Cervical Cancer question

Thanks for the great post. I will try to print it off for my own use. It is quite different from endo cancer, but cancer is cancer and we need to know as much as possible.

Sent hubby out for those Depends today...that was so hard. Now I have Depends and a walker....what's next?.....lol.

Juanita

GaGa,
It's not unusual for a gyn to wait 6 months if the pap shows abnormal cells, a CIN 1 or ASCUS because those are very likely to clear on their own. I can't imagine any other reason there would be any wait time.

GaGa--

It is IMPOSSIBLE for your friends daughter to be diagnosed with stage 4 cervical cancer just by a visual exam and a pap. A stage 4 cancer has spread beyond the cervix and they would NOT be able to diagnose that without the proper diagnostic testing such as an MRI, cat scan and or a pet scan...yes surgery can diagnose and stage as well but still can not tell an oncologist if it has spread to the intestines, lungs, liver etc...

I agree with whomever said that a nurse should NOT be the one that delivers such devastating news....in there lies a problem!!!

I also wanted to add that I do not believe that your friend's daughter has stage 4 cervical cancer as she would be experiencing some symptoms. I beleive that she may have some atypical cells in which (as Denton said) the Dr may opt to wait to see if it goes away on it's own.

Somewhere I believe there has just been a misunderstanding. I would call the office back and ask for as much detail as the nurse is willing to give her just for ease of mind. If not, call and see if she can speak with the dr. who is filling in for her regular GYN. I wouldn't wait and torment myself....I would be seeking out answers.

I agree with all the above posts. My doctor would only classify my cancer as invasive until after my surgery, and then I got the stage. The paps just show dysplasia etc. This is why they tell you to wait 6 months. Since most cases of cervical dysplasia heal itself on its own, usually the first time one has it the doctors try to let it heal on its own. If it is still there in 6 months then they do the colposcopy and take biopsies. I think your friend should call and talk to the nurse for clarification. Or maybe ask to see the lab results as they were sent. This would make it easier, since she could then just look up the results online. Just a thought. By the way, I hope you are feeling better. I have been following your journey and praying for you everyday. You are truly an inspiration. It is amazing how kind hearted you are to be helping your friend when you are going through so much on your own.
Janelle

I did talke with my friend yesterday and she will be spending tonight with her sister and will give her all this info. I read the posts to her and she understands it pretty well so should be able to pass on the info ok.

Thanks again,
Juanita

You're welcome sweet lady.......Best of luck to your friend and her sister. Your friends are lucky to have you on their side........