What does your oncologist say? Have you had a meeting with a surgeon? A Radiologist is not a surgeon so I am concerned why they are giving you this information.

Hi livezey,
I finished radiation/chemo/brachytherapy for stage 2b cervical cancer in June 2012. The first few followups I had clear paps, but in January 2013 my pap came back questionable again. I had a PET that was clear, but biopsies still showed abnormal cells. My GYN oncologist said the next step was a hysterectomy, which he did the following week. The pathology did show a small area of residual cancer.The hysterectomy was nine months after I finished radiation. All went well and I am currently cancer free. Hope this answers some of your questions.

For stage iv cervical cancer following chemo and radiation, a hysterectomy is not generally seen as possible. The reasoning for this results from the extensive radiation we must undergo to shrink the tumor. When the pelvic is radiated to the extent ours is the tissue becomes very fragile and quite often the pelvic organs become fused together. It is for this reason, if surgery is required to remove recurring or remaining cancer cells, a surgery called a Total Pelvic Exenteration is required. This surgery involves the removal of not only reproductive organs, but also the bladder, colon, rectum, and most often the vaginal wall. This is due to the fusing and the delicate tissue, which my oncologist described as being like peeled sunburned skin. That is how fragile it is and why these organs can not be separated as prior to radiation. Yes, as you can probably tell, I speak from personal experience from both stage iv cervical cancer as well as the TPE surgery. I am very happy to read that chemo/radiation killed all of your cells. I was not as fortunate.

livezey,

Thank you for sharing your question. I want to point you to a place on our site that specifically shows WhatNexters who have had experience with a hysterectomy. Perhaps it will give you insight.

http://www.whatnext.com/experiences/procedure/hysterectomy

Best of luck!
David