ABNORMAL PAP, HELP

      Good afternoon everyone! I'm new to here and I am not a cancer survivor, however, I am waiting for results and am wondering if anyone has had any of my same experiances. A little back story on myself, I'm a 25 year old woman with 3 children aged 2, 3, and 4. I have a wonderful husband who is always there for me! I was having abnormal bleeding for 6 months. 2 periods a month and in January I bled the entire month. Along with a lot of fatigue and pelvic pain here and there. I do have a copper IUD in place and am due for removal on Monday. I made an appointment with my OBGYN right away after I bled for a month. I thought it was my birth control or cysts causing these weird things so she did an ultrasound and found no cycts but noticed the lining of my uterus was VERY thick. My pap results came back abnormal with Atypical Endocervical cells present so she did a colposcopy and a biopsy of my cervix. I am currently waiting for those reults. I also am having a biopsy of my Uterus and a water ultrasound. I am absolutly terrified! I have never had an abnormal pap before and am very nervous for my results. It's always scary hearing your doctor tell you the word CANCER as you all may know. I'm just curious if anyone has every had these same experiances and what the outcome was. I've done a TON of research. I know that only 1% of pap smears come up abnormal like mine and most of them turned out to be cancer. 

 

I will keep everyone updated on my status and hope to hear of some similar stories. I wish you all well!!

 

                                                                                             -Ashley E.

Comments

  • NoTimeForCancer
    NoTimeForCancer Member Posts: 3,353 Member
    Ashley, please try to take a

    Ashley, please try to take a breath.  Did your doctor tell you you have cancer?  Until you get the results you really don't know what is going on.  Atypical cells doesn't neccessarily mean that.  (ladies, please correct me if I am wrong)  It can be a variety of things and cancer may not be one of them.  Please don't read the statistics out there as they are often old and don't take in to count all the health conditions everyone has.  My advice is to try and go your beautiful family. 

  • AshleyE75
    AshleyE75 Member Posts: 12

    Ashley, please try to take a

    Ashley, please try to take a breath.  Did your doctor tell you you have cancer?  Until you get the results you really don't know what is going on.  Atypical cells doesn't neccessarily mean that.  (ladies, please correct me if I am wrong)  It can be a variety of things and cancer may not be one of them.  Please don't read the statistics out there as they are often old and don't take in to count all the health conditions everyone has.  My advice is to try and go your beautiful family. 

    Thank you

    Thank you for the reply! I try not to read statistics because I know googling things isn't very smart! I'm just very nervous. I just wanted to know if anyone has ever had this type of pap. I will hopefully get one biopsy result Monday :)

  • AshleyE75
    AshleyE75 Member Posts: 12
    The more I think

    The more I think about it i'm probably just overreacting. I'm just scared of the unknown and google is a bad thing!! Wish me luck!!

  • Sandy3185
    Sandy3185 Member Posts: 228
    Thickening of uterine wall

    Hi Ashley, I hope when your doctor finishes this battery of test you will be able to say thank you and adios. I'm OK! It is very scary hearing the word CANCER. But don't get ahead of yourself. You are very young to have uterine cancer, so let's hope the doctor finds another explanation. I did not have an abnormal Pap, but I went to the Dr for abnormal bleeding and he sent me for an ultrasound which did show an abnormal thickening. My gyn did a D&C and the results came back as UPSC a fairly rare kind of uterine cancer. That was in Oct of 2013. I had surgery on 12/05/2013 and then chemo and radiation from Jan to June last year. Today there is no evidence of cancer and I am back to normal. So, even if your diagnosis comes back with the C word, there is every likely hood that you will be able to conquer it and move on. There are many wonderful stories on this site of women who have done just that!

    I know that waiting is one of the worse parts of this experience. Try to remind yourself that there is a good chance that something else is causing your symptoms. And, if worse comes to worse, you have every chance of beating this.  Sandy

  • txtrisha55
    txtrisha55 Member Posts: 693 Member
    AshleyE75 said:

    The more I think

    The more I think about it i'm probably just overreacting. I'm just scared of the unknown and google is a bad thing!! Wish me luck!!

