RE: Confused and afraid of dying (Full Version)

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CalifChick -> RE: Confused and afraid of dying (8/29/2010 12:04:32 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: defiantbadgirl

She mentioned abnormal cells. I wasn't aware they could stage cancer from a pap smear. I will ask her. To answer your other question she said she would do a cone biopsy and wait for the frozen results. She said if it was pre-cancer and not actual cancer (in other words abnormal cells that haven't turned cancerous yet) she would proceed with a hysterectomy to prevent cancer but leave my ovaries .



Get another doctor.  As soon as yesterday.

Abnormal cervical cells alone do NOT show medical necessity for a hysterectomy.  Seriously.  If it did, a whole heck of a lot more women would be having hysterectomies.

Alot of women don't even have a cone biopsy as the first course of treatment.  It is much more common to have a colposcopy where the cervix is viewed under magnification and then frozen to destroy abnormal cells, followed by a repeat pap when the cervix has healed. 

If a pap shows moderate to severe cell changes, then a cone biopsy is usually done.  Even if there is cancer, a hysterectomy is not always the recommended course of treatment.

Get another doctor.

Cali




thornhappy -> RE: Confused and afraid of dying (8/29/2010 1:09:21 PM)

Practice typing on your PC.  You can take tests online to check your speed for free.  Just take material from books or magazines and whack away at it.

I have to echo some of the people here.  I had them "death and destruction" periods with lining overgrowth, and I couldn't take bi-phase pills.  The progesterone only pills didn't help.  I had an endometrial ablation (the doc found a polyp too) and it was a fricken' miracle.  Still had periods but didn't have to get up in the middle of the night or change tampons after only 10 minutes went by! [:D]
quote:

ORIGINAL: defiantbadgirl

I don't have a desk job with no lifting. I tried to find an office job in the past but was turned down even by temporary agencies because I can't type 65 words a minute. I do have call center experience but there are no call centers anywhere near my area. Also, call centers have changed on what they look for. They will hire a fast typist before they will hire someone with experience. I walked into a call center that was hiring about 4 years ago (before I moved here) telling them I had 8 years experience but they weren't interested because I wasn't fast enough on the typing test. Also, I can't just pack up and move because I own my home.




littlewonder -> RE: Confused and afraid of dying (8/29/2010 2:37:18 PM)

I have abnormal cells almost everytime I get a pap because I have fibroids. I've had cryo done but they still reappear from time to time.

I wouldn't panic and I would get a second opinion about a hysterectomy. That seems pretty radical to me for abnormal cells.




daddysliloneds -> RE: Confused and afraid of dying (9/1/2010 2:10:54 PM)

any new news yet?




hereyesruponyou -> RE: Confused and afraid of dying (9/1/2010 5:13:52 PM)

I screwed around with lots of procedures, but nothing helped long term. Since i was definately done breeding, i pushed for the hysterectomy. Best thing i ever did. My life is no longer ruled for 1-2 weeks a month by 2-3 showers a day and constant pad changes (up to 1 every 15 minutes). My uterus when pulled was described as a sick looking sponge. It's supposed to look like a nice muscle. shudder...

let us know how things are going plz




BoredAsHell -> RE: Confused and afraid of dying (9/1/2010 6:05:56 PM)

number one: calm down, it's not the end of the world as many here have pointed out, people do get cancer and they do survive and go on. my mother had abnormal paps many times, eventually her precancerous cells did turn cancerous. she did have a hysterectomy, but that was 1977. she never needed chemo or radiation, the surgery did cure her. medicine has come a long way since then. today is her 66th birthday and she's still cancer free.

number two: run, do not walk away, from any doctor who screams surgery right away, no other option offered, no second opinion suggested, nothing but surgery. sounds like doc's looking more at her bank account than the quality of your life. she's forcing something on you that isn't even medically necessary at this point. do not allow her to force you into something. exercise your rights to second, third even fourth opinions if you need them. you might also want to seek help for the fears you're facing. sometimes being able to talk things out with someone you can trust not to be judgemental can really be helpful.

number three: there are options for financial help. some hospitals offer charity care, some will offer reduced rates, some payment plans, whatever. research what's available in your area. call your local hospital and ask to speak to a social worker, they often can help you find options that may not be something you could find on your own. that's their job, to help people find what they need to get healthy again and get on with life.

