CancerCompass message board discussion started by Valarie on 9/26/2005 http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,3044,0.htm Fri, 21 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT Fri, 21 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ Hi, my name is Valarie and I would love some feed back from you guys. I was diagnosed a couple of years ago with severe Endometriosis. But, the last month or so I've been spotting after sex. I went to my Dr. and he said that it was probably my Endometriosis back again. He did test for STD's and did a pelvic unltrasound. Both those tests were clear. Now he has told me to just see if my symptoms (heavy periods, spotting after sex, pain in lower abdomin)persist. This is nothing like the symptoms I had when I last had Endometriosis. After doing some research on line, I see that these are classic symptoms for cervical cancer. I did call the Dr. last week and insist on a Pap test (he says since my last one almost a year ago was fine, he didn't see the need). But, I persisted and have an appointment for Oct. 7th. I guess from here I just want some advice. Should I seek a second opinion? What should I do if the pap test is clear? I'm still worried about these symtoms as they feel nothing like I've had before... especially the spotting after sex. Thanks for listening... I'm not really sure where to turn for advice. Valarie Mon, 26 Sep 2005 00:00:00 GMT Hi Valerie, I'm sure these symptoms are scary. You may need to have an MRI to check for adenomyosis. This is like endometriosis of the wall of the uterus. You can have spotting all month long,after exercise and after sex. You can have extremely heavy periods and severe abdominal pain. Your radiologist needs to be familiar with recognizing this when he reads the MRI and needs to know he is looking for this problem. As you have found out, you have to push for your treatment so keep pushing. Second opinions are always good. Good luck to you Joan Joan F. Wed, 28 Sep 2005 00:00:00 GMT Joan... thank you for your feedback. I really appreciate it! Valarie Wed, 28 Sep 2005 00:00:00 GMT Valarie: Bleeding can be a sign of a gynological cancer, but more than likely it is fibroids or endometrosis. The fact that your first tests did not show any lesions or tumors is a very good sign. But I am glad you are insisting on a Pap because that catches most cervical cancers. If you are not happy with your doctor please get another opinion and insist on a specific diagnosis before you stop insisting on tests. Most cervical and uterine cancers if caught early, can be very successfully treated (90% + recovery) The bleeding can be emotionally and physically draining and interfere with your treatment and recovery. Please do not assume that you have cancer, but be proactive. May I also suggest the website Hystersisters--you will find alot of information about gyno problems and they have all types of forums not only for hysterectomy, but for prehysterectomy problems. Good Luck and I wish you the best! LB Sthair Wed, 28 Sep 2005 00:00:00 GMT Valarie, I would definetely go for a second opinion-no one knows your body like you do and if the doctor you're seeing now doesn't seem to want to work with you-you're best bet is to find another doctor that will. Don't take any chances because if there is a problem it is treatable more so if finding out early. Best of luck. Lori Lorijb Wed, 28 Sep 2005 00:00:00 GMT My mother had cervical cancer recently. Her doctors at UCSD Medical center told us that pap tests only catch 50% of all cervical cancer. That being said, if I were you, or if you were my sister, I would insist that you get an ultrasound of your cervix. Outside of an mri or pet scan, is the easiest way to look for an abnormality of the cervix. This would also be able to show if you had any fibroids or not. If your doctor keeps dismissing you, find one that will listen. And then get another opinion after that. You know your body, trust your instincts and get these simple tests to put your mind at ease. Good luck!!! Karyn karynb Thu, 29 Sep 2005 00:00:00 GMT Thank you to everyone who posted a reply. This is great advice. I am so glad I found this message board! Valarie Thu, 29 Sep 2005 00:00:00 GMT