My first smear test (yes… if you are male, you may want to stop reading this post now and come back tomorrow), got delayed by pregnancy. Then it got delayed by hormonal issues, the implant, the injection and the fact that Mother Nature seems to come for me, at least three weeks out of every four.
Eventually though, I had the test, I waited for the results, and as I expected, I had “Mild Dyskaryosis” which is the term given to abnormal changes to cells on the cervix.
I was also told I tested positive for high risk HPV (Human Papilloma Virus). Most women have the HPV virus at some point in their lives and it most often goes away by itself and people don’t even know they have it. Certain types of high risk HPV can cause Cervical Cancer.
I was referred for a Colposcopy – a camera… up there… to examine the changes to cells and determine whether or not they are anything sinister. Various different dyes and chemicals are painted on the cervix to check for abnormal cells. Unfortunately, a patch of abnormal cells were found on my cervix.
Next step was to take a biopsy. This was really quite uncomfortable. Although the tissue they cut out, was only a tiny part, it still hurt.
A few weeks later, I got my biopsy results.
Abnormal cells found on the cervix are graded CIN1 / CIN2 / CIN3. CIN stands for Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia.
CIN1 are minor changes to cells, relatively low risk and expected to repair themselves. People with CIN1 are likely to have an extra smear test.
CIN2 cells are slightly higher risk and will either require more tests or treatment, depending on your doctor.
CIN3 cells are the highest risk abnormal cells are require treatment. These are likely to turn cancerous, although this could take up to ten years, it is important to treat them before they reach that stage.
So me being me, obviously I get told I have Grade 3 Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia or CIN3. So it turns out I didn’t have mild dsykaryosis, but I have severe dyskaryosis. Typical, just my luck, but I just need to get on with it.
It has been confirmed that these cells are not yet Cancerous. To which I am hugely relieved, but I can’t say I’m looking forward to the treatment. I felt violated after the Colposcopy.
So next for me is a Large Loop Diathermy, also known as LLETZ (Large Loop Excision of the Transformation Zone). This is basically a metal loop, which goes… the same place as the camera went… and destroys the abnormal cells by electrocuting them. This will be done under a local anaesthetic.
I’m really not looking forward to this treatment, but I have to do what I can to prevent Cancer number 3. I don’t want Cervical Cancer, but without this treatment, it’s possible that that is where my body is heading.
To any of my readers who have been putting off their smear test… don’t! Book it now!
So sorry to read this Emma, like you haven’t been through enough already 🙁 I hope everything goes well and that you feel better soon xx
Kirsty Hijacked By Twins recently posted..Alphabet Project – Q
My sister had the same, CIN3 about 5 years ago. The abnormal cells were completely covering her cervix, behind her cervix and up the back vaginal wall. She had the same treatment as you, plus lots of others and just now has she had her first normal smear. It has been a long process of hospital visits, treatment, cameras, every 3 months, but has now got her next smear in 6 months!! Progress!! The treatment was just monitored for 18 months during this time, as she was pregnant with her second child, so she just had cameras during this time. Good luck in all your treatment. Xx
I’m so sorry you are going through this!
I’m hoping it’s not too uncomfortable/painful and you can get on with normal life again soon!
You are so right, dont put of your smear tests, they are so important!
Mummy Vs Work recently posted..Summer holidays from a working parents perspective
Well. Can I say at least they’ve caught before it turns nasty (or nastier?)
I know its bloody appalling, but you will see it through. I have been told a camera up there isn’t fun as Ed has had that a few times ( lots of bowel cancer in his family so they all get checked regularly) but if it stops you having to go through the type of crap you went through before, with not touching the children then it can only be a kind of weird good thing?
Claire LazyGirl Blog recently posted..That Naked Photo Scandal….NSFW
I’ve been through this twice now Emma. Doesn’t get any easier. Both of my loops came back having full thickness CIN3 so I get yearly smears now.
Oh Hun sorry to hear this. I had CIN2 last year and had the lol surgery. I was scared but the procedure went well and was successful. Good luck with yours and good it’s all been found and can be treated xx
Carolynne @ mummy endeavours recently posted..Project 365 and Diary Update 2014 – Weeks 33, 34 and 35
Oh hun.