you're in my prayers. keep us posted, we're here to listen.




juliaoceania -> RE: Confused and afraid of dying (9/1/2010 7:42:10 PM)

I have had abnormal bleeding for years, and they tested me for stuff and gave me a Mirena IUD

My mom had a thick lining in her uterus, and had cysts, so much so they gave her a hysterectomy... she had no cancer

It is very normal to have an abnormal papsmear...this means you may have cervical cancer... one of the most treatable cancers there are. Seriously, I would not freak out until they run all the necessary tests...




wandersalone -> RE: Confused and afraid of dying (9/2/2010 6:45:17 AM)

Just another that is wondering how you are dbg 




thishereboi -> RE: Confused and afraid of dying (9/2/2010 7:02:59 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: wandersalone

Just another that is wondering how you are dbg 


Yea, me too. How are things going? I am sending prayers and positive energy your way[:)]




defiantbadgirl -> RE: Confused and afraid of dying (9/2/2010 10:42:17 AM)

I cancelled the surgery scheduled for September 21. I'm trying to get medicaid first since the company I work for doesn't provide health insurance and that might take some time. Surgery is too expensive without insurance.




samboct -> RE: Confused and afraid of dying (9/2/2010 10:57:30 AM)

DBG

Let me also echo the previous posters who have said find another doc. Both my parents are physicians. The idea that what treatment options are best depending on ability to pay for later tests is a direct violation of the Hippocratic oath. First- do no harm. Well, unnecessary surgery certainly violates that clause, so your doc gives me the heebie-jeebies based on what you've written in the OP.

You've gotten a lot of good advice here- figure out some options for good treatment such as a research center- even if you have to drive several hours and find another doc.

Cheers,

Sam




angelikaJ -> RE: Confused and afraid of dying (9/2/2010 11:04:59 AM)

1) Financial help is available even without Medicaid.
If you want help in finding it, please let me know.
2) Why are you committed to this one course of action that may not even be a necessity?
Don't go by my say so...but many, Many other posters have said the same thing. Seriously, we probably aren't all wrong.

It is true that is may be necessary and perhaps you are just trying to ward off false hopes.

The facts do not support the assertion that a hysterectomy is the only way to go. There are less expensive and invasive options that have a high rate of cure for abnormal cervical cells.

You should seek a second opinion.

Again, I could help you find someone. All you have to do is ask.

Edit: clarity




sub4hire -> RE: Confused and afraid of dying (9/2/2010 11:20:46 AM)


I'm coming here late to this thread.  However pap smears are useless.  They tell a doctor little to nothing.

I was 4 years old when my mother was diagnosed.  She beat it with a hysterectomy.  Mom was 36 at the time she got cancer.  My sister was 36 when she was diagnosed.  She lived for 5 years and died of ovarian cancer.  So, you could say I know a little about it.

I had an 88% chance of contracting ovarian cancer myself.  It sounds as though you are bouncing back between ovarian cancer and cervical cancer.  I know it doesn't help to say stop worrying but you are worrying too much.  If you have cancer you have it.  You're going to have to deal with it.  Without insurance you are better off than most of us.  There are payment plans and there is assistance if you have nothing.  The hospital should help you out in finding whatever there is in your area. 

My sister had no insurance when she passed away.  In California she had well over a million in medical bills.  I paid 3000 for her after her death.  So, there is help it is just a job to find it. 

I had my ovaries removed when we moved 4 years ago.  I knew there was no sure way of knowing I had cancer or not without having them cut into me.  I was told when I went in.  They would do the biopsy then and there.  If I woke up and had cancer I would spend 3 days in the hospital for observation and I'd have to have a week or so off of work.  I did not have a desk job either.  Lifting is limited.  Beyond that you can work. 
Luckily I woke up and went home the same day.  I was cancer free. 
I know it is hard and you have your life in your hands but it doesn't help to worry yourself to death before cancer or anything else takes you. 
Take it one day at a time. 

