CancerCompass message board discussion started by katyw85 on 4/29/2008 http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,23544,0.htm Mon, 01 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT Mon, 01 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ Hello. I know I should probably read a few of the posts that are already here and I can probably get some of my questions answered, and I will, I guess I am just a little hasty and have too many questions. I am 22, and have had two children, one in 04 and one in 06, both c-section. I had an abnormal pap smear in Feb. 03 and was told by my gynecologist that it was HPV but it was nothing to worry about. He did not follow up, and I did not have any reason to question him. After having my first child, my pap smear was abnormal, but the follow-up was okay. Then, after my second child, my pap smear was abnormal, but the dr said it was nothing to be concerned about again, and just put me on the shot. I decided after a while that I wanted to try the IUD because the shot gave me horrible mood swings. I went to the health center in my town, because I am eligible to get it for much less than I would pay at a private dr. My pap smear came back abnormal and the nurse sent a referral to the "free" hospital in our area. I normally would have seen my regular ob/gyn but my husband had switched jobs and we are without insurance until next month. So I went to the free clinic and still had to pay for my visit because we don't meet the income requirements they have. I had a colposcopy and biopsy done. The dr I saw that day (March) said my ob/gyn should have done these tests back in 03 because she said it looked like I had precancer cells. I went yesterday for my results and saw a different dr. He seemed very nice and did not rush me out of his office. He went over my results. Everything was negative except the scraping, which showed precancer. He said that I would need to come back every 3 months to have it checked out with a pap smear, scraping, and colposcopy. He said it could take 7-8 years for it to actually form into cancer so I didn't need to worry about it right now. I took his word for it, and came home, a little bummed out about having to have pelvic exams 4 times a year, but relieved that it wasn't more serious.After researching it on the internet, I found out that it can be treated now, before it turns into full-blown cancer, and that it probably should be treated now. So, my questions are, basically, does this sound right to anyone, being told to just wait and see? What is the usual treatment for this? I read about surgery, radiation, chemo, and all the other possibilities a little bit. I guess I just want to know from those who have had this experience. And cost is a major issue. My husband's insurance kicks in next month, but of course, we have deductibles, and we are already pretty far in debt from medical bills that have been piling up over the last few years, that we jsut can't seem to make a dent it. How much do these different treatments usually cost? I just don't want to go to a private dr and then get surprised at teh end of the visit with a huge bill that I cannot pay.I also have lupus, and have been pretty sick for the last 2 months. It began with a stomach virus, which basically led to a flare-up, and sort of wrecked my immune system, I have been fighting colds and flu since I got over my flare-up. Maybe someone can help me understand how this might affect the cervical pre-cancer.I hope I have not rambled on too much, and that someone can help me with some of my questions. I appreciate your time.  katyw85 Tue, 29 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT Here are a few questions you need to find out the answers to before you make any decisions about treatment..Have any of the doctors told you the degree of the abnormality? Have used used the terms LSIL, HSIL, ASCUS? Any of those ring a bell?Depending on how high the grade is, it may go away on its own with out any treatment at all... Do you plan on having more children in the future? Many of the options out there for treating dysplasia (pre cancer) can have an impact on your chances to have children... Chemo, radiation and such are not the primary choices you have to treat this... LEEP, Laser, and cold cone are all partial amputation procedures that are used as a first treatment for dysplasia... you need to talk with your doctor before you make a decision to under go any of these... you need to have the one that is right for your body and right for your condition... And don't be too worried about the waiting game, while it sucks to go through you likely aren't in danger of having this turn into full blown cancer,I have been playing the good pap/ bad pap game for almost 15 years... my latest streak is 1.5 years of "abnormal" paps...and colps... I personally am trying a homeopathic treatment before I allow my doctor to perform surgery... I'll know in 2 months how the 6 months of homeopathic treatment worked... Best of luck to you and feel free to ask as many questions as you need to  chemiszt24 Tue, 29 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT Hi I'm not sure how much I can help you as things are a little different here in Australia. But I had abnormal smear in Dec 03, then a colposcopy and biopsy done new years eve, and a LLETZ (similar to a LEEP) under local anaesthetic for CIN 3. (which is the same as high grade cells). If I had CIN 1 they would of kept a close watch and not done anything unless it progressed.Another factor that was explained to me is that if your immunity is low, for many differents reasons, or you smoke that things can progress a little quicker. In saying that, it doesn't in any way mean 10 years will become 5. I had a baby in 2006, after having a LLETZ, which I'm told doesn't leave as much scarring etc as LEEP. (But don't quote me on that)I would also advise everyone to watch for changes on your vulva too. I was never told that the same virus can cause similar cell changes on your vulva too. I have just been diagnosed with VIN. I had a biopsy done with local (ouch). I am just recovering from a further 2 biopsies and a Wide local excision and lots of stiches. I can honestly say that it has been an ordeal, and more painful than i care to repeat. If you would like to know more, check out the vulval cancer threads. I am one of the lucky ones, as I knew something didn't feel right. Some have no idea, just like CIN. It can't be detected from a swab. I am sorry, as i don't wish to scare anyone, but feel knowledge is power. I want women to know what can happen.   tuscan Wed, 30 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT