Oh my... I'm sorry to hear it Mrs. Dufresne. Many times cervical cancers are VERY treatable, so my suggestion is to learn as much as possible about it and squeeze as much information out of your doctor as you can. Then proceed with the treatment plan that gives you peace of mind. Again, I am so sorry to hear this news. I will keep good thoughts for you! Take care!

I had it about 3 years ago. I had surgery to have it removed. They got it all but I was very scared.

I'd just like to start by giving you my sincerest condolences. That's not something I would wish on my worst enemy, much less say a friend like you. Also, I'd suggest that the best course of action for you at this early stage would be to just learn as much about cervical cancer as you can, develop a plan for your life in the future with yourself, and a plan for treatment with your doctor. Trust me, something like this is a lot less scary when you know the facts and have a firm mental handle on the reality of the situation. Just try to balance that by setting aside enough time to just live your life and not worry. I know I could never fit enough advice into a simple one-page answer to really help you very much, but I hope I can at least help you out as much as I possibly can. Good luck, my friend.

Oh my dear sweetness! So sorry to hear your very recent news! These things always come as a shock and in the beginning all the feelings that flood you are completely normal. 1. Let everyone around you, especially your cherished husband help you through this phase and period of your life. 2. I was diagnosed with cervical cancer twenty-some years ago. It was a Grade 3 which isn't the worse (a five) nor was it the least (a one). At that time they did a Cone Biopsy and removed it all. I have been cancer free since that time. 3. Depending not only on the number delegated to your cancer, and whether it is still localized or not, the question of 'what to do' will come from several resources. Since 'mine,' it is my understanding that there are dozens of modalities for different stages and all but the worse are treatable. 4. Behave and practice only as a PROACTIVE patient. Decide right here and now that YOU ARE IN CHARGE of this situation -- it is YOUR body -- and all others, including the doctors, are your team players. YOU are the President of Your Company called Mrs. Dufresne! LEARN and STUDY as much as you can. This will help assist you to write down questions for your medical professionals, lest the questions are forgotten! KEEP A JOURNAL! Join a support group in you feel it is necessary. Even if you don't feel that now, this is as good a time as any to gather as much information as possible. 5. Until you know EXACTLY WHAT is going on with you, try ... oh TRY ... to keep those fear-dragon voices inside you down to a minimum. I'm not suggesting you go 'all brave,' after all you are a human being for goodness sake. But this initial time is for you to pull up as much strength and courage as you are able to muster! 6. I do know that you may want to consider reviewing your life style choices. This means exercising more -- to keep your stamina up and those 'good' biochemicals swirling around your immune system. Check out what you are eating and make sure you are eating healthily. SLEEP is very important right now. If need be, get a perscription from your doctor to aid your abilitity to sleep through the night! Again, you are 'tuning up' your whole instrument to prepare for whatever has yet to come! 7. Keep me posted! I will do whatever is in my power to assist you as best as I can! HUGS! Marlene P.S. You just go ahead and pound some pillows ... scream to the high heavens ... bitch if you can! Tomorrow you will have to cope and deal with 'the next step.'

Hi Mrs. D- -Very frightening my friend. I wish you the best and will send Buddhist chanting/prayers to you and your family, if you would like. -As you look into the medical model for eradicating this cancer, think about lifestyle changes that may contribute to healing your body. Remember to look for what may compliment the medical technology that is in place to garner what I call "The best of both worlds". -For example: Vitamin A, beta-carotene, and other carotenoids from foods may be associated with decreased risk of certain cancers (such as breast, colon, esophageal, and cervical). In addition, some laboratory studies suggest that vitamin A and carotenoids may help fight against certain types of cancer in test tubes. However, there is no proof that these supplements can help prevent or treat cancer in people. In fact, some evidence suggests that beta-carotene and, possibly, vitamin A may put people at increased risk of lung cancer, particularly smokers. Preliminary evidence suggests that a topical form of vitamin A, applied to the cervix (the opening to the uterus) with sponges or cervical caps shows promise for the treatment of cervical cancer. Also, women with HIV who are deficient in vitamin A may be at greater risk for cervical cancer (a common occurrence in women with HIV) than those with normal levels of this vitamin. More research is needed before conclusions can be drawn about use of vitamin A to treat or prevent cervical cancer or cervical dysplasia (a precancerous change to the cervix). Similarly, use of retinoids (a synthetic form of vitamin A) for skin cancer is currently under scientific investigation. Vitamin A and beta-carotene levels in the blood tend to be lower in people with certain types of skin cancer. However, results of studies evaluating higher amounts of natural forms of vitamin A or beta-carotene for skin cancer have been mixed. Source: http://www.statesman.com/life/altmed/shared/health/alt_medicine/ConsSupplements/VitaminARetinolcs.html -You may also want to find a local female therapist to provide licensed professional assistance, to help keep you in control of your emotions during this challenging time in your life. Feel free to e-mail at anytime, day or night for support or to vent your fears. I am a licensed therapist in my state.