    I was 55 and post menopausal

    I was 55 and post menopausal so no periods for at least 8 or more years. I started bleeding heavily and was at my obygn dr within 3 days. A DC was scheduled for 2weeks out. I bleed the whole time. Mine turned out to be cancer that was in 2011 and did the surgery and chemo and still cancer free today.

     

     I have a co worker that was having issues with bleeding and chose to have the hysterectomy and is fine, no cancer. Another coworker had the coils installed and started having a lot of health issues. Her body was rejecting the metal of the coils, titanium and another metal. She chose to have a hysterectomy and is doing fine now. The health issues have cleared up. Another friend had thickness in the uterus and a cyst, she had a hysterectomy too and the only issue she hastily is a bit of depression becuase she only is 32 and has no husband but does have a great 5 year iold daughter. She wanted  a husband and more kids. I told her your health is more important than finding a husband right now. If a man trully loves a woman than nothing will be in the way and they can always adopt.

    It could be lots of different things besides cancer. Take a breath, wait for the results and spend time with your family. Come back when you need to as there are lots of ladies here to support you.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • It happened to Me
    It happened to Me Member Posts: 206 Member
    Your're in a good group to help with advice, encouragement

    and words of wisdom.  My story:  I'm 53 now.  Had bleeding or spotting from Feb. to May, 2013.  Went to gyn and they did pap.  Came out with two different types of atypical cells.  They did a colposcopy and found it was endometrial/serous cancer.  I never had any children and thought I was just going through the change.  Had surgery, they took everything.  Mine happened to be a rare cancer that had already spread.  I ended up having chemo. and just celebrated my 1 year post check-up and I am "No Evidence of Disease" or NED.   I'm very optimistic that it is gone forever even though mine turned out to be rare and aggressive.

    No Time for Cancer is right, don't jump (hard to do but it can be done).  One of the best pieces of advise (from a peach sister) 1). Just dwell on what you know as fact. and 2). Only focus on what the next appointment coming up and not beyond.  This is really early in the journey for you and you have 3 lovely children and a wonderful husband to focus on.  When you find out the results, then you go to the next decision.   Write down questions and concerns, so you have something written down for the doctor and take notes or bring someone with you to take notes.   When I did those two things, it was so much easier to deal with.   One thing I learned on my own was to find something to be thankful for and focus on the good things that are happening.  Healthy children, wonderful husband, people who care about you and love you, the sun shining, a blue sky, a flower a picture your kids made.  Being thankful helped me big time through the process.

    Keep asking this group questions and talking to us.  This was a huge blessing to me when I found it.  There is alot of information.  Women of all walks of life and all kinds of scenarios.  Every person is different. 

    I'm sure other ladies will respond to give you a wide variety of experiences.

    Take care, will pray for you and keep us posted.   We, on this board can honestly say, "we know what you are going through".

    Jeanette

  • ConnieSW
    ConnieSW Member Posts: 1,677 Member

    Your're in a good group to help with advice, encouragement

    and words of wisdom.  My story:  I'm 53 now.  Had bleeding or spotting from Feb. to May, 2013.  Went to gyn and they did pap.  Came out with two different types of atypical cells.  They did a colposcopy and found it was endometrial/serous cancer.  I never had any children and thought I was just going through the change.  Had surgery, they took everything.  Mine happened to be a rare cancer that had already spread.  I ended up having chemo. and just celebrated my 1 year post check-up and I am "No Evidence of Disease" or NED.   I'm very optimistic that it is gone forever even though mine turned out to be rare and aggressive.

