Abnormal Pap Smear to CERVICAL CANCER - Cara | The Patient Story

Cara started getting stomach pain, lower back pain, and excessive bloating. But her doctor thought it was just stress. A few months later, she got her annual paper smear and it came back abnormal. But her doctors thought it was irritable bowl syndrome (IBS). But a colposcopy test revealed it was cervical cancer.
In this cancer vlog, Cara takes us through her 25 sessions of radiotherapy and six chemotherapy sessions. She also underwent brachytherapy and hormone replacement therapy because she was losing estrogen production.
#cancerstories #cancerpatient #cancersurvivor #patientstories #thepatientstory #cervicalcancer #papsmear #abnormalpap #cervicalcancersymptoms #colposcopy #chemotherapy #radiotherapy #brachytherapy #hormonereplacementtherapy #HRTtherapy
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[Video Chapters]
00:00 Introduction
00:26 My first symptoms
02:08 I was scheduled for my routine Pap smear test
03:30 Cancer never crossed my mind
04:48 Cell removal in my cervix
11:13 Getting a biopsy
12:36 Talking about fertility after my diagnosis
13:50 Learning I had cancer
14:23 Starting chemotherapy and radiotherapy
14:48 The process of radiotherapy in my cervix
18:24 Side effects of chemotherapy
22:10 Starting hormone replacement therapy
24:37 Words of advice
25:02 Educating everyone on women’s health
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The interview has only been edited for clarity. The interview has only been edited for clarity.
Abnormal Pap Smear to CERVICAL CANCER - Cara | The Patient Story
• Abnormal Pap Smear to ...

[@lisabarnwell8409]

16 weeks!! That’s utterly insane. They could take that long to get back on a normal result, but taking 4 months to get back on an abnormal result is utterly ludicrous.

[@ruthgoff3540]

I survived stage 4 Cervical cancer with external radiation and I internal Brachytherapy. I was diagnosed i n 2022. I have an amazing oncology team. That is key.😊

[@marydawnpafford9969]

I had a cold knife cauterization at 26 . Abnormal precancerous cervix cells. At 55 yrs old I developed breast cancer, 67 now. Best wishes beautiful lady.

[@user-oh7iv3ij5x]

I did in 92 and repeated Colposcopy with laser treatment and a cone biopsy. I still didn’t take it serious until 2015 now I have Colon cancer. Looking back I attended all my appointments but I really didn’t ask all the questions or made sure I put my symptoms across. Best wishes with your health Mary ♥

[@Chihuahua-chica]

OMG!!! You are a warrior.....so brave!! Hope u r doing well. ❤

[@scottiehall8695]

16 WEEKS to get a pap smear test back? That is unacceptable. I'm in the U.S. and get mine back within a couple of days.

[@yogut28]

The wonders of european "socialized heathcare", than many want to bing to the US...

[@LittleCutieABDL]

I live in the uk and worked in hospital here and yes unless you choose to pay and go private everything is mountains away and sometimes people re so busy that they don't call you back from abnormal blood tests (happened to me multiple times) missed my epilepsy for more than 10 years and kept saying it's all in my head and pushed me to see psychiatrists as well for my anemia tired = depressed always apparently. Not. I understand the pressure the NHS is under i worked inside before during snd after the psndemic but doesn't excuse for the mistreatment and neglect and staff being unprofessional aggressive dismissive and making fun of you or abusive, received for all the years and even to this day. And I'm not the only one I'm sure. It happens everywhere even where I'm originally from. I could speak to you all day of what happened to me but I'll save it. It's one of my demons I'll unfortunately deal with for the rest of my life but it shouldn't be this way. Also i know juet because you pay doesn't always equal better necessarily. All the best Much love,

[@anneoconnor8741]

My Dad is dead now, but I had to have a colcospopy in my late 20s, and after a few days I had a major bleed at work, I ended being admitted to hospital. Then I had to tell them, my Mom and Dad. I had only slept with 2 people, even now I am 66 and I have only slept with 3 people. There was so much publicity about cervical cancer and it was linked to promiscuity and HPV. My Dad always loved me but I knew from things he said that he thought I was promiscuous. Then I worked with a lovely girl also in her twenties who had a hysterectomy and chemo and radiotherapy and she died, I was devastated. I hope that this cancer is seen as bad luck like other cancers, not a result of being bad. No one deserves cancer, even if they slept with 100 men, I am so glad that in the UK every child is offered the HPV vaccine now.

