Question:
Wow BostonGirl, I am really shocked at your doctor's advice. LEEPs or cryo are necessary for anyone with moderate to high grade dysplasia, no matter what their age is. Moderate and high grade dysplasia must be treated aggressively. Gosh, what is your doctor doing, waiting until you progress to cancer before treating you? That's insane.
I am really sorry you're having such a hard time with this. Your doctors sound incompetent, and I wish they'd just given you a LEEP a long time ago so you could've been done with this and gone on with your life. I hope you're able to find relief really soon.
Answer:
Me too, Timber. Luckily my NP called me back tonight and I am seeing her tomorrow morning. I will ask what can be done at this point. I'm fed up with it all. My work is probably wondering why I take these extended "lunch breaks" all the time!! Geez. Well I will keep you all posted as to what happens. I hope to find peace with all this soon. I would really like my normal life back. Thanks for the support and lending me your ears (well, eyes really).
-Abby
Answer:
Abby,
Gosh, you have been through a ton lately! I know the feeling! I too was worried about the pregnancy thing when I found out I had cancer (never even had dysplasia first), but you've got to treat yourself first! Luckily, DH and I are trying to have a baby now that I'm cancer free. I might have to have the cerclage (which is just a stitch to keep the cervix closed), but some women can go through a whole normal pregnancy without it. There's always a risk, but better that than having cancer!
One thing I have to say is that if you are still being seen by a regular GYN, you NEED to find a gynecological oncologist. They have 3 years of extra training in gyn cancers beyond med school and are specially trained in precancerous and cancerous lesions. I know I made the right decision to do this to get the best treatment. Maybe your doctor doesn't know enough about these conditions. Find a gyn-onc. It could make your life a lot easier right now!
Good luck!
Answer:
ilovesporty,
thanks for your comment. The NP i am seeing and the DR she works for specialize in gyn-oncology, so I'm doing right by that at least! They've been using this Efudex treatment on women successfully for years ages 19-90 and that's why I was reccommended to them. So luckily I'm pretty sure these guys are good at what they do, the only trouble is I'm a bit of a guinea pig to them as I've been experiencing symptoms they are not used to seeing with Efudex (bleeding, cramping, UTIs). So that's why I'm so scared. Even the experts are shrugging!
Oh well, luckily I've got an appt tomorrow morning and hopefully will be on the road to getting this sorted out once and for all.
I'm so glad to hear that you are now cancer free! Congratulations!! I'm sure you had one heck of a rollercoaster ride. No HPV diagnosis? How did you acquire it? genetic?
Answer:
Here's my update for all who were concerned:
I've been prescribed Permarin and lots of yogurt to help with dryness that is apparently causing the irritation/bleeding/cramping. I will try this for 3 weeks and if there's no improvement the NP will order an ultrasound.
The visit today was reassuring and I thank you all again for your comments and concerns.
-Abby