    No Time for Cancer is right, don't jump (hard to do but it can be done).  One of the best pieces of advise (from a peach sister) 1). Just dwell on what you know as fact. and 2). Only focus on what the next appointment coming up and not beyond.  This is really early in the journey for you and you have 3 lovely children and a wonderful husband to focus on.  When you find out the results, then you go to the next decision.   Write down questions and concerns, so you have something written down for the doctor and take notes or bring someone with you to take notes.   When I did those two things, it was so much easier to deal with.   One thing I learned on my own was to find something to be thankful for and focus on the good things that are happening.  Healthy children, wonderful husband, people who care about you and love you, the sun shining, a blue sky, a flower a picture your kids made.  Being thankful helped me big time through the process.

    Keep asking this group questions and talking to us.  This was a huge blessing to me when I found it.  There is alot of information.  Women of all walks of life and all kinds of scenarios.  Every person is different. 

    I'm sure other ladies will respond to give you a wide variety of experiences.

    Take care, will pray for you and keep us posted.   We, on this board can honestly say, "we know what you are going through".

    Jeanette

    Hi, Ashley

    We have met many women through this board who are right where you are now and in a short time we were celebrating with them when they learned they were disease free.  Here's hoping you soon join their ranks.  The waiting and uncertainty are torture but the time will pass, quickly for you with three little ones to keep you running.  Try to curb your imagination.  We are with you.

  • Kaleena
    Kaleena Member Posts: 2,088 Member
    Hi Ashley:
    Sorry you have to

    Hi Ashley:

    Sorry you have to go through all this worry!    Your mind must be a mess!    It seems your gyne is taking the right steps.   I have had several abnormal paps but mine were ASCUS (Atypical squamous cells) and I also have a parametrial thickening present.  The thickening has been like that for several years, but the two PAPS were just last year and they just keep watching it.   My only suggestion is that if something does come back from your biopsy, I would seek out an oncologist/gynecologist.   Please let us know how you are doing.   I love your photo!    I have 3 children also.

    It will feel like forever waiting for those results and you will be anxious whenever the phone rings.  We all have been through that (and with each and every scan, tests, etc.)   I was very concerned that I had two back to back PAPs with ASCUS and also one with HPV positive (which is related to cervical cancer), but was informed that it wasn't anything I should worry about.  That it would take 10 years for it to really develop.  My new gyne/onc doesn't believe in PAPs because it wouldn't show a recurrence in my type of cancer.   But I said, what if I develope another type?   I made him give me a PAP.

    Write down everything you want to ask your gyne.   Don't feel like you are taking their time, etc.   And you do have the right to seek second opinions.   Finally, don't look at too much on the internet.   Many of the things are outdated and wrong.   There are links that you can find on this site that will take you to reputable sites.

    My best to you.   Sending you comforting hugs.  Let us know.

    Kathy

  • AshleyE75
    AshleyE75 Member Posts: 12

    I was 55 and post menopausal

    I was 55 and post menopausal so no periods for at least 8 or more years. I started bleeding heavily and was at my obygn dr within 3 days. A DC was scheduled for 2weeks out. I bleed the whole time. Mine turned out to be cancer that was in 2011 and did the surgery and chemo and still cancer free today.

     

     I have a co worker that was having issues with bleeding and chose to have the hysterectomy and is fine, no cancer. Another coworker had the coils installed and started having a lot of health issues. Her body was rejecting the metal of the coils, titanium and another metal. She chose to have a hysterectomy and is doing fine now. The health issues have cleared up. Another friend had thickness in the uterus and a cyst, she had a hysterectomy too and the only issue she hastily is a bit of depression becuase she only is 32 and has no husband but does have a great 5 year iold daughter. She wanted  a husband and more kids. I told her your health is more important than finding a husband right now. If a man trully loves a woman than nothing will be in the way and they can always adopt.

    It could be lots of different things besides cancer. Take a breath, wait for the results and spend time with your family. Come back when you need to as there are lots of ladies here to support you.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Thank you!!

