Thoughts?

Hi ladies,

I've been lurking in the corner for the past couple of weeks and I think I'm ready to come out of hiding and introduce myself.

I'm a 36yr old single mom and I've had menstrual issues (who hasn't??!?!?!) for the past 9 years or so; however, my last couple paps have been normal - until the most recent. In March, my pap came back abnormal and my HPV test came back positive. In April I had a colposcopy and then 2 weeks later, a LEEP. While getting the results of the LEEP, my Dr. told me things have gotten progressively worse since my pap - and in a short period of time. The pathologist was unable to rule out CINIII and the results show HGSIL with extensive endocervical gland involvment. ..and something about the changes extending to the deep surgical margins. Anyway, I didn't feel very comfortable when my Dr. called the pathologist and asked him how I should be treated. Hmm.. anyway, my Dr. did suggest - if I was done having children - that a hysterectomy wouldn't be a bad idea. I'm all for it, to be honest. While I don't plan on having any more children, I would rather protect what I have now then risk my health and the future of my young daughter. I have the full support of my family and close friends.

On Friday, I'm going to see another OB/GYN for his opinion (per the recommendation of my Dr to obtain another opinion). I'm anxious and nervous.

That's me in a nutshell. So personal and I hardly know you!

Anyway, I admire the strength, determination, and support among members of this group.

Please, I welcome any thoughts ..suggestions...

~Knitcrazy

Dear Knitcrazy,

Welcome to CC. It's good for you to join in because you will definitely benefit, and we all benefit, as we all learn from each other.

OK, first thing of course, it is really, really good that you are getting another opinion. That's key to getting good care. It's great that you are already accepting the probability of a hysterectomy -- it will be easier for you that way. And it's fabulous that you are looking to your future, knowing what you want for yourself and for your daughter. Sounds like you are on the right track.

I love to knit. I'm not working on anything now but that only because it's too hot to knit in Miami in the summer. It may be spring where you are, but down here it is SUMMER. I knitted like a mad woman while my daughter was pregnant (he is 1 next sunday).

Keep us up to date.

Hi Knitcrazy,

I agree with genie, it is definitely a good idea to get a second opinion. It must be confusing that there is some question about the pathology report and course of action. You might also consider a consult with a gyn-oncologist, just to be on the safe side.

Best wishes and good luck with everything. Keep us posted.

I wish the best for you. I would be thinking the same thoughts as you more than likely if I were in your shoes.
I hope the dr's give you a good indicator as to what you should do.

Knitcrazy

I agree that a second opinion is a good idea, but please see a GYN/ONC just to be on the safe side. I wish you the best and keep us posted.

Jean

Knitcrazy,
Sorry you are going through this stress. PLEASE, see a gynological oncologist, for a second opinion, not another ob/gyn. An ob/gyn is good for prenatal care, delivery and birth control but they are not the experts on cancer, pre-cancer, CIN. You need a gyn/oncologist. He's the real expert. He is the right doctor to advise you on what to do now.

Hugs,
Janie

Hello Knitcrazy, If it were me,I would pay a visit to a gyn/onc.Any chance of cancer,even pre-cancer should be given a closer look.I hope you get some answer's soon and set up your treatment plan.Take care.

Hi Knitcrazy, I agree with the girls above. See a gyn/onc. Especially when there is a chance of cancer. You would/should be referred to one anyhow. About the comment of "things getting progressively worse since your pap", your leep just is more indepth, more information providing. Pap's have their limitations in terms of what they can tell us (ie. get more info). They are preliminary tests to encourage us to get more info if needed. Begin to educate yourself so that you can ask more questions. Knowledge is power. This forum is a great place to start. Hang in there. We all know how you feel. Take care.

Thank you, everyone for your input! When I found out that the second opionion I was being sent for was not with a GYN/ONC, I was concerned. It makes sense to me and this is all new to me. I'm going to make a phone call this morning.

I do have one question for you that I've been worrying about. In all of the reading I am doing, there are many comments about the LEEP - or any other biopsy - having "clear margins". I guess that's a good thing, if the margins are clear. My results show "dysplastic changes (dysplastic epithelium involving endocervical glands) extend to the deep surgical margin". Does this mean the margins are not clear? Also, should I be more concerned because of the glandular involvment.

Jeez.. never did I think I'd feel so uneducated about something that directly effects me. I will certainly ask questions at the Dr's, but in the meantime...let me know what your experiences may be with such results....


Thank you,
Knitcrazy

Oh good, I'm so glad you are going to see a gyn/onc. That's great news. It is all so confusing and overwhelming, but you are doing great -- you're already taking steps to take charge of your care, and that's what you have to do.

Be sure to let us know what the gyn/onc says, and, btw, if that doctor doesn't give you the answers you want, don't hesitate to see yet another gyn/onc for a 3rd opinion. It's par for the course.

I can't respond to your questions about cc because I had ec.

Good luck.