What I learned about cancer

I was recently diagnosed with something called glandular, cervical, cancer much to my surprise! I went for a pap smear in Dec of 2006. My Dr. called me a week later with the info that I had abnormal cells, OK? So, what does that mean, I asked?
His reply, we need to refer you to a oncologist gyn. Why? I asked. He said these cells were cancerous and that I needed a deeper intrusive biopsy. So, anyhoo, 3 months later I finally get into my new Dr's office, where she proceeds to torture me on the table all the while apologizing and telling me to breathe fast and then cough! I'm thinking to myself, as I'm straining in pain and trying not to fall off the table, she must be dissecting me! After a few minutes it was all over and when I sat up to speak, I couldn't. I just couldn't open my mouth and say anything, I couldn't even think straight. I was in shock! She must have known that because she started talking to me and asking me questions, I don't even remember what they were. I started to feel the tears swell up in my eyes and knew I had better hurry and just get out of there! Just run! That's pretty much what I did too. When she and her aid left the room, I dressed, wiped my face, put my sunglasses on, like that was gonna hide my big fat red blotches on my cheeks, and left the room. I wondered out to the lobby to pay and was told to come back in two weeks for the results. I left, got in my car and drove straight to church where my husband was holding a mid-week bible study. I walked in forgetting what was going on, leaned on the back of a chair and asked him to come out into the hallway because I had something to tell him. When he came out, all I could do was drop into his arms and cry. He didn't know what to do but he wanted an answer to why I was so upset. So, I told him. we then told the group and they all prayed for me, right on the spot, thankfully.

I kept my next appt.and was told that the cancer was confirmed and they needed to do a cold knife procedure. GREAT! I thought to myself. It was explained that they need to check to see if the cancer has become invasive. That means if it has spread to other organs or places which would mean different avenues of treatment. Another test in only 4 days.

So, Fri. I went in early 8am, got all prepped and luckily I was in the O.R. within 30min. or so. When I woke up I had some pressure but was OK and ready to go home. They let me leave around 10am. I spent the next 2 1/2 days pretty much in bed sleeping and taking pain meds.

It's been about 8 days now and I'm finally feeling better. Strong enough to do housework and even did a puppet show Thursday. Here's what I've learned this week on line about my cancer.

1). I have a papaloma virus. (they say women with this type of
cancer all have this virus)
2). I am 50 yrs. old. (this particular cancer stikes women 50-55
yrs. of age.)
3) I have a very low if any at all folic acid deficiency
(people who do low carb diets avoid most all foods that are high in folic acid thus, depleting their own systems of this important nutrient.) I did not take vitamins.
4). I have a horrible diet and eating lifestyle, eat when I can, eat what's available, and am always (tired and run down, which are signs of this cancer also).
5). With poor diet comes poor plumbing, well I have a problem there that's for sure. (another sign)
6). Lack of R & R, well that's been pretty much non-existant and for awhile now.
7). A pap smear check every year can catch it super early and it's nothing to take care of. I waited several years between. This is not good.

So, compare your life to that list above, if you exhibit any of that you better get checked. There are other factors of course, smoking, promiscuous sex, and genetics. They are now offering a vaccine for girls 16 and up against the papaloma virus because of cancer risk and as my Dr. told me, up to 85% of WOMEN AND MEN in America all have or carry the virus. This could be anyone you know and or it could be you.

I'll find out next week what level of cancer I have. I pray it won't be bad news. I pray more that anyone who reads this and hasn't had a pap smear for awhile, get one! It could mean the difference between living 50 more years or 50 more months.