Categories
Abraxane (paclitaxel) Cervical Cancer Chemotherapy Hysterectomy Irinotecan Omentectomy oophorectomy Patient Stories Platinol (cisplatin) Squamous Surgery Taxol (paclitaxel) Treatments

Kate’s Stage 3C Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Unknown Primary Origin Story

Kate R., Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Unknown Primary Origin, Stage 3C

Symptoms: Intermittent spotting during or after sex, unpredictable menstrual cycle, abdominal pain particularly under the rib cage
Treatments: Chemotherapy (cisplatin & paclitaxel), immunotherapy (Keytruda), surgery (total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy & omentectomy)

Kate’s Stage 3C Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Unknown Primary Origin Story

Interviewed by: Nikki Murphy
Edited by: Katrina Villareal

Kate R. feature profile

Kate began experiencing symptoms, such as random spotting during or after sex and abdominal pain, years before seeking medical attention. Initially misattributed to gallbladder issues, her condition worsened, leading to an emergency room visit where a CT scan revealed a shadow. Subsequent tests and an ultrasound uncovered two large masses, which would later be classified as squamous cell carcinoma of unknown origin.

Kate’s journey to a definitive diagnosis was complex. Initially suspected to be cervical cancer due to testing positive for HPV, her diagnosis changed after multiple biopsies. These tests showed her cervix and uterus were benign, but the masses remained malignant.

Her treatment plan was equally challenging. She began with chemotherapy but suffered severe reactions, including a massive rash that required hospitalization. Despite these setbacks, the tumors responded well to treatment, shrinking by 75% after several rounds of chemo. Kate’s oncologist decided to proceed with surgery, successfully removing the tumors and performing a full hysterectomy. Post-surgery, pathology reports showed all removed tissues were benign, and the tumors were necrotic, indicating she was cancer-free.

Kate reflected on the mental toll of her diagnosis and treatment, emphasizing the importance of allowing oneself to feel all emotions and seeking support. She stressed the importance of listening to one’s body and seeking medical attention for abnormal symptoms. Despite the daunting challenges, Kate remained determined to continue living a fulfilling life with her husband and daughters.


  • Name: Kate R.
  • Diagnosis:
    • Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Unknown Primary Origin
  • Staging:
    • Stage 3C
  • Symptoms:
    • Intermittent spotting during or after sex
    • Unpredictable menstrual cycle
    • Abdominal pain, particularly under the rib cage
  • Treatments:
    • Chemotherapy: cisplatin and paclitaxel
    • Immunotherapy: Keytruda
    • Surgery: total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, omentectomy
Kate R.
Kate R.
Kate R.
Kate R.
Kate R.
Kate R.
Kate R.

This interview has been edited for clarity. This is not medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider for treatment decisions.


Kate R. feature profile
Thank you for sharing your story, Kate!

Inspired by Kate's story?

Share your story, too!


Cervical Cancer Stories


Samantha R., Adenocarcinoma Cervical Cancer



Symptoms: Irregular bleeding, pain
Treatments: Surgery (radical hysterectomy, pelvic exenteration) chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone replacement therapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy
...
Mila smiling in her car

Mila L., Squamous Cell Cervical Cancer, Stage 1B1



Symptoms: Abnormal lump in cervix area, bleeding after sex
Treatments: Chemotherapy (cisplatin), radiation, adjuvant chemotherapy (carboplatin & paclitaxel
...
McKenzie E. feature profile

McKenzie E., Cervical Cancer, Stage 3C2



Symptoms: Severe abdominal & back cramping, persistent & extreme pain, heavy discharge & bleeding

Treatments: Radiation, chemotherapy (cisplatin), brachytherapy, immunotherapy (Keytruda)
...
Marissa

Marissa N., Squamous Cell Cervical Cancer, Stage 3B



Symptom: Excessive and prolonged vaginal bleeding

Treatments: Chemotherapy (cisplatin), radiation, brachytherapy
...

Leanne B., Cervical Cancer, Stage 4



Symptoms: Fatigue, irregular periods, pain after sex

Treatments: Radiotherapy, brachytherapy, chemotherapy (carboplatin & paclitaxel)/p>
...
Kristine

Kristine M., Adenocarcinoma Cervical Cancer, Stage 2B



Symptom: Tumor found during postpartum pap smear

Treatments: Colposcopy with endocervical curettage, cone biopsy, total abdominal radical open hysterectomy with lymph node removal
...
Kate R. feature profile

Kate R., Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Unknown Primary Origin, Stage 3C



Symptoms: Intermittent spotting during or after sex, unpredictable menstrual cycle, abdominal pain particularly under the rib cage
Treatments: Chemotherapy (cisplatin & paclitaxel), immunotherapy (Keytruda), surgery (total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy & omentectomy)
...
Gwendolyn J.

Gwendolyn J., Cervical Cancer, Stage 4



Symptoms: Heavy menstrual cycles, severe back pain, stomach bloating
Treatments: Chemotherapy, radiation, tisotumab vedotin (clinical trial)
...
Cara's stage 2C cervical cancer story
Cara R., Cervical Cancer, Stage 2C Symptoms: Lower back pain, abdominal pain, bloating

Treatments: Chemotherapy, radiotherapy, brachytherapy, hormone therapy...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.