Gina
I got a call from my gynecologist with the results of my 3-year overdue Pap smear telling me that I had abnormal cells and it was mandatory that I schedule an appointment for an in-office biopsy ASAP. Needless to say the appointment clerk gave me an appointment for 2 weeks later - I go early next week. I asked that doctor what the treatment was and he indicated it could go up to as far as a hysterectomy. I was surprised and very scared to hear the news and in the interim I have done some research. Now even more scared because of what I have read. I have had irregular periods going back to 6 years ago and was put on birth control pills to control the bleeding which seemed to do the trick. What prompted me to go to the doctor this time was a period that really didn’t go away for a month and was extremely heavy for a good part of that time. Now I am sad to discover that abnormal bleeding can be a sign of cervical cancer. In addition I see that swelling of the legs can be a symptom as well - and that has bothered me somewhat for about a year - very noticeable when I take off my socks at the end of the day. I have learned that multiple pregnancies and cigarette smoking puts a person at higher risk for the disease (I have 7 wonderful children and after 16 years as a NON-smoker took that filthy habit up again nearly a year ago). I recall that the results of my last 1 or maybe 2 Pap tests showed atypical cells but the doctor (a different one from a different practice) did not seem concerned about it. I am scared. The results of the biopsy will tell for sure where I am with this but I am scared. Is it possible that it could still be nothing or something minor? I am 45. I am very interested in the opinions of others that have had experience with this. I feel that it is a foregone conclusion that I have some serious health problems here. I am a single mother now for about 7 years and I have to support my children - any time off I take from work is strictly confined to activities related to the care of my children. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Gina