I just want to hug you.
Thank goodness they have got it early xx
Clare @ Emmys Mummy recently posted..How to make a Hama Bead Mobile
I am so sorry to hear this 🙁 I’ve never had a smear test as they don’t do them till you’re 25 here and I’ve alwYs put it off but will book one after I’ve given birth
Kerry recently posted..POTTY TRAINING ESSENTIALS
I was meant to have mine at 25, but it got put off until I was 28. x
I was sent for my 1st one by accident at 16, They couldn’t work out why as I obviously hadn’t been sexual active for 3 years, I wasn’t over 25, I hadn’t had a child or had any family history :/ They had to do it though as I’d been called for, As it turns out, it’s a good job they did as thats when they found my 1st lot of CIN3
So sorry to read this. It sounds like a pretty horrific process, but thank goodness they’ve caught it early and can do something about it. x
Sarah MumofThree World recently posted..Hammersmith: A walk down memory lane
So sorry to read this. Thinking of you xxx
Susan Mann recently posted..The Gallery 198 – School
I can’t believe that this is happening to you again Emma. But you are strong and of course will do whatever it takes to get rid of these abnormal cells straight away. It’s amazing how they can find these things so early on nowadays. Would never have happened in our Grandparents’ day. Best of luck with it all. x
suzanne3childrenandit recently posted..Teachers, It’s Over to You….
After sitting with you when we visited that lab in Manchester to find out more about cancer cures I can’t quite believe this is happening Emma. Sending every ounce of strength, love and positive thinking xxx
Penny A residence recently posted..5 foraged food treats from the garden and beyond
I am so sorry to read this. I didn’t want to comment and go without letting you know that I am thinking of you.
Domestic Goddesque recently posted..Review: Tesco Finest Flowers
This is so heartbreaking.I am absolutely devastated for you Emma.
Aly recently posted..Introducing MugTour Monday On Instagram
Loved getting to meet you finally this year. And try to keep focused on the facts, hard though it must be. The cells AREN’T cancerous and they’re being treated. Sending hugs. xx
Thought you might read this one… Know how much you love oversharing! Bet I had you on the word smear! Lol. It was lovely to meet you. Probably see at another event soon x
ruddy hell Emma!!! I am so sorry to read this but hopefully as it has been diagnosed so early it can be treated and sorted. Still not fun I now. wishing you so much luck and best wishes x x
jenny paulin recently posted..Chocolate Orange Custard Tart (#GreatBloggersBakeOff2014 #Week5)
Oh Emma, I can’t believe you at going through this again 🙁 So, so tough. Please know I’m praying for you… Keep us posted and let us know if there’s anything we can do to support from the blogosphere. So very sorry. Sending you a huge virtual hug.xxx
Oh huni, I’m sorry you’re having to go through even more than you already have. Am sending good vibes to you xxx
You have been through so much already however this treatment should treat the cells, seems like it has been caught early enough which is good news x
My sister in law has just had a hysterectomy as cervical cancer had spread quickly in her – and she was having regular smears. Everyone should remember to get any abnormal bleeding checked out as well.
Sending big hugs xx
I had the same diagnosis and treatment about 10 years ago, and can understand how scary it all feels. I had the LLETZ. It’s not fun, but it doesn’t last long. Make sure you have paracetamol, a hot water bottle and chocolate on hand for when the local anaesthetic wears off, because it will hurt a bit for a day or so. Hope I’m not scaring you, but it’s much better than getting cervical cancer. I had annual smears since the treatment and a pleased to say each one has been clear and I’m now back on to the normal cycle of thre yearly smears. You’re absolutely right, smears are so important. Sending hugs and positive thoughts for a good outcome for you xxx
Leigh -Headspace Perspective recently posted..Determined
Oh Emma, I’m gutted for you. This might be relatively common and almost always easily fixed (albeit very unpleasant and upsetting), but you don’t need this. You’ve had such a crap time and this on top just isn’t fair. I hope that the treatment is not as bad as you anticipate, you recover quickly and can be left in peace to get on with the rest of your life xxx
Jenny @ TheBrickCastle recently posted..Small Steps…