CERVICAL CANCER AWARENESS
Hey, Friends! Happy Birthday to me:-) Yeah, I am a year older again -ha.
Today’s post is not my usual recipe or DIY post. Today I am sharing my recent story with you all. I was very hesitant about opening up and talk about what I went through just recently, but after think it through a million times in my head, I decided to share my story with you.
I share to raise awareness of cervical cancer.
My story begun couple months ago, in February, to be exact. I was due for my regular yearly checkup with my Gynecology, so I went to get my yearly Pap test done. About a week later I got a call from my doctor’s office that my Pap test came back abnormal. I freaked out, as I have never had an abnormal result but my doctor ensured me that there is nothing to worry about as many women have abnormal pap result.
Well, I said OK, I was trying to stay positive.
My doctor advised to go back for a small procedure, called Colposcopy. Colposcopy is the method to check the cervix for abnormal areas. This procedure is most performed after an abnormal Pap smear. The doctor applies a vinegar solution to the cervix and then uses an instrument much like a microscope (called a colposcope) to look closely at the cervix.
Days later the procedure I received a phone call from my doctor and she told me that the result came back positive, they found moderate dysplesia on my cervix.
Okay…what is moderate dysplasia? I have never heard of it.
Moderate or severe dysplasia are high-grade lesions or also called CIN 2 or 3, or carcinoma in situ. These precancerous changes involve only cells on the surface of the cervix. To remove these precancerous cells they use LEEP procedure. (loop electrosurgical excision procedure) . I had to have the procedure done in mid May. My doctor said that this procedure cure the problem 95% of the time and I will be OK. I would have to have Pap tests more often afterwords but typically that is it. For the procedure I had to go under anesthesia. Procedure went well, recovery time was really nothing. I was able to do my regular activities in a few days.
We were waiting for the results but I wasn’t thinking about not having a good result.
On a sunny afternoon I received a call from my doctor’s office. I could not grab the phone, but I called them back immediately. I was only able to speak with my doctor’s nurse. She said she can not give me any details of my results, I really need to talk to my doctor.
Well…
Red flag! I knew it was a red flag!
I told my husband that I have a bad feeling.
He said: “Honey, You are crazy”
I wasn’t crazy, unfortunately.
My doctor called me next morning and let me know that the situation is actually more serious than what they have thought. They found cancerous cells on the upper edge of my cervix, and I need to see a specialist, a gynecologic oncology, as soon as possible. She also told me briefly on the phone that I most likely to have total hysterectomy if I am OK with not having anymore children.
Oh my goodness!
Tears on my face.
I wanted cry, I wanted be happy, I wanted to be with my babies, I wanted to talk about it, I wanted not to think about it…
It was hard!
Emotionally hard!
It was hard not to think about it.
And it was hard not think about the worst could happen to me and my family. I thought I was very fortunate to have my two beautiful children. Could not imagine going this through without having my babies.
My doctor scheduled an appointment for me for five days later with the specialist.
That was the longest 5 days of my life.
On those 5 days, we kept ourselves busy and distracted the whole time. We took a nice spontaneous trip to New York that weekend.
Lots of laughter,
lots of happiness,
lots of walking during the day,
lots of fun with the boys
but when the dark came at night, I just could not think of anything else.
My specialist was very nice. I could not wait to hear what he should say to me. After talking through all my options we agreed to have a total hysterectomy .
My surgery was done in late June. I was very scared as it was my first surgery ever. I had a laparoscopic surgery which means that I did not have a big incision but 3 tiny ones. Recovery went well, it was quick and thankfully I had my parents here from Hungary and they were tremendous amount of help!
You may ask yourself why am I sharing this.
I am sharing my story because I, myself, know not one, but many women who don’t keep up with their regular checkups.
LADIES, YOU HAVE TO!
I encourage you to go every year!
I know we all are so busy with our lives, but these things can not be put aside!
If I wasn’t going to my yearly checkup, this would have never been caught.
I had no signs whatsoever!
And if it was left there for another year or two, it could have developed to a serious CERVICAL CANCER quickly.
I live by this quote.
I do!
Life is precious, and it’s too short!
I enjoy every moment of it!
Cheers my Friends!!
Thank you for reading my story today!
I will be back tomorrow with my regulars! Hope to see you back!
Xoxo
So selfless of you to share your story, Aniko! I know you will encourage so many women to take their yearly exams seriously. As an RN I took care of a few patients who discovered cervical cancer when it was too late. One of my patients who passed was only 40 and left behind two young daughters. Prevention is SO important! I’m so glad for you that they found yours in time! You are pretty darn awesome for sharing your story. XO
Thank you for your encouraging words, Christy! It sure was a very scary time, but I can only hope that it is behind me now forever. Stories, like yours just brakes my heart and I am so glad that I can be here with my boys and see them grow up. Life is good♥ Have a lovely week ahead!
I’m so glad I stumbled on your post from The Creative Collection, it’s been way to long since my last check-up and you’ve inspired me to call and make that appointment! Thank you for your open heart, blessings to you and your family!
You’re very brave to share your story! I’m so glad you’re ok. You obviously had a great medical team and a positive attitude which helps tremendously. I had the same situation, however, after the Leep procedure all was well. I had many follow-up tests but all turned out ok. Then a few years ago, the same thing happened. The good part is that I didn’t have to go through the Leep procedure again.