Mrs. Dufresne, I have no advice to add to what's been offered here, just my heartfelt best wishes for your speedy recovery and to let you know how very much I care. Let your friends and family help. They will surely want to.

I am sorry to hear about this, cancer is scary. Try your hardest not to panic until you get all the facts from the doctor. Talk to as many people as you can,to get their advice and support. Pray!!!!

I'm with Lyn. I can't offer you any better advice than what's been given here already. All I can do is offer you my support and prayers. I hope everything turns out ok and that you can recover fully.

I'm so sorry that this is happening to you. I will do my best to help answer anything that I can. Please email me privately if you'd like. I do know some of what you're going through. It is scary to hear the words. There is hope for full recovery! I had cervical cancer when I was 32. I had several colposcopies to remove it from the cervix but it spread to my uterus, so I opted to have a partial hysterectomy, 3 months before my wedding. I also had chemo. I've been clear for 12 years. I'm sure you know that there are loads of people here who will be supportive to you. Be sure to get a second (or even 3rd) opinion, and that there is agreement on the staging of the development of the cancer. Also, remember that you can interview doctors, etc., just as you would potential employees. I think it is extremely important to find a team of medical professionals who will care for you as a whole person, including your emotions! Nothing drives me nuts more than arrogant doctors who treat patients gruffly. The surgeon I chose sent me home with information and videos about several types of treatment, so that I could review my options privately, formulate questions, and make a better decision on what was best for me. I also went to a support group, that that office helped me to find.

I'm so very sorry but you can beat this. Attitude believe it or not has ALOT TO DO with your healing

Jenna I am so sorry. Stay positive and make sure you beat this. We all care about you and will be keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. Stay strong. (((((luv'n'hugs)))))

Oh man. I am sorry to hear that...I hope you are ok. I hope everything goes well. I knew a lady that had this happen to her but she turned out just fine afterwards. I'm sure you will be ok.

I can't add to the wonderful advice you've been given here. I just want to say that I'm sorry, you're in our thoughts and prayers, and I hope you'll lean on us for support in the months to come. We all know that you'll get through this. It's always that much easier with a little help from your friends:)

I have no advice to offer that hasn't been offered already, but I do want to say I am so sorry to hear that you are going through this. I know of four women who have had complete recovery, and I would say that empowered with knowledge and a positive attitude, you will be fine. I wish you well, and will send out positive thoughts and prayers for you. Big Hug!