[@donitawhite8111]

I had it when I was 19 years old. Years later I was talking to a coworker (a nurse of many years) and she was telling me about an abstinence class she was teaching to young girls. During this conversation, she said that she's teaching the girls that all cervical dysplasia/cancer is caused by STD's. I was mortified. I had only been with 1 person prior to this. I immediately researched it and I'm glad I did. She was incorrect. Some cervical dysplasia/cancer is caused by untreated STD's but not all cases. I agree that the stigma needs broken!!

[@bookbag6432]

My pap results take 5 days, I can't imagine taking 16 weeks. That is crazy.

[@marysiadzierzek6482]

You would be the first person ever to get your results that quickly! 🤔

[@scottiehall8695]

@@marysiadzierzek6482 Not true. I get mine back within 2 to 5 days. 16 weeks is insane.

[@cac2821]

@@marysiadzierzek6482 that’s not true. Mine take 3-5 business days and I got every six months

[@user-yt5dg8nf6y]

I know it's crazy. 5-6 days here too

[@yogut28]

It's called "socialized heathcare". The type many say "it's free", but in reality it's very expensive, only paid via taxes, an incredibly inefficient, to the point were it's criminal.

[@louellenstevens501]

I am a cervical cancer survivor. I absolutely agree with her get checked. I believe that my GP spotted trouble early through a Pap smear. She sent me for further testing. I am grateful to her ,she will always be my favorite doctor.

[@ayachan1]

What are the further tests please rather than pap smear and biopsy.

[@maryroberts9315]

Your severe pain should have clued them that it was not IBS. IBS usually doesn't cause lower back pain. I think doctors aren't good at telling people to follow up if symptoms change or don't improve. However, it sounds like you got good responsive care. Everything gets blamed on stress first.

[@carolbraswell4488]

I have IBS and get terrible lower back pain! I was diagnosed with breast cancer last year and now have completed all my treatments. Surgery, chemo, radiation and herceptin. I totally understand that icky feeling chemo gives you and not to mention the on going side effects that can last for months or even years. Prayers for a clear scan for you my dear!!!

[@quetidelapuente9524]

Dear Cara, you are an adorable person. I'm sure your honest testimony has been of great help to many. Big hug from PERU. 🇵🇪

[@silentfriend369]

She has so much grace and wisdom.

[@gore1089]

Well said and bravely spoken, Get well soon and put this episode behind you.

[@user-oc9fx9of7i]

What an inspirational young woman you are . I wish you all the best for the future and thank you for taking the time to speak so openly and honestly, to all us ladies about everything you’ve been through. May all your dreams for the future come true 😘

[@bredakavanagh6041]

Such a lovely girl. Hope you're good health continues ❤❤❤

[@marioncannon9924]

Having sex with numerous people doesn't mean you're a bad person

[@bredakavanagh6041]

What?

[@LitCrit]

@@bredakavanagh6041probably making a snide comment about HPV.

[@pianolady726]

No one should EVER feel shame or embarrassed or guilted into thinking they've done something wrong. The point is, if you have symptoms, get checked right away...make certain that your concerns are heard and validated, and if they are not, find a medical provider who will listen to and take you seriously. Nothing is more unsettling and disheartening, than being dismissed by the very same people who take an oath to care for you properly. ♥️

[@caryngoldsmith6782]

Oncology nurses are angels! 17 year stage 3c ovarian cancer survivor, here.

[@MH-hw4uh]

When Doctors don’t know the hell they are talking about, they blame you, and say, it’s stress. You’re stressing about something. Who isn’t anyways. 😢

[@susanford2388]

Madam, you are a lovely lady & will help numerous women with your experience. You deserve a very happy long life. Thank you for sharing.

