Cin3 Worry

Its so good to find a message board dedicated to this topic.

After an abnormal smear ,coloscopy and LOOP treatment I was told that I had CIN3, a week later I recieved a letter from the hospital saying that I had to return for further treatment. I'm therefore scheduled for another LOOP treatment next week and am worried sick.

My main worry is that if they have alreday carried out the LOOP treatment why am I being called back so quickly for another?, does this mean they think it maybe more serious than CIN3 and want to check it out before telling me ?. Has anyone had the same experience? 

It could be that the margins were not "clear" from the first procedure, if they found abnormal cells through out the entire sample they likely want to go back and take a larger sample to make sure they get it all.

 

I would call my doc and get the results and an explanation as to why they want you back in before you let them do anything else. You did not mention your age or if you have children but if you are young and still want to have children every procedure you have takes away more of your cervical cells making it harder for your body to carry a baby to term. Even if you do not want children I would make sure to have your doctor explain everything to you including the other possible options for treament instead of another LEEP, it may not be the best treatment for your condition.

 

Herenow has posted several links that explain the different partial amputation options and the pro's and con's of each. Doctors like to do the LEEP, it is quick and cheap but it has the biggest risk of infection.

 

If you get info from your doc and still have questions let us know.

I am CINIII too. It takes a long time to turn to cancer, but just keep up with all of your check ups. I have heard too many stories of them finding a higher grade displaysia as they remove tissue. And I am sorry, but I don't agree with the post about avoiding a LEEP because of infection. I had it done and was fine. The oncologist even told me the best cure is removal of the "bad cells". The mutated cells do eventually turn to cancer and they can't always get every cell. That's why we need to go back every three months at first. CINIII is more rapidly growing than a CIN I. Sometimes when the margins are not clear those bad cells get burned off when the tissue is cauterized. To be certain they sometimes have to remove a small amount more after it heals for three months. The risk of infection is a far cry from the risk of an invasive cancer that could have been prevented by a small removal of tissue. i personally am a CIN III. I have had insurance issues, and have not been abel to get back for another biopsy (my margins were not clear)...It's been 8 months now! I do have an appointment on the 18th, but I have watery blood now when I don't even have my period. I have low back pain, painful sex (my husband has been really good about it). I'm afraid of what the doctor's gonna say. I also have a lump the size of a finger that I'm really concerned about. It doesn't hurt though. Just listen to the doctors and ask lots of questions. The more you research, the more educated your questions will be and the doctor will give you better answers too, I think because they figure you have a better understanding already and they are usually pretty good about clearing up any misunderstandings you have. I ask tons of questions, and my doctor always spent lots of time explaining the answers. I'd like to keep in touch with you, it's nice to talk with someone who has this in common as unfortunate as it is.

Vicci, I agree with Chemiszt24.Before you do anything, look at the lab report and make sure your doctor has an honest, detailed discussion about your condition and how extensive the dysplasia is. Look at all of the lab results you have, so far. Find out if the unclear margins were in the endocervical canal and if the endocervical glands were involved. Depending how bad it is, you may want to be seen by a ONC/specialist. Ask as many questions as you need to. You also need to know ALL of your options. The criitcal words here are "informed decision." I know all of this is frightening, but with emotional support from your loved ones and armed with empowering knowledge, you can address all of this.

Julie, I'm not saying LEEP is the worst method. But neither is it the best method. It's just another method with benefits (live specimen for pathology) and risks (infection!). For me, LEEP was the worst method because I had an inflammed cervix from chronic cervicitis and my body heals very slowly and is prone to infection. I didn't see the lab report, my doctor did not have a full dicussion with me, and I was bullied into something that was wrong for my body.

On the other hand, for many women, after they have all the information about their conditions and their options, they do choose LEEP and it's the best choice. LEEP was the best method for my best friend. She had no complications. She healed very quickly. And that was the end of it. Horrifyingly, though, she didn't even know she'd had LEEP until she recently talked to me about mine! Her doctor told her she had abnormal tissue he was removing at the same time he was doing the colposcopy.

What I object to are doctors who don't show the lab results, don't have fully detailed discussions about their patients' conditions, and push LEEP on them. Regardless of what a woman chooses to do, her decision has to be informed. It's her body and her life.

Thnaks for your response, I wasn't sure if I would get any.

What you said about hearing too many stories of a higher grade of displaysia as they remove tissue is really whats concerning me.

I only had my first treatment 6 weeks ago and having been called back to ahve a second batch of tratement only 6 weeks later has worried me.

All the info I have is what I have found out by conducting my own research.Very little information have been provided by the doctorl, however when I go back on Tuesday I will be asking alot of questions before they carry out my next treatment.

I think one main difference between us both is that I'm presuming your States based whereas I'm in the UK and don't have these issues with insurance etc. 

I also have bleeding after sex (my partner is also very good about it) and  have pelvic and lower back pain of which I have had since the summer of last year.

Fingers crossed that I get a clear result after this next batch of treatment, I'll keep you posted.

Also good to find someone going through the same thing, that understands your concerns and worries.

Hope everything goes ok for you on the 18th - will keep my fingers crossed!

 

Thanks for your response. My doctors never mentioned any issues in regards to having children I only found out about these issues after my first treatment and through conducting my own research.

I'm 32 , have no cgildren but am getting to that time in my life where I want kids. The only thing my doctor said was that I was not to get pregnant at the moment or would have to have a termination - not something that I really wanted to hearr.

I'm just keeping my fingers crossed that I get a clear result after my next batch of treatment and that I don't have to have any further treatment after that, giving me a chance to get pregnant.

I will make sure that all my questions are answered before my treatment.

Thanks.

Don't worry too much Vicci, coming back for another check is still okay and six weeks isn't too soon. I have found that the more questions you ask, the more the doctors will share with you. I'm glad you're planning on asking a lot. It helps to write them down so if you have any anxiety when you go for your appointment you don't forget things you wanted to say. Good luck to you... let's keep in touch.