Dearest Mrs. Dufresne: You have been on my mind since yesterday when you first posted your question. Since then, I have come up with more thoughts for you, I wanted to offer other considerations ... You didn’t mention whether or not you had children in your home. It is an understatement to suggest that when one person in the family has a diagnosis of cancer (or other to-be-taken serious maladies) the whole family is affected. If this is a reality in your own home, you may need more counsel about ‘when to tell the children’ and more importantly, how to address this appropriate to their ages. I am more than confident that your beloved husband has already put on his ‘brave face’ and is already supporting you as much as he ‘knows how to.’ It can also be assumed both of you ‘new to’ cervical cancer, its concrete diagnosis and what this means, treatment options and ‘where to turn’ are feeling somewhat overwhelmed. • Obviously, you and your honey are under unusual stress, certainly coming from your new diagnosis. To keep this part of your new reality to a dull roar, I suggest that both of you have regular professional massages as often as is affordably possible. Under your circumstance, you will want to elevate as much extraneous tension nee extraneous stress as is possible. This is as important for him as it is for you. If nothing else, the environments of professional massage are always ‘a soft place to fall.’ More, it is an environment where not only may tension be relieved but where feelings are safely set-free by simply breathing deeply. • I suggest you contact your doctor and the hospital where you will be treated. There are, I’m sure, other individual women and couples who have or are facing this. In this sense, you will not have to reinvent the wheel for these people and programs will already have meetings and information which you may avail yourself to for better grasp of ‘where you fit’ into the picture. There is nothing like having a sense of proportion when facing, dealing with and coping with a difficult situation. Also: here are support sites, specifically for cervical cancer I found for you: http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&client=safari&rls=en&q=cervical+cancer+support&btnG=Search • Since your immune system is already ‘fighting,’ it is important to do whatever you may be able to do to enhance and support this physical system. To this, I suggest that you receive Acupuncture. Specifically the method that boosts overall immune function. My son is a nationally and internationally certified Traditional Chinese Medicine Doctor, but when I asked him ‘for you,’ he said, at the very least, this can absolutely do you no harm. • There has been much science about ‘visualization,’ especially in the case of illness’ experienced and the modalities that enhance ‘performing’ as a proactive patient. While your medical professionals and your family and friends are your ‘team,’ only you know and understand your own sense and literal experience of wellness, actualizing all that you can do to be so. I found these sites for you: http://www.healingcancernaturally.com/cancer-healing-visualizations.html http://www.selu.com/cancerlib/guidedimagery.html One last thought for now: I don’t believe ‘fear’ is your friend right now, although its appearance is human to appear within; it is more than natural for you to be afraid under these circumstances. However, if ever you ‘needed’ to be brave, it is now. This does not request of you to be ‘more than’ = this would be downright silly and irresponsible, in that it would lack any sense empathy. So, my last suggestion for today is for you to remember all the ‘other’ situations you’ve faced in your life ... all those that maybe others said ‘where impossible’ to overcome. But you, in your own way of doing things, succeeded beyond not only your wildest dreams but theirs as well. If you wish, please e-mail me: my e-mail address is in my profile. If there is anything I may be able to do ... all you will have to do is click those ruby slippers of yours ... or ... just whistle ... I will be here for you!

The most important thing to do is to remember to educate and advocate for yourself. Make sure you trust your doctor. If you don't, see someone else. Your doctor should run a series of tests to make sure that the malignant cells have not travelled anywhere else in the body. These may include x-rays, CAT scans, MRIs, ultrasounds and pretreatment surgical staging. Your treatment will vary vastly, depending on which stage you've been diagnosed at. Chances are, if you receive regular pelvic exams, you are in stage one. No one likes to hear the C-word, but know that cervical cancer is typically easily resolved. I've had two sisters with cervical cancer, both removed successfully. I myself have dysplasia, which is a pre-cancerous condition. Keep your faith and learn what you can about your treatment options. Find out about all possible scenarios before you consent to any one form of treatment. Stay active in your health care. Lastly, I wish you luck. I know you're feeling frightened and alone, so remember to get a good support system going, and talk to people who you know love and care about you. Don't stop smiling, and don't forget to cry when you need to. I'll keep you in my thoughts.

I'm ever so sorry that I can't offer you any advice. I'm only answering so that I can let you know that I'm thinking of you and wishing and hoping that you have a full recovery.

Also, I know little about the scourge that is cancer. But I offer you my sympathies, condolences and wishes that you'll be safe and alright. I hope your prognosis is positive. Stay strong and don't let it beat you, loads of hugs from me xxxx

Not much i can say apart from ride the waves, and try to keep a positive outlook, this will help you through these hard times, make sure you have good friends around you so that you can talk and get things off your chest, cry, laugh, get angry, do what comes naturally, hopefully you will have a close network of friends and family to support you, i am borderline too at the moment and have to have regular check ups to keep a check on things....i really do hope you get through this without much pain or side effects....and make a speedy recovery.