    Thank you SO much for the advice. <3

  • AshleyE75
    AshleyE75 Member Posts: 12
    Sandy3185 said:

    Thickening of uterine wall

    Hi Ashley, I hope when your doctor finishes this battery of test you will be able to say thank you and adios. I'm OK! It is very scary hearing the word CANCER. But don't get ahead of yourself. You are very young to have uterine cancer, so let's hope the doctor finds another explanation. I did not have an abnormal Pap, but I went to the Dr for abnormal bleeding and he sent me for an ultrasound which did show an abnormal thickening. My gyn did a D&C and the results came back as UPSC a fairly rare kind of uterine cancer. That was in Oct of 2013. I had surgery on 12/05/2013 and then chemo and radiation from Jan to June last year. Today there is no evidence of cancer and I am back to normal. So, even if your diagnosis comes back with the C word, there is every likely hood that you will be able to conquer it and move on. There are many wonderful stories on this site of women who have done just that!

    I know that waiting is one of the worse parts of this experience. Try to remind yourself that there is a good chance that something else is causing your symptoms. And, if worse comes to worse, you have every chance of beating this.  Sandy

    Thank you!!

    Thank you so much for the advice and input. Waiting is hard and I hope she has my results when I see her tomorrow. I'm so happy that you have no evidence of cancer, congratulations! I can't imagine what you've been through. I thank you for your support and will keep everyone up to date. It's nice to have ladies here that truly care and listen. -Ashley

  • AshleyE75
    AshleyE75 Member Posts: 12

    Your're in a good group to help with advice, encouragement

    and words of wisdom.  My story:  I'm 53 now.  Had bleeding or spotting from Feb. to May, 2013.  Went to gyn and they did pap.  Came out with two different types of atypical cells.  They did a colposcopy and found it was endometrial/serous cancer.  I never had any children and thought I was just going through the change.  Had surgery, they took everything.  Mine happened to be a rare cancer that had already spread.  I ended up having chemo. and just celebrated my 1 year post check-up and I am "No Evidence of Disease" or NED.   I'm very optimistic that it is gone forever even though mine turned out to be rare and aggressive.

    No Time for Cancer is right, don't jump (hard to do but it can be done).  One of the best pieces of advise (from a peach sister) 1). Just dwell on what you know as fact. and 2). Only focus on what the next appointment coming up and not beyond.  This is really early in the journey for you and you have 3 lovely children and a wonderful husband to focus on.  When you find out the results, then you go to the next decision.   Write down questions and concerns, so you have something written down for the doctor and take notes or bring someone with you to take notes.   When I did those two things, it was so much easier to deal with.   One thing I learned on my own was to find something to be thankful for and focus on the good things that are happening.  Healthy children, wonderful husband, people who care about you and love you, the sun shining, a blue sky, a flower a picture your kids made.  Being thankful helped me big time through the process.

    Keep asking this group questions and talking to us.  This was a huge blessing to me when I found it.  There is alot of information.  Women of all walks of life and all kinds of scenarios.  Every person is different. 

    I'm sure other ladies will respond to give you a wide variety of experiences.

    Take care, will pray for you and keep us posted.   We, on this board can honestly say, "we know what you are going through".

    Jeanette

    Thank you!!

    Thank you so much for your advice! This helps me relax a lot more. I'm so happy that you're NED, keep up the high spirits. Thank you for taking time to respond to me and truly care. -Ashley

  • AshleyE75
    AshleyE75 Member Posts: 12

    Your're in a good group to help with advice, encouragement

    and words of wisdom.  My story:  I'm 53 now.  Had bleeding or spotting from Feb. to May, 2013.  Went to gyn and they did pap.  Came out with two different types of atypical cells.  They did a colposcopy and found it was endometrial/serous cancer.  I never had any children and thought I was just going through the change.  Had surgery, they took everything.  Mine happened to be a rare cancer that had already spread.  I ended up having chemo. and just celebrated my 1 year post check-up and I am "No Evidence of Disease" or NED.   I'm very optimistic that it is gone forever even though mine turned out to be rare and aggressive.

