Hi, I am new here and have some questions. First and foremost, I am at the beginning of what may or may not be a cancer diagnosis. The waiting for answers part is the hardest right now because my mind goes to worst case situations.
I am 52 years old and postmenopausal. I had a abnormal Pap smear recently. My first. It said I was negative for HPV but it found abnormal squamous cells and abnormal glandular cells. I expected the doctor to just order another Pap smear in a few months but instead was told to come in for a consultation. When I went today, instead of a consultation, she did a cervical biopsy. I think its called a colposcopy?? She explained the squamous cells sit on the surface of the cervix and the glandular ones are further up into the uterus. She told me it increases the likelihood of cancer to 35%. When she did the procedure today, she said she definitely noticed two abnormal areas. One was white and the other one very vascular. She of course didn't explain what any of that meant. She said it takes a week to get the results but she repeated about noticing the two areas of concern. She also told me I need to have a D & C in order to biopsy the uterus. So, I'm in the process of trying to schedule that as quickly as possible. Finally she mentioned something about a procedure called a LEEP?? She said she can do it at the same time as the D&C. what I am hoping is someone else can tell me what to expect next and how concerned should I be. I was hoping the doctor would say "to be safe" we will biopsy these areas but she seemed more concerned for sure. I have had intermittent bleeding and bleeding after intercourse for at least the last 6 months but I figured after menopause, everything changes, so I didn't think much of it. please let me know your experience and if I am just being an alarmist. TIA
Hi and welcome to the Online Community although I am so sorry to hear about your ongoing tests, the unknowns can indeed be a very stressful and challenging time for you but I do hope you find the community a safe place to get support and ask your questions.
The New to Community is like our reception desk where you can be signpost to our various cancer support groups and other services so can I recommend that you consider joining our supportive Womb (uterus) cancer and Cervical cancer groups. These are safe places to talk to others who may have walked this journey, to ask questions and get support.
If you'd like to connect in with a group click on the Green link I have created above. Then once the page opens click on the black banner that says [click to join] at the bottom, or the [Join] button under "Group tools."
You can then introduce yourself by putting up a ‘new post’ by clicking in the box near the top right with + New or + (Depending on the device you are using) and you are ready to go.
You could copy and paste the text from this post into your new post and as always you can reply to existing ‘Discussions’ by click [reply].
The Macmillan Support Line is open 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00 or via Webchat and Email too. This service provides cancer information, practical information, emotional support, benefits/financial guidance or just a listening ear. You may also find our Cancer Nurse Team in our Ask an Expert section helpful but do allow a few working days for a reply.
Talking to people face to face when on a cancer journey (patient or family) can be very helpful but during these strange times it’s not that available but do check to see if any Local Macmillan Support in your area has opened up. Do also check out for a local Maggie's Centre in your area as these folks are amazing and provide support for all the family.
Always around if you need further help in navigating the community.
All the very best ((hugs))