I am so sorry to hear this news. I am going to pray for your recovery and well being. Obviously, you want to seriously consider your doctor's advise and get more than one opinion. Educate yourself. become an expert on this condition. Read everything you can. http://www.drkoop.com/ is a good starting place. See out a group locally that is supportive and educational. The American Cancer Society can make the recommendation. Be willing to talk to the people who the doctor refers to you who have overcome this form of cancer. Build yourself up nutritionally. Eat lots of foods with high antioxidant value and consider high grade supplements. Your doctor may not know as much about nutritional medicine as others. Check out Dr. Ray Strand's web site: http://www.raystrand.com/ . Laugh. Dr. Bernie Siegel discovered the healing power of humor years ago. Stay as positive as possible. Stay as active as possible. Surround yourself with supportive people with whom you c an talk, laugh, and cry. Keep your prayer partners (like me) informed and activated. Know that we are all pulling for you.

well just calm down and take it one day at a time dont stress about it just be cool and you wont even notice it oh and dont think about it

A little update; I am scheduled to have surgery on 11/05/07. I have a very good doctor and I trust him a lot. I am at a stage 1B1 which is VERY curable and my CT scan showed no abnormalities except for the small area on my cervix. I am nervous about the surgery, but that is normal and my doctor said that I should do well and recover quickly. Within the past 5 years I have become very diligent about my health, as far as diet, exercise and trying to reduce stress. The only thing I neglected was going to the gyno, because I had some negative experiences in the past, so I just avoided it, until I experienced symptoms that I was concerned about in early October. The thing about cervical cancer is THERE IS NO SYMPTOMS! and that is very scary. My Mom is coming into town tonight and I am looking forward to spending time with her. I will post again after I get out of the hospital (probably about 11/9/07) I would like to thank all of you again for your kind and encouraging words. A big (((HUG))) from me to all of you.

My mommy had that. jsut do what your doc tells you to.

I am so super duper bummed - you're like my bestest AB buddy :) I'm a total mope right now :( You know that I love you lots right? Man, I wish I could give you a big hug right now. I wish I could take away all of your fears, and make you all better. I'm positive that keeping a good attitude is important so let's stay positive k? You can make me an enchilada anytime, I'll clean my plate - Promise! I'll let you in my snow cave too :D - we could throw snowballs at each other and make snow angels. But you already are an angel - I hope you know that :) you are a such a bright spot in my life that it hurts me so much to see you sad. Your doctors are really smart guys, they have to go to school for like a bejillion years - they know what they are talking about. I would say listen to them, I'm sure you're in really good hands :) Best wishes Jenna, my thoughts and prayers go out to you and your husband (that lucky guy!)

((hugs)) That's terrible, but treatable. And terrifying. I have read through the other answers here, and there are much more qualfied resources than myself giving information, but I would like to offer my support and sincere condolences. I am so sorry you're going through that, and am a good ear if you ever need to vent....my email is in my profile. Please keep us updated on how you are doing.

Just keep your chin up. It'll be alright.

it truely is serious....but most of the time it'sfixable....i donot claim to know much...but my best advise is to not give up......and try to maintain a happy out look on life.....it's not good to ask yourself why is this happening to me.....instead ask....what can I do to get better and try to keep a good mind set.....and be happy with what you do have....and always remember...it could be worse.....not trying to lesson the severity....just be positive...

UPDATE; 11/09/07 Well, I'M ALIVE!! Yaay!! It's been 4 days since my surgery and they let me go from the hospital a day early because I was progressing so well. It turns out that my lymph nodes were clear and they got all of cancer with the surgery. I'm expected to make a full recovery. Today is the first day home from the hospital and I came right to AB! :o) Thank you to everyone for all the kind words of encouragement. I will post more info later today on my Facebook page. (Link is in my profile) ♥, Jenna.

I am so sorry but I have no advice. I just wanted you to know that I support you and will be thinking of you. I do know that this type cancer is very treatable so get treatment as soon as possible.

UPDATE2; I got back from the doctor today and they had my final pathology report. I was told that my margins were clear and that they got all of the cancer with the surgery, but the tumor was the kind that wasn't as safe as they had thought and they recommended radiation. He said that there was a 20% chance of the cancer coming back, but if I had radiation it would lower it to a 5% chance. I will post more later on this week, until then. ((((hugs)))) to all.

