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1118884 tn?1338592850

Living with HPV

I was diagnosed with anal cancer two years ago.  Have survived treatment, but am not the same woman I was two years ago.
My concern is with quality of life. Yes, that includes being intimate with a man.
Is it something I should just forget?

Before this virus caused cancer, I had herpes: diagnosed 30 yrs ago.  I managed that condition well once it was properly diagnosed.  Have always been upfront with partners, and never given it to another person.

During treatment, HPV was largely ignored, and it seemed doctors were guessing @ cause, so I was on my own.

I need to get out more...lose weight, and wear makeup once in awhile!   Have no motivation, which is a surprise to me.  I was one of those high maintenance woman: loving designer jeans, skin treatments, hair color etc.  Most importantly, I was fun! Provided comic relief @ family gatherings:).  My sense of humor has disappeared or been misplaced.

Alot of social problems stem from a feeling that I am now a eunich.

Comments?  Encouragment?







4 Responses
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1118884 tn?1338592850
Thanks again for upbeat message!
I still am not sure when someone has posted a message for me.
Think I got carried away and joined one too many forums!

Am taking myself off a few, and tho' anal cancer and HPV are concerns, nothing much of interest in first, and too much information in second.  Anxiety on the rise!  Bubble over head "ummm, so docs never gave me meds, checked me for HPV, etc...they just blew me off because I was er  an older woman who never got laid..grrrr???"

Didn't get out today, but give myself an 'atta girl' for taking a shower with favorite bath gel, shampooing hair and slathering nice body cream over bod.  First thing that went post cancer treatment was hygiene.

Best,
Ann

Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I know what you mean about getting into the habit of sleeping late and avoiding people.  But life is about people and meeting them and having fun.  We aren't really meant to be hermits (most of us anyway).  You don't sound like you should be a hermit.  You sound like a fun girl to hang out with.  I hope you find yourself again.  Just keep looking, she's in there.

Life is good and there are good people out there.  Maybe take a trip or a cruise somewhere to get your motor going????

Good luck with whatever you do.  God Bless!
Helpful - 0
1118884 tn?1338592850
Thanks so much for the great response!
I didn't find it until tonight.
Love the suggestions.

Probably the main thing is to get out there and have fun again.
The book club was suggested by a therapist @ MD Anderson.
I am a book person.  Trying to read a translation of Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, but believe magazines are better for me just now.
The man is optional.  I  do best with light interactions with guys...no relationship.

Think first thing I may do is set the alarm....I have slumped into a retirement mode of staying up late...and sleeping half the day away.  Sister thinks it's my way of avoiding interacting with others. She is probably right.

Thanks so much for reminding me that life is good.
Ann
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Look at all you have been through and you have survived!  You have a lot to be thankful for.  

There is more to life than a relationship with a man....you just need to start doing things that you enjoy (painting, theater, music, take a history class), make some new friends, re-connect with family.

Join a book club.  Start reading about nutrition to keep yourself healthy. Eating better will also make you feel better about yourself.

Buy a fashion magazine and try new make-up tricks.  Go to a dept store and have a make-over.  

Once you get yourself on the right track, you will be in a better place emotionally and
you can start thinking about a relationship with a man, if that's what you still want.

There is life after cancer, and it may even be a better life than you ever dreamed.





Helpful - 0

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