11/2007 - I had a pap smear with results of: Epithelial Cell Abnormality Squamous Cell - Low grade squamous intraepithelial lesion. Cellular changes of HPV.
12/2007 - I had a colposcopy with results of: Cervix Biopsy (12 o'clock) - Severe Dysplasia (CIN-3; HSIL); Cervix Biopsy (4 o'clock) - Severe Dysplasia (CIN-3; HSIL); Endocervical Curretage - Detached fragments of squamous epithelium with mild dysplasia and/or HPV cytopathic effect (LSIL) and unremarkable endocervical tissue.
2/2008 - LEEP procedure. Pathology showed positive margins.
3/2008 - LEEP procedure. Pathology showed positive margins again.
I have not seen either pathology report from the LEEP procedures. I have an appt on Thursday to discuss further treatment options with my MD. Before my 2nd LEEP, my Ob/Gyn indicated that a Cone Biopsy would be the next step if the 2nd LEEP still showed positive margins. I am 36, recently divorced with no children. I would certainly like to have a child someday if I met the right man, but being recently divorced and about to turn 37, I realize that motherhood may not be in the cards for me. I am more freaked out by the thought of removing some of my female "parts" with a hysterectomy than the thought of not being able to have children. I am now realizing that even with a Cone Biopsy, you can still have positive margins and not be "cured". And I do realize that a Cone Biopsy can result in cervical incompetence/stenosis.
What are the questions that I really need to ask at my appt on Thursday to make an informed decision about treatment? Is it too soon to resort to a hysterectomy? I am terrified of some of the potential risks of a hysterectomy such as vaginal vault prolapse. There are people telling me to just go ahead with the hysterectomy to be safe because the dysplasia is so advanced, but that is much easier said than done. I can't get past this feeling that I will be less "female" after a hysterectomy. : (
Help!
Michelle