Hello! I am new and have questions ...

I have been having "bad" pap tests four years now. I have had two colposcopies, a LEEP and a cryosurgery. I go about every four months for repeat PAP tests. Both the LEEP and crysosurgery were not succesful. At my last colposcopy (sp?), my gyn suggested at the very least another LEEP was needed, and for the first time hysterectomy was brought up. While I do not have cervical cancer, and they assure me that I am still in the "low level" stage of "atypical cells of an unknown origin" the fact that I am 51 and have a family history of cancer concerns me. I feel that these constant re-checks and procedures are putting a band-aid on a potentially life-threatening situation.

I would rather have a hysterectomy than run the risk of cervical cancer. (A cousin had cervical cancer/hysterectomy before the age of 30.) Obviously I am planning no more children and am at the menopausal age. At this stage of my life I am trying to save my life (potentially), not my uterus.

I have an appointment with my gyn tomorrow to discuss options. Any thoughts? Good questions I can ask? Thanks for any help or advice! Glad I found this site!

Hi Debbie!

Welcome to Hystersisters! I'm glad you found us here.

I don't really have a whole lot of experience with these types of procedures and tests but I'm sure someone will be along shortly who will be able to help more.

I would like to invite you to visit the Cancer Concerns forum here, there are quite a few ladies who've experienced these tests and procedures who would be more than willing to share their experiences.

I wish you the best for your upcoming visit and hope you'll be able to get some answers. I will be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers for good news for you.

{{hugs}}

Vicki

Hi Debbie, first of all remember that a hysterectomy is a major operation and does sometimes bring a whole new set of problems. That said, when I first found out that I had abnormal cells , I just wanted them out !!!


It is important to weigh up all the pros and cons. Talk to the Dr about these atypia cells you have and ask if it is at all likely to progress to cancer . What is the cause of your atypia cells ? What is it staged at now ? Usually the Drs like to keep an eye on it for a while and do certain procedures before a hysterectomy . Is a cone biopsy of any use ? Read as much as you can. Take a pen and paper with the questions you want answered and write the answers down. If it is at all possible , take a second pair of ears with you.

It is a hard decision to make , but you must be sure that it is necessary before doing it. I hope all goes well with you and please remember we are all here for you.
Please do come and visit us at cancer concerns, there are lots of ladies who can help and support. Let us know how it goes , many hugs x x

Thanks robyn and vicki for replying to my post. I did see my dr. this morning and he does recommend surgery, definitely. Robyn, I have had these atypical cells for approximately four years now, have had two culposcopies, one leep and a cryosurgery, all to no avail. Apparently I have two types of atypical cells, one that carries a higher risk of cancer, one that appears less worrisome (I forget the medical terms for these!) - believe me, when I had my first "bad" pap test in 1997, I wanted the cells out too, but they have definitely tried other procedures and watched the situation. I don't get the feeling at all they are jumping into this, and neither am I. My dr. says this is not something that is going to clear up on it's own.

I know if I were younger and wanted more children I would (maybe) perservere, but the fear of this progressing to cancer is what is driving me, and my dr. thinks the risk is there enough to justify the surgery.

The surgery won't happen until February, so I have time to prepare. I am glad I found this site, it looks like there is lots of helpful information here.

Debbie, thanks for letting us know . I hope all goes well for you . Dont forget we are all here and there are lots of other forums to help you with any concerns you may have. Pre-op is a good one when you are in the waiting period before a hysterectomy and also Cancer Concerns when you have the extra stress of cancer. You take very good care, love always x x