Frida suffered from cervical cancer – talked to the children

The mother of two, Frida Ölvehed, received good cancer news after a successful operation, and celebrated with the family. But some time later, new tumors were discovered, and the world was again turned upside down.

– Sometimes I could feel that “oh, it was almost too easy”. A couple of months later I found out that the cancer was back, she says in Nyhetsmorgon.

It started with Frida Ölvehed doing an ordinary Pap smear, the kind you get a summons for in the mail. It was the summer of 2022, and since then her life has taken a new direction.

After first having the cervix removed, and later the entire uterus, things looked good, and the doctor said she could pop the champagne. But on a return visit in late summer 2023, new tumors were discovered.

– The operation was successful and went well, and then I thought the chapter was closed. We celebrated, closed that door as if it belonged to that era. The feeling was absolutely magical, says Frida Ölvehed in Nyhetsmorgon, and continues:

– Sometimes I could feel oops, it was almost too easy, because I only did an operation, and got rid of what I was so afraid of. A couple of months later was told that the cancer was back. In a way it was worse than the first time. Now it won’t be that easy, now it will be tougher. I understood that immediately, says Frida Ölvehed.

550 are affected annually

Frida is one of roughly 550 women in Sweden who get cervical cancer every year. The number of cases has decreased in recent years, thanks to cell sampling and vaccines, but for those who are affected, a tough treatment with radiation and chemotherapy awaits. For Frida Ölvehed’s part, the treatment, in addition to dullness and lack of energy, has meant, among other things, that she ended up in menopause earlier than expected. She has also had IBS-like symptoms and cramps.

– What is difficult is that you feel that you cannot do anything. No more than fighting it, she says.

As a mother of two, she has also had to deal with family everyday life in parallel with the disease and the treatment. A challenge has been to talk about everything with the children.

– The first time we just said that I was sick to my stomach, my children are 5 and 8 years old. The second time we told you that I have cancer. Sigge, who is five, didn’t say much. Edith who is 8 asked if I will die. Then I said no, I don’t think so, I’m going to get strong medication.

“Everyday I longed for”

Frida has received support from relatives, friends and a counselor during the time she has been ill. Now she herself wants to help and support others in a similar situation, including by shining a light on tests and vaccines.

Today, after all the treatments, she sees a brighter time ahead.

– I feel well today, have finished treatment and am starting somewhere to get back to an everyday life that I longed for.

Frida also participates in the cancer gala of the year, “Sing together against cancer”, which is broadcast live from Cirkus on Monday 8 December on TV4.