[@thewolfethatcould8878]

Thank you So Very much for sharing this!!!

[@lasignoraluna2367]

tough girl, I admire You and wish You all the best!! 🙏

[@rufuscusack2962]

grateful for your video & truth.

[@bonniejohnsonbatten664]

You do have resilience and strength and I have no doubt that you’ll be an advocate and a wonderful mother for many years to come. You have more strength than you know and remember, each day that goes by is not guaranteed for any of us, regardless of current health status. We all need to embrace our inner strength and let faith lift our wings! Thinking of you and sending positive vibes your way ❤

[@ingridhofmann3534]

I loved the picture of you and your partner in front of the Milan Dome. Being on top of the Dome is my favorite place in the world. That’s where I did my homework for five years when we lived in Milan. Best wishes!

[@jbf5117]

Good luck with your scan on April 23.

[@ElizaPurest]

❤ I'm in on the 13th of May for a full complete hysterectomy to take out all the bad cells ❤ xXx

[@curalove]

@ElizaPurest I had the same and it wasn’t so bad. They actually sent me home the same day because there wasn’t room at the hospital (big increase in Covid cases at that particular time). I was really nervous about that but honestly surprised how fast I was feeling back to normal. Best wishes to you!

[@YeshuahouseofIsraelnew9081]

I am happy for you that you survived and you are healthy

[@sonogrl231]

I had the exact same cancer and treatment 15 years ago. Told me after it was over that I couldn't have estrogen replacement because it could make cancer return so I went through the horrible symptoms of instant menopause. I guess things have changed since then. So happy that you recovered. I know it wasn't easy!

[@avalon1rae]

Your so beautiful. Im so sorry sweetheart. My sweetheart is going down this road. Much ❤ and prayers for you sweetheart.

[@user-oh7iv3ij5x]

Thankyou for telling me your story it’s helpful for most women struggling with cancer best wishes for your future 💙🙏🏻

[@ahmaddaaboul9372]

You look great and so is your partner god bless you both

[@aliciajackson6280]

In the US, we get our pap smear results the same week.

[@nickylee1408]

I had pre cancer cells at 32,developed stage 3 grade 3 breast cancer 2011. Aged 43

[@cac2821]

This lets me know to get my breast checked. I was in the early stages of cervical cancer

[@morr8596]

Too long to wait for important test results. I appreciate American healthcare so much more now.

[@ElanaMccullum]

Alot of younger women are getting cervical cancers way younger due to the HPV virus... That you wont know you have until you get a cancer....thats why its important to get regular pap snears annually to catch it at its earliest..

[@karenmclaughlan9128]

I've not had any smears in about 6 years now. I refuse to get them done

[@paoladellabilancia5965]

​@@karenmclaughlan9128 👍 me from the birth of my children, 20 yrs ago. Everything is great, never needed any type of doctor.

[@jenny-ug4kg]

Burning cells from the cervix is lazer treatment which I had 30 odd years ago. It felt warm not even hot. Did not hurt at all. The Dr was very good as I was totlally petrefied. The Dr said put you hand up if you become uncomfortable. I never put my hand up once but he did stop twice and asked if I was ok. He was considerate.

[@130crowd]

Absolutely agree we women should insist we and our girls behind us get FAR better education about our physiology and natural processes... to know what to expect and what to seek care for. Thank you for sharing ..

[@splash6427]

🙏 ❤️ 🙏 For You Always

[@anothercampervanchannel]

I had a colposcopy years ago for pre-cancerous cells. I was awake (they'd injected my cervix with anaesthetic apparently). Unfortunately, I felt what they did and nearly passed out with the pain 😖.

[@California92122]

Cara, you didn't mention what happened at the fertility clinic, did you freeze some eggs? All the best 🍀 to you, what a brave lady you are 💖

[@Zoe_844]

I was put to sleep as well for my colcoscopy, I had the cells removed but now I’m having irregular bleeding and pain in my hip! I have a smear booked but I’m very worried. I wish you well beautiful lady. ❤️

[@anitagurns9480]

Get a scan at least a ct

[@kathyerb3134]

Having brochures in clinics, hospitals, doctors offices helps. We do in canada.