I hope that others will read your story and immediately contact their Dr’s for paps. You just never know! Again, I’m so happy you’re doing well.
xo
Pat
P.S. Just found your blog ~ will be a new follower. 🙂
Szia Ancsi!
Örülök, hogy minden rendben és jól vagy.
You surprise me everyday!
Keep strong…
Hey Chica!!Thanks for reading along! We have a lot to catch up on!Can’t wait to see you!
Oh my goodness, Aniko! Thank you so much for sharing your story. You are so strong and brave and I am so, so glad that yo went to your check-up so that it was caught and taken care of quickly. It’s so scary. I do keep up with my check-ups, but know many people who don’t. I will be sure to tell them about your story to encourage them to go. HUGS!!!!
Thank you for reading and to spread the word!That was the only motivation for me to share. Things are good now and you know: life is good:-)Really is!Hugs to you my Friend!
Wow, Aniko, that is such a crazy and scary story. I never get my paps and now I am going to call my doctor tomorrow and make an appointment. You are so young- crazy to think of worrying about that!
Krista! Please call your doctor TODAY! Really!I have never thought of going through something like this being so young. It’s crazy…and what’s sad is that you don’t know until it’s too late. Hope you are having a great Monday, Friend!Xo
Gosh Aniko, what a challanging time for you. I’m so glad you’re better now and love your positive attitude. You’re so right to share this so were all reminded just how valuable our health is. Hugs, hope this years birthday was the best one you’d ever had.
Denise, thank you for reading and commenting! It means a lot me! Hope you have a wonderful day!Xo
I am soo sorry you had to go through this, sweet lady! But glad it was caught early and is behind you now! Happy, happy birthday, Aniko! And thank you for sharing and the reminder of how important these exams are!!
Kendra! Yes, lady…I hope that this door is closed behind me know. I was fortunate and blessed. Life is good and I really live by this quote!Hope you are having a great weekend!♥
Kedves Anikó!
Nehéz ilyenkor bármit is mondani…
Bátor döntés, hogy ezt megosztottad! És tanulságos mindannyiunk számára, hogy el ne felejtsük miért kell évente szűrésre járni.
Boldog születésnapot, és nagyon jó egészséget kívánok!
Mariann
Koszi, Mariann hogy elolvastad a sztorim es a jokivansagaidat is!Szep napot kivanok neked♥Puszi
Aniko! I’m SO sorry to hear this! I had no idea you were having such a rough year! I’m so happy to hear your healthy again and happy birthday!!
xo, amy
Thanks for reading my story, Amy! You never know what’s coming in your way. Life is a journey and we have to ride it through no matter what.Thanks for your wishes too! Have a great weekend! ♥Hugs
Wow, Aniko. You’re so brave and have such a positive attitude… which is honestly, the only way to get through times like this!
I’m glad you’re feeling better!
Gwen, it was hard to make this decision to share such personal story but I hope it will encourage others to keep up withe their health. Have a lovely Saturday!Xo
Thanks for sharing your story, Aniko. It takes a lot of courage to write about something so personal. I’m glad that you are okay, though it came at a cost and I can’t even begin to imagine how you are feeling. But you’re right, no matter what, life is good, and it’s up to us to find the good in it. I hope with time the emotional pain it has caused will ease and that you never have to go through something like this again. Much love and hugs!
Thank you for leaving me with your kind words, Friend! It means a lot me!Yes, I really think that life is good and I appreciate every happy moment in it!Have a wonderful weekend!Hugs♥
Thank you so much for shaing… you are awesome! We need reminders to stay on top of our health, as women, it easily gets pushed aside with the business of the rest of our lives. I’m so glad you are doing better and that everything went so well. Life is a journey! xoxo~ Ruthie
Ruthie, so true – life is a journey and we have to ride it through, no matter how hard it it sometimes.Have a wonderful day and thanks for stopping by!Hugs
Thanks for sharing your story! These story are important to remind us to stay on top of our health. So happy that you were able to catch it early. I hope you are recovering well!
Laura, thanks for taking your time to read my story and comment. I am doing great now and I hope I can close this door behind me forevah..:-)Have a fantastic weekend!
Happy Birthday dear friend! I am so sorry you had to go through this. My heart breaks while reading. Thank you for your strength and courage to share your story and spread the awareness of cervical cancer. Praise God that you are doing better now. I love you!!!!
Katie, when we were e-mailing and said I need some prayers, I really meant it:-) I am happy and so fortunate that we caught this early and I did not have to go through other treatments. Life is good but not always easy. Happy to have such great friends as you are! I really wish to meet you in person one day! Hugs to you!♥
Sweet friend! I’m so glad you shared this with us. And I’m really glad that you are doing better now!! What a scare and what a great reminder to make sure we all are taking care of ourselves as we should and getting checkups. Please let me know if you need anything!
Amy, Thank you for reading sweet Friend! It was such difficult time but life is journey and we have to ride it through no matter what! Have a wonderful weekend!♥
Thank you for sharing your story! 🙂
Deanna! I am glad you found the time to read my story! Have a lovely day!
Thank you sharing your story, I am happy to hear that you are doing well now. Keep up the positive thinking, it is the best medicine there is!
Happy birthday doll!! So proud of you for sharing! I’m so glad everything is good!
Thank you so much, lady!Loveya♥