Pre-cancerous Cervix

beth116 · 01-15-2008, 06:31 AM

I would like to hear from any women who have had to deal with abnormal pap-smear and follow-up treatment.

I have had a colposcopy (the results showed CIN III) and I have to go in for a LLETZ treatment to remove the abnormal cells in my cervix that will turn into cancer if left untreated.

I am really anxious about the proceedure, and any words of encouragement would be appreciated. I am so scared that it could come back and then I'd have to have a hysterectomy if it got too bad...

I'm only 22, this is scaring the hell out of me.

RayKay · 01-15-2008, 07:11 AM

The earlier it is treated, the better. Most women whom are treated early do not have a recurrence (though you still need to get regular PAP's!).

I had dysplasia (pre-cancerous cells) when I was 16, and a pretty stubborn case - I had a LEEP procedure, two laser surgeries, cryosurgery AND a biopsy before it was all gone (took a couple years) but I have had healthy results ever since then (10 years later) with no recurrences. My reproductive system is all fine and dandy; and as far as anyone can tell I am capable of having children though I may need to get my cervix stitched during pregnancy as it may be a bit weaker from all the surgeries (but I have had many)....but they always tell me it looks healthy!

The procedures were not bad at all. Not fun, but even PAP's are not exactly fun, the worst of them just felt like bad cramping and were uncomfortable, but not painful.

Most women I know had it removed with far less treatments and time though. If you are being treated, it is pretty slim chance it is going to get worse to require hysterectomy or anything of that nature....it is one of the most highly treatable "cancers" if caught early (in the pre-cancerous stages). I only know one women personally whom had more invasive surgery (she had her cervix removed) and that was because she did not go for PAP's for YEARS so they only caught it when it WAS cancerous and advanced.

Natty7 · 01-15-2008, 11:30 AM

Beth, I know your pain and concerns...

I had cancerous cells on my ovaries and fallopian tubes and had to have a pelvic laparoscopy. I remember the how scared I was after the ultrasound... I am only 24 and everything I do presently is for my future babies. I have early endometriosis, so I know your fears about a hysterectomy~ scary stuff Beth. But RayKay is right, early detection is the best thing so thank a higher being for catching it now.

I don't know about LLETZ, but my laparoscopy consisted of an invasive surgery where they put me under. They made an incision in my belly button and two others in my pelvic region. The abdominal cavity was then filled with carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide causes the abdomen to swell which lifts the abdominal wall away from the internal organs, so the doctor has more room to work. Next, a laparoscope (a one-half inch fiber-optic rod with a light source and video camera) is inserted through the belly button. The video camera permits the surgeon to see inside the abdominal area on video monitors located in the operating room. My surgeon was highly recommended and even more skilled... so she was able to go in and while viewing the cancer cells, also zap those puppies to death!

The surgery was fine, slept through it (chuckle). It was the aftermath that nearly killed me. If this is a similar procedure, make sure you have someone with you 24/7!!! My recovery time was a week, I couldn't sit up, go to the bathroom, walk by myself! You don't appreciate your abdomen and pelvis until you can't use them! And this may be gross, but with all the CO2 they put in me, I was completely bloated like never before! I also couldn't go to the bathroom for a week! My doctor said this would happen and wanted me to get on laxatives.

Everything will be fine though, just make sure you take off of work and school to heal and relax.

I have to go back every six months just to monitor and make sure it hasn't come back. That's all we can do.

Good Luck Girl!

RayKay · 01-15-2008, 05:30 PM

Cancerous cells on your cervix are dealt with QUITE differently than the above procedure Natty described - it is usually a simple procedure - mine were all in and out within a max of 30 minutes, no general anaesthetic (they may freeze are for some, but depends on what they are doing).

It generally is just like getting a pelvic exam - just a little longer and some different tools!

Worst "after effect" was maybe some bleeding and you could not have sex or wear tampons for a period of time they stated. Otherwise I could walk out of there, go back to work/school and all my regular activities (including running and physical activity) immediately.

Natty7 · 01-16-2008, 09:40 AM

I wasn't sure about LLETZ... so I am very happy to hear RayKay announce you don't have to go through what I had to~ great news!!!!

What it LLETZ?

01-15-2008, 06:31 AM	#1
beth116 Offline Bronze Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: I come from the land down under Gender: Female Age: 24 Posts: 145	Pre-cancerous Cervix I would like to hear from any women who have had to deal with abnormal pap-smear and follow-up treatment. I have had a colposcopy (the results showed CIN III) and I have to go in for a LLETZ treatment to remove the abnormal cells in my cervix that will turn into cancer if left untreated. I am really anxious about the proceedure, and any words of encouragement would be appreciated. I am so scared that it could come back and then I'd have to have a hysterectomy if it got too bad... I'm only 22, this is scaring the hell out of me. __________________ utilitarianism is not for winners

