pants and pads is soul destroying. I don't know anyone else who has had to have a Radical Hysterectomy due to Cervical Cancer so can't find any information regarding leaking of fluid. I'm 14 weeks post surgery so feel that my recovery hasn't really started yet, 1 step forward and 10 steps back. The leaking may not be common post surgery so any information would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

I don't know if I should even be posting here as I've not been diagnosed with cancer......but...well I'm worried! I had a smear done 3 weeks ago & the results came back HPV positive & with abnormal cells & I've been referred for a colposcopy. By way of background I'm 47 & I can't even remember the last time I went for a smear (yes I know I know) & the reason I was sent for this one was because I had been experiencing abdominal discomfort ranging from a dull ache to a really bad period like cramps & over the last few months. Initially I thought it was just either ovulation pain or period pain but it started lasting longer & longer. Also I'm on the continuous pill so I've no periods at all so shouldn't really have that type of pain (or should I?). My stomach can go hard as a rock when I have these pains & very tender to touch & even feels like I have small lumps under the skin but these are along my c-section scar so I put it down to scar tissue. I've told my GP all of this which is why he sent me for a smear & also for an ultrasound next week. I'm guess what I'm asking is should I be worried given the HPV & abnormal cells & these symptoms?

Hi all, I just found this forum and wish I had found it several months ago. I was diagnosed with cervical cancer on 26th February 2020, had a radical hysterectomy on 31st March and then 23 sessions of radiotherapy finishing on the 19th June. It's been just over a month since my last radiotherapy but I still cant bring myself to use the dilator to prevent the scar tissue. Honestly I dont know why. I am 36 years old and do wish to continue having a normal sex life but just cant mentally bring myself to follow the advice. I suppose I've just found it difficult to access supports during the pandemic and although technology is great, I do find it very difficult to say anything other than I'm fine in these zoom calls or whatever technology is being used. I also wonder how everyone is feeling about returning to work. Financially I'm very lucky in that I'm under no pressure to return any time soon, however it has been mentioned to me on several occasions by medical professionals about when I plan on returning. Honestly, I dont feel up to returning to work just yet, I usually work 60/70 hour weeks and know myself I wouldn't be able to keep up with my colleagues right now. Thanking you in advance for taking the time to read and any advice you can offer.

Hi, I’m not sure if it’s selfish of me to use this site as I have not been diagnosed with cancer. I am just having a lot of trouble getting any answers and I hoped perhaps someone here could help me. I had been experiencing bad back pain almost like the beginning of labour pain for a few months and have had one instance of irregular mid cycle bleeding. In Jan of this year I went to the doctor who, due to my family history referred me to get a abdominal scan which came back clear. I had had a smear in April 2018 which came back negative HPV and negative abnormal cells but due to my symptoms the doctor wanted to look at my cervix and when she looked she said it was red and inflamed so she referred me for a colposcopy. I went for the appointment last Thursday and expected them to say everything was fine but instead said that there was HPV present on my cervix despite the negative result and then they took a biopsy. I am beyond scared as I don’t know why I would have a negative result but actually have HPV and would that mean that it was missed and could be progressing for years? I appreciate any replies. Thank you so much.

I had my first smear last August and in October the results came back that i had abnormalities and HPV positive. I was sent to have a colposcopy exam in December. I was asked questions and I expressed how I have pain in my pelvis and abnormal bleeding (bleeding and pain after sex). 2 biopsys were taken and I recieved the results on Monday that it is CIN 3 and I will need LLETS treatment. However, I expressed the pain in my pelvis is now constant and I really have concern that I can feel something in my pelvis/abdomin area. Also bleeding after intercourse is worsening. The colposcopy clinic told me to contact my gp. My gp done an internal exam and said my cervix was red and I had alot of tenderness in abdomin. She sent me to A&E department in the same hospital I had my colposcopy. They checked my urine and blood pressure and all was normal. The doctor then done a quick internal exam and said yes it was red but not actively bleeding so she wouldn't worry about it. I asked what I was going to do about the pain and she said go home and take paracetamol... I rang the colposcopy clinic the following day asking if I could be put on a cancelation list for LLETS procedure. I was told no and that my procedure would be sometime the end of March and that I would get a letter with date in due course. I rang my gp yesterday as pain is still there and I'm beginning to get very concerned. She is sending me for CT scan next week. I feel like no one is taking me seriously and I know my own body and I know there is something wrong. I am left waiting until March for my treatment and there is nothing I can do about it. Has anyone else been in this position where they feel lost and let down by the health care in Ireland? I have to pay privately for the CT scan but I don't know what else to do.

I had my smear done 2 weeks ago. It was my 1st back with gp I'd had my last 2 in colposcopy clinic in tallaght. The nurse went through usual questions & I answered yes to pelvic pain & sometimes bleeding after sex. So she said see the gp. I had an appointment with gp anyway for last week so I mentioned it to her. She checked my cervix & said she could see a red spot that "She didn't like the look of" & wanted to refer me back to tallaght. I wasn't particularly concerned, things were fine last time. The doc had simply cortised an area & that was that. I was surprised to hear from tallaght a few working days later. The lady said my gp is "very concerned" about my cervix & can I come in on Monday.. what struck me was she sounded worried/ sense of urgency about her.. I felt calmer than she sounded! Unfortunately I can't go this Monday so it'll be another week. Should I be worried? Is the fact that I've attended the colposcopy clinic before but still have syptoms a bad sign? I might add I have fibromyalgia so have a weakened immune system. Mam had a hysterctomy when she was a year older than I am now (I'm 43) because of fibroids. Anyone else been through something similar? Thanks

Has anyone experienced nerve damage after lymphnode dissection? My obturator nerve was damaged causing lots of issues. 12 months post op and still no recruitment. Would love to hear from someone who experienced similar.