[@karenmclaughlan9128]

I think your so brave going through chemo and radiation. I told my kids if im ever unfortunate to get cancer (Im 53) i dont want any treatment at all. I lost my dad to cancer only a few years ago and what that man went through was horrendous. He got diagnosed with Lymphoma had intense chemo lost all his hair. He was ok for 2 years then he got diagnosed with Leukemia 😢 i was heartbroken and still am. I know so many people who had had chemo and everyone of them have either died a few years later or get a secondry cancer diagnosis. Chemo is so bad for your body as it also attacks your healthy cells. I really hope your cancer doesn't return x

[@anitagurns9480]

Don’t tell people that,the advances in cancer treatment especially immune therapy with little side effects save people,like me with stage 4 cancer

[@karenmclaughlan9128]

@anitagurns9480 Why because its the truth??

[@karenmclaughlan9128]

@anitagurns9480 And please don't tell me what I can and can't say! I wasn't being rude to anyone or aggressive. My own opinion!

[@nancykunkler7403]

Wow! Here in the U.S. we get our pap smear results back within 1 week. Waiting weeks for results is too long.

[@ahava3838]

The banner that appears in the upper right hand corner states to click to learn more about cervical cancer. If viewing this video from a cell phone or tablet, tapping does not work. please add the link to the desription also. thank you.

[@lvblul247]

Good health and a happy long life❤

[@billietrickey1980]

16 weeks?!?! 3 days here Texas. I prefer us healthcare over free healthcare. You all have to jump through so many hoops. My gyno can do a colposcopy at the time of the pap.

[@fanatla3195]

In Europe you have a public health system and you can also pay for your own private health system like in the United States if you have the economic option and want to do tests faster and not be left bankrupt.😂

[@laurenceapitz1678]

@@fanatla3195I’m in France it takes a week

[@fanatla3195]

@@laurenceapitz1678 I'm in Spain 🥰... Same as France, but it is true that during 2020-21-22 waiting times for tests and results increased due to the COVID emergency, just like around the world.

[@bluesmoke8826]

​@@fanatla3195 Bankruptcy and alive or free cheap and dead? Decisions decisions

[@lesleyconnors]

Mine takes 10 days in England

[@ElanaMccullum]

Wow you got put to sleep..i had one when i was in my 20's so its been about 30 years but i got nothing....they just snipped took the biopsy and put vinegar on it after😳😫dont know why...hurt like hell.

[@queendom4839]

Yep. I was awake for mine too!

[@joannegregory3024]

Last time i had a smear in England i had result back in 2 weeks that was 2 yrs ago, mine have never taken longer than that

[@maddyk8505]

Why don't we ever get an update at the end???

[@Araksi_N]

Exactly, there was a case they posted a few weeks ago and the lady was already deceased and 0 mention of this in the video

[@emmacardall8152]

You did, shes having a scan end of April it's only the 7th so how can she end it when she's not had it done

[@5Gburn]

​@@Araksi_NThis channel is for education and advocacy--and to put a human face on the experience of cancer. Your question assumes that The Patient Story keeps tabs on this and that patients' families feel compelled to share such private information.

[@Araksi_N]

@@5Gburn by the time the case was posted on this channel she has been gone for months so they knew this therefore “keeping tabs” wasn’t even necessary .I know they don’t want to discourage people, but that was an important part to mention . Luckily, the comment section was full of people pointing this out because not everyone wants to live in denial or with false hopes

[@Ceerads]

@@Araksi_NAgree. I’ve seen two cases here where commenters told viewers that the interviewee had died (one was the one you cited; I don’t remember who was the other).

[@bettinagordon2348]

In Australia all girls at around 14 are given a vaccine against hpv and the rates of cervical cancer have reduced dramatically here.

