How I did it: Doctor told me i had an abnormal pap test.  After a colposcopy (doctor looks at your unmentionables with a large magnifying scope) and additional tests, I found out I had precancerous cells on my cervix.  Doctor decided to give me a LEEP procedure where they cut out the affected area.  After further tests, I still had the bad cells.  I then had a cone biopsy to remove the rest of them, for which I had to go to the hospital and go under general anesthesia.  After that, I was tested every 6 months until the results came back normal twice.  Now, I’m back to regular annual exams!

Lessons & tips: Anytime someone recommends surgury, get a second opinion.  Reduction in size of the cervix could create complications if you want to have a baby in the future.  Make sure you know all of your options.  This is a very slow growing disease, so keep that in mind as well.  Also, (a nurse told me this, and made all the difference in the world!) you don't have to just sit around and wait for the next pap test.  Help your body convert the weird cells back to normal by eating right, exercising...all the things we are supposed to do anyway!

Resources: If your abnormal cells/cervical cancer was caused by HPV:
http://www.cdc.gov/STD/HPV/STDFact-HPV.htm
http://www.cdc.gov/std/Hpv/STDFact-HPV-vaccine.htm

In general:
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/cervical/

Support (turn your emotions into positive ones by helping to fight cancer)
http://www.relayforlife.org/

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Jan 29, 2009, 08:59AM PST | 0 comments | 2 cheers