Cis

I am new here, and have browing through this amazing site the past several days. ALL of you are an outstanding source of support and knowledge to each other; I am proud to say that I am "officially" a member now.

I went to see a new doc (actually my Mom's) in 2/04 thinking I was developing fibroids (every woman on my maternal side has them, and 3 of 4 have had hysterectomies before age 40 beacuse of them). I went on BCP for this and went back in 8 weeks later for a pap, which came back abnormal. I went in and had a colp. and biopsy shortly after the abnormal results. I was dx with CIS three weeks ago; had two doses of cryo two weeks ago. I go back in July for follow-up pap. I had not had regular paps done (I know I know), so we are not sure how long it was at a lower grade of dysplasia before it advanced to CIS. My doc has said that if anything abnormal shows up in July, he would not have any problem doing a hysterectomy, but said we could also try a cone biopsy. My main concern with this is that I am wondering what % of these procedures come back with bad margins (thus meaning going right back into surgery)?

I am 27, and due to my husband's need for a heart transplant, we are unable to have children. My doc knows this and I am sure this is part of the reason that he has told me that the ultimate decision is mine in terms of what I want to do IF anything is still there in July.

Has anyone had similar situations?

's Tif! Welcome to Cancer Concerns!

I'm sorry to hear that you are having problems, but just to let you know--the outlook overall for most women with dysplasia is good. Actually, 90% of women with dysplasia who are treated with a cone biopsy are considered cured. Some of the 10% will go back for a second cone, others will then have a hysterectomy. I had a cone biopsy done when I was 23 and had 10 years of normal PAP's before having any more problems.

If, for some reason, a hysterectomy is suggested to you, I would highly recommend that you get a second opinion with a gynecologic oncologist. A hysterectomy is major surgery, and you are still a very young woman. I understand that right now it does not look like you will be having children due to your husband's medical issues, but who knows what your future holds? Once his condition is resolved, things might look differently. There are also other medical options to consider for a pregnancy that the two of you might consider in the future.

It's also important to remember that even if you have a hysterectomy it will be important to continue regular PAP's. Once in a rare once in a while, these bad cells will return to grow on the vaginal wall. So, it's very important to stay in close contact with your doctor.

Good luck, (((Tif))). Please let us know what you find out. Hopefully, this next PAP will come back clean and you won't have to worry about this. In the meantime, be proactive with your health. Eat well. Take a multivitamin (there is some research that indicates folic acid may help our bodies fight off dysplasia). Get plenty of rest. Keep your stress as low as possible. Exercise moderately. Pray/meditate/do yoga. All of these things are believed to contribute to a healthier immune system which might help your body heal itself and continue to grow only good, healthy cells. We'll look forward to hearing more from you.