Waiting

[hlwampler]

I guess this isn't much of a question as me being stuck in limbo.

I had my yearly done 2 weeks ago and got that dreaded call from the lab at my doctors office. My pap came back not just abnormal but a "level 3" with cancerous cells. I'm still not sure what they meant by that. There hasn't been much explaining done.

I was scheduled for my colposcopy on December 10; however, they wouldn't do it since the hubby and I did the deed 3 days before hand. (My doc told me to abstain for 48 hours, the one I was scheduled with said it had to be at least 2 weeks.) So the procedure was rescheduled for January 3. The first thing this woman said to me was, "It's probably cancer. I would recommend a hysterectomy and partial removal of the cervix."

Now I'm in limbo.

I'm scared. Nervous. And noticing every little pain in the lady bits region.

Has anyone else been stuck in limbo? What was it like just waiting? How do you get over those nerves?

[old_before_my_time]

I hope your appointment goes well. It always helps to have a list of questions (as well as to know what the correct answers should be). And if you are not comfortable with the answers or treatment recommendations, don't feel like you need to schedule surgery. You can always do more research and get other opinions.

Let me know how it goes. Good luck!

[hlwampler]

I had my colposcopy yesterday. The doctor did 4 biopsies of the cervix and sent it all away to the lab. Now...it's that week long wait for the lab to confirm what she suspects, which is cancer.

After she took her samples she said she was almost positive that it would come back positive just from her experience with cervical cancer. We discussed treatment options and told me to expect a phone call from gynecological oncology next week. I'm looking at a laparoscopic hysterectomy. Which she says survival rate is very high, so yay? I guess.

[old_before_my_time]

I feel for you! A second opinion from a gynecologic oncologist in an unrelated practice and affiliated with a different hospital may be a good idea (wish I had done that). Sometimes a second pathology opinion is warranted too. Let me know the results when you get them. Getting a copy of the pathology report would be a good idea even if you don't pursue a second opinion. I am sure it won't be an easy week but try to remain calm and clear headed, one thing I did not do well.

[hlwampler]

I'm going in for an appointment with a gynecological oncologist on Monday. Same network, different practice. Unfortunately with my insurance I have to stay in network otherwise I have co-pays that are a bit much.

I do have copies of all my tests. The hospital system that I use has a nice online profile that puts all of your medical records out for you to see. So I do have that.

We're more or less taking it day by day until the appointment with this doc to find out what the best course of action is. of course if the hysterectomy is our only way to go for survival, we'll do it. We already have two sons. I'm only a year away from when I was going to be done having children anyway, so a hysterectomy wouldn't be the worst thing to ever happen to me.

[old_before_my_time]

I'm sorry you are going through this. Have you had regular paps over the years - every 3 years per guidelines? Have you had abnormal paps in the past that necessitated a repeat pap or colposcopy?

Cervical cancer typically takes many years to develop from abnormal cells. So if you have kept up with screening and haven't had ongoing issues then chances are you don't have cancer. The colposcopy and biopsy should clarify what's going on. Hysterectomy is one of the top overused surgeries with less than 10% done for a cancer diagnosis.

I was over-treated by my long-time gynecologist after he used cancer scare tactics. I have since learned that many women are misled about their diagnosis and treatment options and not provided with informed consent as it relates to hysterectomy and/or ovary removal.

Please let us know what you find out from the colposcopy. I hope the best for you!

[hlwampler]

I have had abnormal pap smears in the past, unfortunately the past few years I have not kept up with my yearlys.  After having the kids and school and working...I guess I've forgotten to take care of myself.

I'm hoping that it's a scare tactic.  My husband and I have been trying to research as much as we can to at least prepare ourselves or know what's going on because my docs haven't been super helpful.