    No Time for Cancer is right, don't jump (hard to do but it can be done).  One of the best pieces of advise (from a peach sister) 1). Just dwell on what you know as fact. and 2). Only focus on what the next appointment coming up and not beyond.  This is really early in the journey for you and you have 3 lovely children and a wonderful husband to focus on.  When you find out the results, then you go to the next decision.   Write down questions and concerns, so you have something written down for the doctor and take notes or bring someone with you to take notes.   When I did those two things, it was so much easier to deal with.   One thing I learned on my own was to find something to be thankful for and focus on the good things that are happening.  Healthy children, wonderful husband, people who care about you and love you, the sun shining, a blue sky, a flower a picture your kids made.  Being thankful helped me big time through the process.

    Keep asking this group questions and talking to us.  This was a huge blessing to me when I found it.  There is alot of information.  Women of all walks of life and all kinds of scenarios.  Every person is different. 

    I'm sure other ladies will respond to give you a wide variety of experiences.

    Take care, will pray for you and keep us posted.   We, on this board can honestly say, "we know what you are going through".

    Jeanette

    Thank you!!

    Thank you ALL! This is helping so much.

  • AshleyE75
    AshleyE75 Member Posts: 12
    Kaleena said:

    Hi Ashley:
    Sorry you have to

    Hi Ashley:

    Sorry you have to go through all this worry!    Your mind must be a mess!    It seems your gyne is taking the right steps.   I have had several abnormal paps but mine were ASCUS (Atypical squamous cells) and I also have a parametrial thickening present.  The thickening has been like that for several years, but the two PAPS were just last year and they just keep watching it.   My only suggestion is that if something does come back from your biopsy, I would seek out an oncologist/gynecologist.   Please let us know how you are doing.   I love your photo!    I have 3 children also.

    It will feel like forever waiting for those results and you will be anxious whenever the phone rings.  We all have been through that (and with each and every scan, tests, etc.)   I was very concerned that I had two back to back PAPs with ASCUS and also one with HPV positive (which is related to cervical cancer), but was informed that it wasn't anything I should worry about.  That it would take 10 years for it to really develop.  My new gyne/onc doesn't believe in PAPs because it wouldn't show a recurrence in my type of cancer.   But I said, what if I develope another type?   I made him give me a PAP.

    Write down everything you want to ask your gyne.   Don't feel like you are taking their time, etc.   And you do have the right to seek second opinions.   Finally, don't look at too much on the internet.   Many of the things are outdated and wrong.   There are links that you can find on this site that will take you to reputable sites.

    My best to you.   Sending you comforting hugs.  Let us know.

    Kathy

    Thank you!!

    Thank you SO much for taking the time and writing to me. I appreciate the advice very much! I will take it and use it. Thank you for listening to me. I appreciate all of the ladies on here more than you know!! I have an appointment tomorrow so hopefully I get some results. Thanks again -Ashley

  • NoTimeForCancer
    NoTimeForCancer Member Posts: 3,353 Member
    AshleyE75 said:

    Thank you!!

    Thank you SO much for taking the time and writing to me. I appreciate the advice very much! I will take it and use it. Thank you for listening to me. I appreciate all of the ladies on here more than you know!! I have an appointment tomorrow so hopefully I get some results. Thanks again -Ashley

    Ashely, please let us know

    Ashely, please let us know how it goes.

  • ConnieSW
    ConnieSW Member Posts: 1,677 Member

    Ashely, please let us know

    Ashely, please let us know how it goes.

    Wishing you

    Good luck

  • AshleyE75
    AshleyE75 Member Posts: 12
    ConnieSW said:

    Wishing you

    Good luck

    Still no results

    No results yesterday :( just removed the IUD. I should have them by the end of the week! -Ashley

  • ConnieSW
    ConnieSW Member Posts: 1,677 Member
    AshleyE75 said:

    Still no results

    No results yesterday :( just removed the IUD. I should have them by the end of the week! -Ashley

    More pins and needles

    I'm holding your hand.