[@Ceerads]

That’s wonderful! I hope that boys, too, are so vaccinated, since men (and women) can get oral cancers from the dangerous strains of HPV. Unfortunately, here in the States the right-wingers and anti-science people would scream if our government instituted that (not to mention that it’d cost the government a lot). I admire Australia and other countries that have excellent government-paid healthcare (and how your country dealt with guns).

[@joannegregory3024]

In the UK girls are given this vaccine at age 12/13 i think

[@mindydavis9132]

My partner , age 64 was diagnosed with HPV p16 Oral pharyngeal throat cancer here in the States . He has since completed chemo/radiation and is 5 years out . IF the HPV vaccine was available back then , he would of been SAFE. My daughters received the vaccine many years ago when it first came out . We need MORE awareness on the importance of vaccinating our pre-teen children ASAP.

[@raychelhill9208]

​@mindydavis9132 I got all three of my daughters the shot and my mom was pissed! But I had abnormal paps as a teen so I wanted to protect my girls.

[@deniseellenburg649]

Pre 2021, cancer overall was considered a disease affecting the very young and very old primarily with no screening done for cancerous disease within the 15-55 yo age group. However, since 2021 and vax push world wide, cancers in the prior unaffected group globally in vax participating nations have literally exploded in number. Many are rare, late stage, aggressive and not responsive to typical treatment protocols. The medical system that is now corporatized and controlled by big pharma and completely profit driven, is an absolute broken down mess. Your age group should NOT be experiencing this debilitating disease in the prime of your lives and having to suffer a gruesome "treatment" that is mostly unsuccessful in the end. This is not meant disrespectfully but instead is an attempt to bring about knowledge of why this is very likely occurring in our youngest and healthiest segment of the population who will repopulate the generations of the future. We were lied to and used as lab rats for profit and all entities involved refuse to even acknowledge what is happening. Be careful who you trust in the medical community and research out the wealth of research information and studies now available proving what we've feared from the start. Will keep you in my prayers sweetheart! Fight hard and never quit!! ❤.

[@joannek8319]

BS…are you blaming cancers on vaccines?

[@sofip.4539]

Wow makes sense. And yes cancer is exploding! My 26 year old nephew just passed away from testicular cancer 😢. He was a healthy young man, but the cancer took him in less than a year.

[@RonnieM983]

@@joannek8319the explosion of cancers is because of the Covid vaccines. Japan just published a study about cancer deaths and the huge increase of cancer in “modernized” countries. The numbers are staggering and will only get higher because cancer deaths are typically delayed since people often take years to die. Countries with low Covid vaccine rates are not seeing this increase. I’m writing this as we wait for biopsy results for my sister-in-law, age 39, who has suspicious lumps in her breast. Her doctor said it looks very concerning and almost certainly cancer. Look up Dr. John Campbell on KZbin. He is very knowledgeable about the subject.

[@matthewthomasjames]

According to Dr. Paul Marie, cancer rates have risen by 78% since the roll out of the vaccine. It’s truly horrific what Big Pharma has done to the population with it poisonous jabs.

[@MadDog31542]

Good grief 16 weeks are you kidding me. In the U.S.A. I get mine back in 2 days.

[@user-dt1db1up8w]

I was diagnosed with CIN III six weeks after the birth of my first child and had to have a LLETZ procedure. Not fun. You have to see your privates as just another part of your body or the relevant mammograms, smears, bowel screening etc won’t get done. I say your body is like a car and it’s in for a service!

[@user-oh7iv3ij5x]

Servical service for us all women 💙

[@jilenaj06]

Oh dear. I had a pap smear result which says severe inflammation of the cervix and ASCUS. Was advised to have my pap smear again after 3 months. Could it be one of the tell-tale signs? I remember getting fever for 3 days right after having my pap smear, like the pain did not go away after the procedure and it felt really uncomfortable to me.

[@florb3698]

Hi! From experience I can suggest you a colposcopy. Don’t wait 3 months. I had the same results ASCUS,doctor said it’s nothing to worry about but in 2 months I discovered I had CIN3(high grade displasia) and needed a cone biopsy.

