I had Cancer.
I was scheduled for an urgent CT scan to make sure my cancer had not spread to lymph nodes or further. I was advised that as long as the CT showed nothing abnormal that we should still be able to go ahead with the radical trachelectomy instead of the hysterectomy.
My CT results were fine, so my surgery date was set for early Nov 2010.
Even though all looked fine from the CT scan - i went into surgery still not knowing if i was having my trachelectomy or a hysterectomy. My specialist had samples sent off for a cold section pathology whilst i was under to make sure that all was ok. If she believed she had clear margins and my lymph nodes were not affected then she would go ahead with the trachelectomy.
I woke up from my surgery and the first thing i asked my nurse was if i had a uterus or not!! and the answer was YES!!!
For those that don't know a radical trachelectomy is basically removal of the entire cervix - the bottom of the uterus (with a tiny bit of cervix) is then reconstructed to make a new cervix. I also had a lymphedectomy (removal of my pelvic & abdominal lymph nodes) just to be safe. My cancer was stage as 1b
So my hope for another child were kept alive.
I spent a week in hospital recovering from my operation - i had a massive cut across my bikini line (a bit longer than what a caesarian scar would be) and a drain coming from another spot on my tummy. I was given lots of morphine and then went to endone tablets and finally panadene forte.
Once i was released i was on strict orders for no housework or lifting for the first 6 weeks and then over the next 6 weeks i had to ease into things (basically the same recovery as a hysterectomy). This meant that i was unable to lift my little girl!!
My family were all a huge support and i was never left on my own. I was lucky enough that my mum could take extended time off work to look after me through the day & my hubby did as much as he could of a night.
I had a follow up in January and all was perfectly fine.
But once again, my life was turned upside down.....
