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I want to be one less!
Who am I? I am a cervical cancer survivor. Just about 2 ½ years now …
The journey could best be described as Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, from diagnosis to surgery, a Cheshire Cat OB who reminded me of Bob from the male enhancement commercials to a female practitioner who is trying to let me keep the option of having more children (I mean, I’m not even thirty yet … so what if one day I actually do get married and would like to have another child, right?), and then braving several painful regular Paps to becoming a chicken and avoiding the doctor like the plague for over a year now.
With a cervix hardened from scar tissue those exams were more painful than child birth, which I did without drugs once upon a time. Even using a medication that was supposed to soften things up the last Pap still sent huge tears rolling down my cheeks as I gritted my teeth and silently clawed the table.
Then the other night I had a dream that I went to the doctor and was told that the cancer had returned. Since the surgery I’ve had random sharp pains and other girl part issues, and a little more so the past week, so I figure it’s just my mind wandering and bringing the pain that I’m experiencing in my sleep to my dreams … but still … I need to summon the courage to go in and face that cervix scraper again.
I think I’ll wait until after the holidays, then I’ll pull my balls out of my purse and make the phone call.
Girls, please don’t forget your annual exam … you never think it can happen to you. The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2007, about 11,150 cases of invasive cervical cancer will be diagnosed in the United States. About 3,670 women will die from cervical cancer in the United States during 2007. Worldwide, cervical cancer is the fifth most deadly cancer in women. The death rate from cervical cancer continues to decline by nearly 4% a year. The main reason for this change is the increased use of the Pap test. This screening procedure can find changes in the cervix before cancer develops. It can also find early cancer in its most curable stage. (The American Cancer Society)
6 comments from 4 users
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posted by
an1ok1joe
on Dec 13, 2007 at 05:23 PM
You are a brave person for all you've been through. My Ex was "pre-cancerous" Twice, they froze and coned out her cervix. I don't envy having to go through any of that. it's painful and a very emotional time I'm sure. I'm proud of you! But yes have those check ups and no matter what postive attiude is everything! I'm obviously not a woman but thank you for sharing.
posted by
thenovelist
on Dec 13, 2007 at 11:13 PM
Cancer is such a terrible killer and maimer. One of my friends just had uterine cancer. Now she can't have kids. Another friend survived a rare liver sarcoma. People she used to live close to are part of a cancer cluster in Delano and dying in their early 30s.I'm glad your cancer is in remission. You're a great mom and have a cool kid. You both deserve healthy lives. posted by
Kindra79
on Dec 14, 2007 at 09:39 AM
Thanks you guys :) My Mom survived skin cancer, my (non biological) Popo died of pancreatic cancer, my Nana survived Breast Cancer in her 70's, and my 88 year old Papa just recently survived cancer in his intestine. It really can be all about genetics! I was fortunate enough to have early enough detection that I didn't have to go through Chemo (same as my Mom and Papa). My friend's mom and a friend of mine weren't so lucky as they didn't have regular exams. Both are cervical cancer survivors, but had to undergo chemo to get there. That's really awful NL ... sometimes it makes me wonder if it really is something in the water ... I know so many people who had of have cancer in this area. There is a great website called www.choosehope.com where you can purchase items to support or show awareness. Some of the shirts really make me laugh "I didn't survive cancer to die of stress!" "I have chemo brain, what's your excuse?" and simply, "Cancer Sucks". John, your ex is a brave woman - to have it done twice! That's my fear, going back in and being told I have to go through that again. I'm so needle and hospital phobic. And NL ... I hope your friend is coping okay with not being able to have children. I can't imagine if they told me I definitely couldn't. My roommate told me she'd load me up on painkiller and drive me to my appointment, ah bless :) posted by
woofwoof
on Dec 14, 2007 at 09:47 AM
My grandmother Had cancer and survived it. And I have a very good friend right now fighting it,,I HATE IT,, A childhood friend of mine ,,her daughter has cervical cancer. She is 17 and just had a baby a few months ago. She had some stomach pain and went to the doctor. They said she had kidney stones. She went in for that and they found The cancer. She had surgery and is now doing chemo. SHE IS ONLY 17. Its horrible,,, Hugs to you,,, posted by
Kindra79
on Dec 14, 2007 at 09:58 AM
I'm so glad they found it, I'll keep her in my thoughts - she is so young!
posted by
an1ok1joe
on Dec 15, 2007 at 01:50 AM
Just as a side note remember ladies(those that might not know) that that HPV can cause cervical cancer and that it is considered an STD. It's important to get checked. Now days it can be cured with a vaccine.
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