just what I needed ....

NOT !!

I have had abnormal pap's for more than a year (maybe two?) I've been told it's not much to worry about "abnormal cells" which were attempted to have been taken care of last year, by way of cryotherapy and a colposcopy. Apparently unsuccessful, as my last pap (about a month ago?) was still abnormal. So this past week I went in to see the ob/gyn. Some friends and I were thinking (on the bright side) hey, if they are pre-cancerous cells ..... you're already treating them w/chemo! But no such luck :( The doctor explains to me that this is a viral attack, caused by HPV, which I could have been exposed to 3 yrs. or 30 yrs. ago. Therefor, the chemo will actually be hindering my ability to fight it off. Because chemo compromises my white and red blood cell count ..... my body won't have the same ability to battle whatever is going on on my cervix.

It was her recommendation that I have another colposcopy and if things still come back suspicious, then have a LEEP procedure. If things are still not right after that, I'd most likely have my cervix removed. I'm thinking why go through two more (somewhat painful) procedures - just take the dang thing - I'm not using it! My other concern and question was: if I'm not supposed to get so much as a scratch or a cut (while on chemo) how safe would it be to have these procedures done? She responded that she feels the risk of not doing them, outweighs the risk of doing it now. Lovely.

Obviously I'd not proceed at all, without talking to my oncologist about it. Fortunately my onc. (Dr. Rowland) happens to be married to an ob/gyn. So besides having great respect for him already, I feel he may have a little more insight to women's issues than other oncologists might. This doctor (ob/gyn) that I saw last week was going to call and consult with him before I see him this coming Wednesday (when I have my 3rd round of chemo).

So that's what's new in my life this week :D Other than that it's been good. Feeling well, eating and sleeping well ..... no complaints. Enjoy your weekend ~