Shame...anyone else feel this way?

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Comments

  • Worden4
    Worden4 Member Posts: 24
    HPV
    I had HPV anal cancer also. I was shocked cause all the years of PaP smears and things always came back with a clean bill of health. I took it with a sense of humor though. I was officially the family pain in the *rse...etc. It helped my family through it which also helped me through. There are times when I do get embarrassed telling people, but I think about how by telling one person it may save the life of another and that makes me smile. I definitely don't take advantage of that pooper anymore. To think it has been with me all my life and I never paid attention to it until it was sick and causing me so much pain. All the work it did for me, silently for years, never once complaining. (okay...see...we just can't talk about our arses without a sense of humor).
  • tracy p.
    tracy p. Member Posts: 6
    Yes, I know how you feel.
    Yes, I know how you feel. While it has not been confirmed that my anal cancer is HPV related, of course we all know the chances are pretty good. I was never symptomatic and my husband has not been either. We have been together for 30 years for heaven's sake. If this is due to HPV, then yeah, I contracted it premaritally and I say-so what? I am 54, so hey, it was the 70's. Besides that, this horrible cancer is not a punishment or a judgement on you, me or anyone else who has it. It can also cause cervical cancer, and there's no shame in that, either. We must hold our heads up and say "Yes I have anal cancer, and I am going to beat it!" Please don't let shame bring you down. Hang in there, Love, Tracy
  • Grateful2008
    Grateful2008 Member Posts: 1
    Feel Shame
    Yes and no. I was told nearly 80% of adults can be tested positive with some form of HPV. That helped a tad. I think the whole thing about it being in the anal area made me feel like people were going to judge me somehow. Then I put my big girl pants on and said "live girl, live!!" and somehow it didn't matter anymore. Let those that judge me judge. I do know that I received an outpouring of love when so many around me found out. They would ask what kind of cancer. I would reply, butt cancer and a good dose of it at that! They were always taken back but then got the humor drift. Lord knows we cancer patients needs some humor! It told them that there was no reason to be alarmed and yes, people get butt cancer. I am one.
    I have been recovered for three years now. I have quirky side symptoms and most likely will until I take my last breath but breathe I will continue to be ever grateful for the people in my life and all the simple things I have. Blessings to you and may your future be bright and witty very soon again.
  • Angela_K
    Angela_K Member Posts: 374 Member
    mp327 said:

    I totally agree
    Considering the fact that nearly 70+ percent of the population will have HPV by the time they reach the age of 50, it's really easy to see that it is not your fault. We are humans, with urges and desires--having sex is a normal part of life. My husband has never been anything but supportive to me and I am so thankful for that. I hope you will not blame yourself for this. HPV takes years to wreck havoc--no one could have predicted the end results.

    Denver Post: Silence is the Enemy


    http://www.denverpost.com/movies/ci_6847553