Not Sure What To Think About This Whole Thing...

Hi...Im Jennifer,22, and I have just recently found out that i had or have (still unsure) carcinoma in situ. I had and abnormal pap in Nov and was told that there was mild displasia. My gyno then said it would be best to do a culposcopy/biopsy. My results came back as mild displasia again, but this time within the innermost part of the cervix. My Dr. told me this concerned her and that the next step would be to have the cold cone biopsy done. I just recently had the cone procedure done on Jan 4th and my results showed carcinoma in situ. I was in shock. My gyno said she was very surprised by the results and didnt expect it, which scared me more. She said that the cancer cells were encapsulated and that she "probably got it all". Im not sure what to think and I have been reading other wall postings on this site and I havent seen to much info. on the cold cone procedure. But i keep seeing the LEEP procedure. Im wondering why I wasnt told about this and if I was given all my options. My gyno has also said that she  is going to set me up with an appt. to see a gyno oncologist at the beginning of next week, and I dont even know what to think? does this mean i have cancer? or did and now its gone? could it still be spreading? She also said that ,because of my age the next step would probably be following me closely with frequent paps. But Im just wondering how do they know if they got it all? Aside from the fear of the cancer all together.......I have also been worried about my body's reaction to the cold cone procedure..I have been having alot of bleeding and my doctor said it could be normal. It has been two weeks since my surgery though  and the bleeding isnt letting up. Is this normal? Can anyone give me any advice?? If so Id really appreciate it!!  Thanks

Hey there -

 I had a cone on Jan 2nd for stage 1A1 Adenocarcinoma. My experience afterwards was horrible, my oncologist said I would feel better three days afterwards (even be able to go to the gym!) but it took more like three weeks. I am still having issues from it but I finally feel a lot better and was able to return to work this week. I bled very lightly for the first week, a little heavier the second week, and had my period a week early on the third week, which my doctor said may happen. It was a lot heavier and with much more cramping than I am used to, but once it was over I felt like I could move around more and bend at the waist better. The problem now is that I have developed BV, which is an infection (bacterial vaginosis), but my doctor said that is common too. I'm just ready to feel better!!!

 As for the LEEP, my OB/GYN did that in her office after my punch biopsy came back with CIN 3. It basically removed some layers of the cells, which they sent off for an additional biopsy and to check the margins. When that biopsy came back showing 1A1 Adeno, she sent me to the Gyn Oncologist, who asked if I wanted a hysterectomy (I said no, because I am only 30 and do want children) so he did a cold knife cone instead. I don't know why some doctors go straight to the cone without doing the LEEP first, considering (In my opinion) that the LEEP was much easier, less painful, and a faster recovery than the cone. And there is the possibility that the LEEP will remove all of the cells, but I guess some doctors just prefer the cone.

As for the oncologist, I went to several, to get second opinions. The first wanted to do a hysterectomy, hands down. I wasn't cool with the fact that he wasn't giving me a choice about my own body. I would recommend you see several and find one you like and trust.

I got the results of my cone back, and it showed that they had successfully removed the existing cancerous cells, but that there were cellular changes in the margins. The whole margin business still confuses me, but my doctor said that we are just going to start doing a pap every 3 months for the next three years, and then every 6 months for the remaining 2 years, to the five year mark. And that they would be on top of it if those cells developed into something else. I know I could probably be completely done with this whole thing if I would just have the hyster, but I really think I am going to be okay with it!

I wish you the best of luck in whatever happens, you should have your results by now, please update us. Hang in there, it's not easy but it's not the end of the world either.