01-15-2008, 07:11 AM	#2
RayKay Offline Platinum Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Middle of Canada Gender: Female Age: 30 Posts: 13,270	The earlier it is treated, the better. Most women whom are treated early do not have a recurrence (though you still need to get regular PAP's!). I had dysplasia (pre-cancerous cells) when I was 16, and a pretty stubborn case - I had a LEEP procedure, two laser surgeries, cryosurgery AND a biopsy before it was all gone (took a couple years) but I have had healthy results ever since then (10 years later) with no recurrences. My reproductive system is all fine and dandy; and as far as anyone can tell I am capable of having children though I may need to get my cervix stitched during pregnancy as it may be a bit weaker from all the surgeries (but I have had many)....but they always tell me it looks healthy! The procedures were not bad at all. Not fun, but even PAP's are not exactly fun, the worst of them just felt like bad cramping and were uncomfortable, but not painful. Most women I know had it removed with far less treatments and time though. If you are being treated, it is pretty slim chance it is going to get worse to require hysterectomy or anything of that nature....it is one of the most highly treatable "cancers" if caught early (in the pre-cancerous stages). I only know one women personally whom had more invasive surgery (she had her cervix removed) and that was because she did not go for PAP's for YEARS so they only caught it when it WAS cancerous and advanced. __________________ [FONT=Comic Sans MS][COLOR=darkolivegreen][B]<--- [COLOR=sienna]Carbun the Super-Bunny[/COLOR][/B][/COLOR][/FONT] [B][FONT=Comic Sans MS][COLOR=#556b2f][/COLOR][/FONT][/B] [FONT=Comic Sans MS][COLOR=darkolivegreen][B]At the end of the day, how you imprinted on someones life and heart is the only true mark any of us leave on this earth and is what we are most proud of... [/B][/COLOR][/FONT][I][SIZE=1]- My Biggest Hero and Mentor: My Mum.[/SIZE][/I] [FONT=Comic Sans MS][COLOR=orange][B]Il faut d'abord durer [/B][/COLOR][/FONT][I][SIZE=1]- Ernest Hemingway[/SIZE][/I] Last edited by RayKay; 01-15-2008 at 07:14 AM.

01-15-2008, 05:30 PM	#4
RayKay Offline Platinum Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Middle of Canada Gender: Female Age: 30 Posts: 13,270	Cancerous cells on your cervix are dealt with QUITE differently than the above procedure Natty described - it is usually a simple procedure - mine were all in and out within a max of 30 minutes, no general anaesthetic (they may freeze are for some, but depends on what they are doing). It generally is just like getting a pelvic exam - just a little longer and some different tools! Worst "after effect" was maybe some bleeding and you could not have sex or wear tampons for a period of time they stated. Otherwise I could walk out of there, go back to work/school and all my regular activities (including running and physical activity) immediately. __________________ [FONT=Comic Sans MS][COLOR=darkolivegreen][B]<--- [COLOR=sienna]Carbun the Super-Bunny[/COLOR][/B][/COLOR][/FONT] [B][FONT=Comic Sans MS][COLOR=#556b2f][/COLOR][/FONT][/B] [FONT=Comic Sans MS][COLOR=darkolivegreen][B]At the end of the day, how you imprinted on someones life and heart is the only true mark any of us leave on this earth and is what we are most proud of... [/B][/COLOR][/FONT][I][SIZE=1]- My Biggest Hero and Mentor: My Mum.[/SIZE][/I] [FONT=Comic Sans MS][COLOR=orange][B]Il faut d'abord durer [/B][/COLOR][/FONT][I][SIZE=1]- Ernest Hemingway[/SIZE][/I]

01-15-2008, 11:30 AM	#3
Natty7 Offline Silver Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Gender: Female Age: 26 Posts: 568	Beth, I know your pain and concerns... I had cancerous cells on my ovaries and fallopian tubes and had to have a pelvic laparoscopy. I remember the how scared I was after the ultrasound... I am only 24 and everything I do presently is for my future babies. I have early endometriosis, so I know your fears about a hysterectomy~ scary stuff Beth. But RayKay is right, early detection is the best thing so thank a higher being for catching it now. I don't know about LLETZ, but my laparoscopy consisted of an invasive surgery where they put me under. They made an incision in my belly button and two others in my pelvic region. The abdominal cavity was then filled with carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide causes the abdomen to swell which lifts the abdominal wall away from the internal organs, so the doctor has more room to work. Next, a laparoscope (a one-half inch fiber-optic rod with a light source and video camera) is inserted through the belly button. The video camera permits the surgeon to see inside the abdominal area on video monitors located in the operating room. My surgeon was highly recommended and even more skilled... so she was able to go in and while viewing the cancer cells, also zap those puppies to death! The surgery was fine, slept through it (chuckle). It was the aftermath that nearly killed me. If this is a similar procedure, make sure you have someone with you 24/7!!! My recovery time was a week, I couldn't sit up, go to the bathroom, walk by myself! You don't appreciate your abdomen and pelvis until you can't use them! And this may be gross, but with all the CO2 they put in me, I was completely bloated like never before! I also couldn't go to the bathroom for a week! My doctor said this would happen and wanted me to get on laxatives. Everything will be fine though, just make sure you take off of work and school to heal and relax. I have to go back every six months just to monitor and make sure it hasn't come back. That's all we can do. Good Luck Girl!

01-16-2008, 09:40 AM	#5
Natty7 Offline Silver Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Gender: Female Age: 26 Posts: 568	I wasn't sure about LLETZ... so I am very happy to hear RayKay announce you don't have to go through what I had to~ great news!!!! What it LLETZ?