Keep looking forward! Cervical cancer is curable when caught early. I agree, get 2nd and 3rd opinions in staging. That is so very important. You have to know the battlefield to know how to win the war. The next thing you need to do is get a notebook--a composition book with pages you don't tear out. Attach a pen to it and carry it with you to all your appointments. Write down your questions, what professionals tell you, appointments, schedules, treatments, etc. You'll have them all in one book with dates and times to refer back to. This can be a very emotional and confusing time. Use the book to keep yourself organized. Best of luck to you. Remember we are all here and ready to help in whatever way we can. You are not in this alone. And may I offer the sage advice a dear friend once told me: never worry alone. Don't carry burdens by yourself.

I imagine my self in your position, I would probably be so scared. But stay tuff the best way to defeat a disease is to stay strong and positive. Believe in yourself, you can overcome this !

♥*♥*♥*♥ UPDATE 2-21-2008 ♥*♥*♥*♥ Hello to everyone who helped me through this difficult time. You have probably noticed my screen name Mrs Dufresne fought and WON. Well, I did. I am cancer free and healthy. I feel better than I have in a very long time. No more pain or fear or doctors (until my three month check up in May). Surgery. DONE Radiation Treatments. DONE No more PMS, or hormonal freakouts YAAAYY!! I love you guys! You can see more about me on my MySpace page. http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=326628417 ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥H U G S♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

I had high risk lesions and had to go through the cone biopsy and I am at the end of my re paps for follow up. I have had abnormals ever since I was 18 and 10 years later, I finally had something done about it. It is a very scary experience. Just take it one step at a time, until you know the extent of it, you will worry yourself sick, and i do mean literally. I wish you the best of luck and don't be afraid to turn to others for support. This is more common than you believe.

I am glad to hear the surgery was successful and you are on your way to recovery. Many blessings to you.

Hi there, It must be a difficult time for you, and I will keep your intentions in my prayers. I would suggest that you immediately read this account of a recovery from terminal cancer, without going through chemo or surgery but changing lifestyle. http://autumntrail.com/blog/?p=18 The 80/10/10 diet, a low-fat raw vegan diet, mentioned in this account can be read about more at Dr. Doug Graham's site, http://foodnsport.com and his message board at: http://vegsource.com/talk/raw I wish you the best!!!

I feel sad for you... but i know you will overcome that trial in your life just always remember that every problem has exact solution. Always have faith to the greatest man above. Anyway,just always have a regular check up to your doctor and always obey them because they know what best or good for you.

all you have to do is not to think of it. one of the greatest treatment for ailments is taking care of yourself. think positively, "you're still alive anyway"

I am wishing you all the best. If you are not seeing a gyn oncologist, a physician specializing in women's reproductive organ cancers, please make an appointment with one of these specialists this coming week. These specialists are located at University teaching hospitals and the inconvenience is worth the trouble to find one of these pros. Your definitive treatment and follow-up care should be performed and coordinated by a gyn oncologist. Good luck!

Often hospitals have support groups for cancer patients. That may or may not help. Keeping supportive people arround you is a good idea. Ask lots and lots of questions. If you want I can put your name on my Minestry's prayer list. Only if you want me too. Let me know in a comment to this answer. Good luck. I didn't realize when this question was posted. But if you still want me to I can still put you on the list.

I would start drinking tons of antioxidant rich teas like white tea. Eat lots of raisins and other things that are rich in antioxidants to buid up your immune system. There's also this thing called BIRM from Ecuador its supposed to help with cancer it is basically a Dulcamara root remedy.

Hi, I'm so sorry to hear about your cancer. The best thing to do with any illness is go into a support group and see what stories people in your position have. See how they dealed with it. You will be fine. There is so much medical knoledge out there. My best wishes to you, feel better. I hope I helped.

Hello, I'm rex from the Philippines. My mother has just been diagnosed with cervical cancer (stage 3). We are all scared. The lesson we learned is that women should get checked up regularly and don't undermine any symptoms or abnormalities. My mother didnt have a papsmear or whatever. She is undergoing chemo (6 sessions) and radiation (5 min a day for 28 days). The doctor won't do surgery becuase it's more dangerous at this stage. Btw, we haven't sought for a 2nd or 3rd opinion (I think we should too). Hope you will pray for us :)