My Cervical Battle

[prettymami07]

As you all may have seen, I have been a fervent advocate for Cervical Awareness for almost 2 years now. You may wonder why or how do you become such an advocate for something so random, and unfortunately, as in most cases, it hit way too close to home.

When I went to the Ob/Gyn for the first time after knowing I was pregnant, I went through all my screenings and it turned out that my pap smear was abnormal. Because of the pregnancy, nothing else could have been done to test further. Once I had my beautiful baby boy, I went for another pap smear, and again, the results were abnormal. I was told that I needed to get further testing done to see how and where the abnormalities of my cervix were. I went to get a Colposcopy (Colpo for short), for those who are unfamiliar, its basically spraying my cervix with a vinegar solution and looking at my cervix under a microscope for any abnormal cells/tissue. Once the abnormalities are found, a biopsy might be performed and sent to a lab to see how drastic the abnormalities are.

 Well to my dismay, the cell changes and abnormalities were quite high, and if not removed I had a higher chance of getting Cervical Cancer.

 WHAT?

 Cancer?

 I was numb. I didn't know what to think, say or how to react. I wanted the world to open up and eat me. I walked around for 2 days like nothing happened then I started reading about cervical cancer, and I cried for 2 days straight. I thought about my baby, who I have to live for, who else would care for him the way I do? How would he survive without me? How would he grow up without me? I won't be able to see him graduate, get married or meet my grandchildren?

Then I got tired of crying and went in for further testing.

 The results from the Colpo came back very dangerous high grade changes, a little more abnormal and I have cancer, so the next step is called a Leep procedure which is done to try to remove all the abnormal cells. I wish no one reading this EVER has to have something like this done to them, b/c it is the most uncomfortable and in my case painful thing I have ever experienced.

 Basically a Leep procedure is removing the abnormal part of my cervix with a electric loop (they burn off part of the cervix). The heat is supposed to kill off any of the abnormal cells that might be lying in the margins as well. I will spare you all my experience, and just say that since the anesthesia didn't take well, I was in pain and traumatized from it until this day.

 Two weeks ago, I went in for, hopefully the last step, which is to do another Colpo to see if there are any further changes on my cervix aside from where the biopsy was performed. To my relief there were no visible changes, but my OB/GYN did a pap smear and a ECC which is basically a pap in the canal (and hurts like hell). Im waiting the results and hopefully by next Monday I can come and give you all a good update.

 As you can all see, this has been a very difficult year for me healthwise, and I am determined to have a better year. I wanted to share this with you all b/c I know there are women who have NEVER been to an OB/GYN, or haven't had a check up in years, who haven't been to the OB/GYN since they had their kids. There are women who have girls who are sexually active, and haven't thought about taking them to the OB/GYN. PLEASE please please, GO. Get checked out, learn about  HPV (the virus that causes cervical cancer), if you can, get vaccinated, and be healthy. This is a disease that can be treated if caught early, and prevented if vaccinated. All I want is to prevent all girls from having to go through what I have gone through, knowing that NOW it is preventable. Read up, learn about your options and testing, it might help save your cervix.

For more information please visit: http://www.nccc-online.org/ ; http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/cervical ; http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_4_1X_What_is_cervical_cancer_8.asp

 Be well, stay healthy, get checked and have a wonderful 2009!

[mamaofwildboys]

Jan. 5, 2009 at 11:15 AM

I know exactly how you feel.  I myself went through something very similar only months ago.  I had the biopsy done also.  Mine came back ok, no precancerous cells.  I have to go back for another pap test in April to make sure everything is ok.  I'm also very worried. 

[Krazysexychef]

Jan. 5, 2009 at 11:31 AM

I went Through It As Well And I Am Always paranoid Every Time I Go Get Checked.

[nocciboo]

Jan. 5, 2009 at 12:52 PM

I used to work for my OB/GYN before I had Christian and set up those procedures and surgeries.  It is very scary and so so important to go to the OB and get regular check ups and PAPs!

[MamatoaRose]

Jan. 5, 2009 at 5:14 PM

I have a bff that goes through checkup twice a year-shes had cancerous cells since before her children were born and is high risk-so its good and imp to know your family history as well. It was very brave of you to make this post and share such private information to everyone-I hope people pay attention and get check ups!

[happymushrooms]

Jan. 5, 2009 at 7:04 PM

Aww hun thanks for sharing. I am so sorry you had to go through this. I myself have had a scare. It turned out to be nothing but I do get checked out twice a year. That nothing can turn into something so it's better to be safe than sorry. I am so glad you share this with us and inform the many who I am sure do not go to the OB regularly. Keep us posted and you will be in m y thoughts.

[prettymami07]

Jan. 5, 2009 at 11:08 PM

Surprisingly, I have gotten many messages from many moms who have gone through this! Im very surprised this is more common than I thought. Thanks for all your support girls.

(Original Poster)