February 2025

My cervical cancer treatment ended in 2017. I had a full hysterectomy, external beam radiotherapy and also brachytherapy.

I was told that the risk of my cancer returning are no higher for me now than for anyone else. I am very, very thankful for that.

A few weeks after my treatment ended, I developed lymphoedema*. First in one leg, then both. This affects me every day and is incurable. I manage it well, but it impacts my life in every way. I hate it. I have to wear thick, compression stockings every day. Uncomfortable, hot, restrictive. No more bare legs or sandals. No nice shoes or jeans. I can’t do most jobs or drive very far because my legs can’t cope. Oh, there’s a whole list of things I can’t do anymore to be honest.

Lymphoedema also causes me to be immunocompromised*: I get cellulitis* from any break to the skin below the waist. Cellulitis is horrible: I am extremely poorly with it. I live alone, so coping is difficult. One year I had cellulitis 9 times.

My ability to have a normal sex life is hugely affected. Despite using lubrication, HRT suppositories, and those revolting vagina-stretching-dildos, I can expect my skin to tear if I ever have intercourse. Not only is this painful, it invariably leads to cellulitis. How do you explain that to a date/potential partner? I despair of ever having a man in my life ever again, which makes me so sad.

Since my treatment finished, I have barely a day without diarrhoea. I also struggle with bladder control. These days, my diarrhoea has become explosive, and I have very little control. As an active, outdoorsy person, this is really difficult to deal with. I like to run. I like to walk the fells and climb mountains. These are very difficult when you need to poo at a moment’s notice. I have to carry clean underwear everywhere I go and clean myself up behind trees or rocks, hoping no one comes. I can’t walk with others: imagine explaining that to a friend. It’s so embarrassing.

If I am not hypervigilant about cleanliness, my skin can crack causing cellulitis within a few hours. So I carry liquid soap, hand sanitiser and poo bags too. Ugh. I have a 2 week supply of antibiotics at home always. If I go on holiday, they come too.

I try really, really hard to be a positive, happy person. I am glad my treatment meant that cancer didn’t kill me. And, most of the time, I turn my attention away from these physical and mental challenges in order to stay positive. But inside, it’s very, very hard. And lonely. Most of the time, if I’m honest, I feel hopeless.

If, like Corinne, you struggle with feeling hopeless being part of our Online Community or Chat Together support group can help by providing a sense of connection, understanding, and shared experience. Talking to others who have faced similar challenges offers emotional support, practical advice, and reassurance that you’re not alone.

Being a part of our peer-support groups creates a sense of belonging which can boost your confidence, reduce isolation, and inspire hope for the future.

Footnote information
Lymphoedema – a chronic (long-term) condition that causes swelling in the body’s tissues. It happens when the lymphatic system is damaged or doesn’t work properly. Lymphoedema cannot be cured but the main symptoms including swelling and skin changes can be managed and effectively controlled. Although radiotherapy increases the risk of lymphoedema, not everyone with PRD will develop the condition.
Immunocompromised/ Compromised immune response – the lymphatic drainage system is crucial for transporting immune cells throughout the body. Lymphoedema disrupts this process, weakening the body’s ability to fight infections and increasing the risk of infection in the affected area due to fluid build-up, which can create a breeding ground for bacteria. Essentially, the impaired lymphatic system results in a weakened immune response in the affected region.

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