Oh and my entire adult life until I had my ovaries out I also had abnormal bleeding.  I was perfectly healthy.  So, a lot of what you are stressing over could be nothing. 




angelikaJ -> RE: Confused and afraid of dying (9/2/2010 11:34:01 AM)

Here is an explanation of what "abnormal" results mean:
http://health.nytimes.com/health/guides/test/pap-smear/overview.html#What-Abnormal-Results-Mean

ASCUS or AGUS (atypical cells of uncertain significance)
LSIL (low-grade dysplasia) or HSIL (high-grade dysplasia)
Possibly cancerous (malignant)




maybemaybenot -> RE: Confused and afraid of dying (9/2/2010 1:40:28 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: defiantbadgirl

I cancelled the surgery scheduled for September 21. I'm trying to get medicaid first since the company I work for doesn't provide health insurance and that might take some time. Surgery is too expensive without insurance.


Just so you are aware : medicaid is retro active to the date you first applied. It will cover your medical expenses, should you need them, back to the date you sign up. Have a Social Worker help you do the paperwork. S/he will have a pretty good idea if you will be approved or not.

But in anycase.... you should move forward with a second opinion or getting better answers from the Doc you saw. It would behoove you to get all your ducks in order and have a treatment plan while you are waiting for Medicaid.  * If *, and that's a big if, you do have cancer, time is important. You want to get whatever needs to be done as quickly as possible.

             mbmbn




CalifChick -> RE: Confused and afraid of dying (9/2/2010 3:12:00 PM)

I'm starting to wonder about your ability to make rational decisions.  You cancelled the surgery, great... but you cancelled it for all the wrong reasons.  At this point, you have a lightbulb that has burned out and needs replacing, and your solution is the bulldoze the house.  Seriously.

Were you looking for knowledge and help, or were you looking for validation for your doctor's plan of action?  Or were you just looking to rant and really don't have any intention of taking charge of your own health and becoming an informed patient?

Seriously. 

Cali




daddysliloneds -> RE: Confused and afraid of dying (9/2/2010 10:00:47 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: CalifChick

I'm starting to wonder about your ability to make rational decisions.  You cancelled the surgery, great... but you cancelled it for all the wrong reasons.  At this point, you have a lightbulb that has burned out and needs replacing, and your solution is the bulldoze the house.  Seriously.

Were you looking for knowledge and help, or were you looking for validation for your doctor's plan of action?  Or were you just looking to rant and really don't have any intention of taking charge of your own health and becoming an informed patient?

Seriously. 

Cali



look what i found[sm=bite.gif]

http://www.datehookup.com/Thread-157516.htm


apparently this drama tends to happen in september for some odd reason, generally menopausal symptons each time she's always SURE it's something else, something worse. why she's doing it, who the fuck knows!




allthatjaz -> RE: Confused and afraid of dying (9/3/2010 2:14:29 AM)

Have you had a colposcopy?
I had a cone biopsy for CIN 3 and my CIN 3 was diagnosed by the colposcopy. At the time I had incredibly heavy periods (though that was nothing to do with me having pre-invasive cells).
That was 15 years ago and my pap smears have been clear since. I never had an unnecessary hysterectomy thank goodness.




sexyred1 -> RE: Confused and afraid of dying (9/3/2010 10:52:57 AM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: daddysliloneds


quote:

ORIGINAL: CalifChick

I'm starting to wonder about your ability to make rational decisions.  You cancelled the surgery, great... but you cancelled it for all the wrong reasons.  At this point, you have a lightbulb that has burned out and needs replacing, and your solution is the bulldoze the house.  Seriously.

Were you looking for knowledge and help, or were you looking for validation for your doctor's plan of action?  Or were you just looking to rant and really don't have any intention of taking charge of your own health and becoming an informed patient?

Seriously. 

Cali



look what i found[sm=bite.gif]

http://www.datehookup.com/Thread-157516.htm


apparently this drama tends to happen in september for some odd reason, generally menopausal symptons each time she's always SURE it's something else, something worse. why she's doing it, who the fuck knows!


Wow...how did you find something like that? It is kind of creepy, honestly.

I find this whole thread really, really sad, as many have tried to help with so much good advice and empathy.

Wow, is all I can say again and I usually have better words.




HisSub1213 -> RE: Confused and afraid of dying (9/3/2010 11:04:14 AM)

Nevermind [;)]




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