[@kellyhuff2554]

I'm a had a biopsy done on my vulva and in 5 days the results came back, I have precancer and im going to have a wide excision surgery to have the cells removed. My surgery date is for the 23rd of this month, im scared, but if i don't have this surgery done now, it will become cancer.

[@loridontcaretotellu6497]

@kellyhuff2554, May I ask what symptoms led to your diagnosis? Thank you and I wish you the best!

[@kellyhuff2554]

@loridontcaretotellu6497 sure, I had burning, itching and it was sore when I wiped after using the bathroom.

[@emmacardall8152]

Just wondering if your cervicle cancer may have been caused by hpv, my 29 Yr old daughter was diagnosed with hpv at her first smear test age 25, since then she's had 1 colcoscopy and she has a smear test every Yr as the hpv is still present which I think is excellent care from the NHS

[@5Gburn]

My GYN told me HPV is the only cause of cervical cancer. HIV and tobacco smoking can also be factors in its development.

[@emmacardall8152]

@@5Gburn certainly not I know of ladies who have had cervicle cancer and not had hpv, but it can be the cause

[@stephanied1028]

@@emmacardall8152It cause 97% percent of cervical cancers. It also causes a high percentage of penile, throat, and tongue cancers.

[@florb3698]

She should get the vaccine. Can help clear the virus.

[@emmacardall8152]

@@florb3698 she had the vaccines 2008 age 14 hopefully the hpv my daughter has isn't the one that can cause cancer as the hpv vaccine just targets that type of hpv, and hopefully she's covered. She's still monitored every Yr just for her own peice of mind.

[@danaakon7633]

Usually beauty is considered as a biological sign that a person is healthy. You look so healthy so it is difficult to believe that you have cancer.

[@somebody9]

If you believe you must look ugly in someway when you're sick, you do not know what health is.

[@hawoodsjr]

Fenbendazole ?

[@hawoodsjr]

Research The Joe Tippens Cancer Story

[@iamwinningrightnow]

12-16 weeks? Dang. A lot can happen in 1 week much less 12-16 weeks. Good luck chica. If we can open our legs to have sex, and delivery children, we can get a pap smear😊.

[@5Gburn]

Socialized medicine isn't so utopian when put into practice. We have many more specialists and diagnostic/medical labs per capita in the United States than in the UK, same probably goes for Canada. Scotland has 22 labs for a population of 4.91M, and in the US we have 26,519 for a population of 333.3M--in other words, the US has 68x the number of people, and *1,205x* the number of diagnostic labs. Staggering, isn't it?

[@Ceerads]

@@5GburnThe UK has both government-paid and private-paid healthcare, so everyone is covered. Same for France, Germany, Scandinavia - probably almost every rich country. We here deserve what THEY have.

[@dpsuperduper]

Thank you for telling your story, it will help many people. Is that your mother at 7 mins and 50 secs? Her damaged hair looks horrible and your hair doesn't look much better. I love women with their natural hair color and that includes gray hair. And thank you for not be insulted by my very honest hair comment.

[@LikelyLost]

Why would you make a comment about her hair? Thats not very classy at all. Mean girl energy isn't cool in 2024 🤚

[@dpsuperduper]

@@LikelyLost Thanks for the feedback

[@robertfield5904]

Exodus 15:26, Matthew 4:23-24, cancer feeds on (eats) sugar and processed foods

[@iamwinningrightnow]

Stop it!

[@5Gburn]

Even if you eat zero carbs, your body creates glucose from protein. If you're fasting, it creates it from your muscle. With some cancers (notably lung cancer), going into ketosis causes cachexia, a near-irreversible process of muscle wasting.

[@joannek8319]

Please read about the Krebs cycle within the body. Everything practically breaks down into simple sugars that are then used by the body for fuel. Just because you have to consume glucose before a PET scan, doesn’t mean cancers feed on sugars, and that you need to limit them. Cancer patients need calories because cancer feeds on everything very quickly.