Second surgery for squamous cells

I was diagnosed with squamous cells (Long technical stuff that I do not remember). I had a cold knife cone biopsy in February. They sent it off and said the edges were clear. I went for my follow up colposcopy and they found more cells. My doctor mentioned removing my cervix. I go later this week for the appointment to discuss what he is going to do, but I am very nervous and would like to know if anyone else has had this before and does it end if they take my cervix out? Should I ask about a hysterectomy?

How old are you?
The younger you are the more determined you should be to try to keep your female parts.
Do you have children?
I had had problems off and on, and at the age of about 54, I was tired of the two years worth of excessive bleeding. I was bleeding for 3 weeks out of every month, for two years. I thought that it was the beginning of "menopause."I did not know that it was a possible sign of Uterine cancer.
I also had severe pain in my left ovary side. I would double over in pain, and have to lay down flat on the floor to relieve this. I still didn't complain about it.
I was stupid and crazy.

So, I finally gave in after two or three pathologists wrote "possible hysterectomy" on my pathology reports. My precancerous cells were called:
"Complex Atypical Hyperplasia."
I knew that I had to make a decision.
When I saw the doctor, he thought that he might find cancer, but was not sure.
He also asked that I remove my ovaries, uterus, and cervix.

I really wanted my ovaries. He felt that at my age (54) I should just get them out, rather than have another surgery in 3 years.

I also was not sure about leaving one in. Which one do I choose? The painful one? What if the other one is just as bad?

As far as the cervix, he didn't ask me. He just removed it.
My suggestion is to read the fine print and make it clear in writing what is to go and what is to stay.

Even though he told me that I did not have much in the way of hormones at the age of 54, I beg to differ. I am not angry. I am just telling it like it is.
Unless he did a hormone saliva test of some sort, we would not know what my hormone levels were at the time.

I have had one of the better outcomes: No irritability, no anxiousness, no panic attacks, only calm and "nice." No more periods! Yay!
Right now the sex and libido are really good. I have lost 45 pounds.

The downside for me:
It took a long time for my vaginal cuff to heal. At 6 weeks, we were fine.
At 16 weeks, we tried to get a little more "frisky," and tried a different position. Wrong. The pain and bleeding were really bad. I ended up back in the operating room for granulation repairs.
I started exercising and my back was swollen and weak. My inner thighs became so weak that I could not stand up straight and I was wobbly when I tried to stand after sleeping for the night or a long car or airplane ride. This was bi-lateral (both sides of my thighs). I had to hold on to furniture to steady myself.
Now I have peripheral neuropathy, mostly seen when the cholesterol builds up and the circulation is bad (in my hands and feet). My hands and feet are very cold at night now.

This could be caused by the back problem after my hysterectomy or other pre-existing conditions like diabetes (undiagnosed). I did not have a back problem or diabetes before my hysterectomy.
In all fairness, I didn't take a blood sugar test, either.

My wrinkles are plentiful now. My hair is brittle and I have lost about 50% of my hair.

The doctor does not want to give me HRT because he sid I am prone to cancers.

I agree.
The surgery itself is somewhat risky. Any surgery is risky.
It is routine for them (the surgeons), but far from routine for us.

On the other hand, who wants to get cancer??

With all my problems, I still don't regret removing my uterus, ovaries, and cervix. I can work on the other stuff.

I don't want to die of cancer at this time.

You have to decide what is best for you, but get educated before you decide.

I'm very sorry you're dealing with all of this but am glad you found us.

Is your doctor a gyn/onc (gynecological oncologist)? They are the experts for gyn cancer/pre-cancer, and we recommend consulting one if at all possible. They would also be in the best position to answer your very good questions and to discuss all of your options, etc. It's always a good idea to get a second opinion prior to major procedures, anyway.

I had cervical adenocarcinoma which is a different cell type than you have, and the stage of mine required a radical hyst, so I didn't really have much of a choice regarding surgery. But, my general take on these things is to do whatever is necessary to give us the best shot at being around as long as possible.

Do your research, get as many opinions as you need, then do what you feel is best for yourself long term.

Hello! I do appreciate both of your comments so much. I decided to go ahead with the hysterectomy. At 41, with 2 kids ages 22 and 18, I knew I would not be having another. My DH and I discussed it and he just wanted to do whatever would take the cells away! He is being amazingly supportive and caters to my every need. Glad to be on the other side and still healing.
God Bless and thank you so much!

Very glad to hear things went well. Now, remember to take it easy and to

	Quote:
Originally Posted by mianlab Hello! I do appreciate both of your comments so much. I decided to go ahead with the hysterectomy. At 41, with 2 kids ages 22 and 18, I knew I would not be having another. My DH and I discussed it and he just wanted to do whatever would take the cells away! He is being amazingly supportive and caters to my every need. Glad to be on the other side and still healing. God Bless and thank you so much!

I am glad that your surgery went well.
Take care!