Abnormal PAP- feeling a little scared

[KValley]

I just came back from the Dr's office- DH isn't around and I needed to talk. My PAP from two weeks ago came back abnormal- I'm going in for an endo biopsy at the end of March. The MD was very reassuring- saying the chances that this was anything cancerous were remote. I've also got a bacterial infection (news to me, no symptoms) that could be exacerbating the situation - so they want to do a biopsy to rule out possibilities. I just wish I didn't have to wait so long for the biopsy to find out.

Anyway, I could use a prayer or two today- I just want to put this out of my mind and concentrate on positive things. :(

Oh- a bit of good news- my cholesterol is outstanding: 159 (HDL: 59; LDL: 87) Doc said whatever I was doing with my life to keep it up, it's working! :D

[SandyM]

((((((((((((((Julie)))))))))))))))))

A hug for you, and very special prayer coming your way.

[KathrynY]

Oh, Julie - I am so sorry that you have to deal with this. Prayers and hugs are on their way to you.

Your MD was right - you are a young, healthy person who takes great care of herself, and they just need to perform the test to rule out some of the possibilities. I know it will be a long few weeks to wait, but hang in there. I'm waiting with you!

[LaraW]

((((Julie))))

Julie, I am sure that your test will come back fine. Prayers coming your way.

Lara

[Jewel]

Julie, I know how you're feeling. I can't believe that they would schedule a biopsy for 3-4 weeks from now for an abnormal result. Have you asked why it's scheduled so far out? Is it their schedule or yours? :confused: Ellensburg ain't that big hun! ;) It always bothers me when they schedule tests that far ahead. You can bet that if that doctor's uterus was in question he or she'd do something quicker! :mad:

I've had abnormal results also. It can be anything from residual menstrual flow clouding the results, or that bacterial infection you mentioned, which I have also had! :rolleyes: If I were you I'd call the doctor and let him know you're concerned about how far out the biopsy is scheduled, and find out if there's any way it can be moved up, if for nothing else but your peace of mind.

Don't get too worked up. I know that's hard to do, but take it from a Professional Worrier...all you'll do is build it up into something awful in your mind, and scare yourself silly. Just see if you can get in there quicker and find out for sure. Prayers and positive thoughts on the way! ;) Keep us posted!!!

[lhall]

(((((((((((((((((Julie)))))))))))))))))))))

I know sometimes you just can't help worrying. From what I've heard most of the time this is nothing bad. I'll be sending good thoughts your way.

I had an abnormal pap at age 21, had a laser ablatlion, and have had no problems since (now 33). In my case it was pre-cancerous cells, but nothing bad as long as it was dealt with then.

Leigh

[SusanT]

I've had an abnormal pap as well and it turned out to be nothing. It's not at all uncommon to get an abnormal pap now and then. Hang in there!

Great job on the cholesterol!

[pammy]

Julie,

I am so sorry that you are going through this. I just want to reassure you that so many women have had to endure the same worrisome news, and everything turned out just fine for them. I'm horrible at adding links, so just do a search on this forum for "abnormal test worries". I posted a very similar thread back in November and all is well with me. After two abnormal paps (5/01 and 9/01), my doctor did a colposcopy to get more information about what was causing the abnormalities. I'll PM you more, but the bottom line was, I'm fine, I didn't need a further procedure, and the only thing I have to endure is paps every 4 months for the next year to keep a closer eye on things. Just got the results back from my 2/02 pap and all is normal! You will be amazed at how many of us on the BB have gone through the same thing. Your continued amazing health is in my thoughts - I am certain all will be well with you! But, do keep us updated.

Deep breaths and calming thoughts, Pam

[Laura B]

Julie, I am so sorry that you have to go through this worry. You're in my thought!

Laura

[gertdog]

A hug coming your way...

I had an abnormal pap several years ago. I forget now what ranges they have, but it's something like "normal", "slightly abnormal", "severely abnormal" etc. Mine was in the extreme category. I had a colposcopy as a follow-up, and a second pap... and everything was completely normal. However, I spent a *very* anxious two weeks wondering if I had cancer or something else that would change my life. It's scary.

My doctor told me that false "abnormal" results are common, and can be caused by illness, mild physical trauma to the cervix (including that from normal sexual intercourse) etc.

I'll be praying that your results are also normal. Hang in there!

[funnybone]

Sending good thoughts your way. Chances are it is just nothing. I have a couple of friends who have had several abnormal paps - they turned out to be okay in the end.

Now about your cholesterol, great news!!

[MrsReber]

I also had an abnormal pap! Better safe than sorry. I did worry about it, had to go for the biopsy and the colposcopy and all is fine. It wasn't cancerous at all, just that it could've possibly turned into cancer down the line. My doctor scheduled far out, too- he thought maybe I had an infection and wanted to see if it cleared up (gave me that lovely yeast infection stuff) so he did an additional pap before the biopsy just to see how the results came back. I'm sure if it were something to be worried about, they'd have you back in there much sooner! Hang in there!! We'll all be here for you!

[KValley]

Aaah- you all are so amazing. I do feel much better- you've all said what my doctor has said, but it means more coming from "real" people. I had an abnormal pap a few years ago with pre-cancerous cells and everything turned out fine. But with that in mind, this seems more serious- I hate feeling so vulnerable and out of control. I've had really wacky periods lately, (none for 2 months, then one every two weeks for the past 3- horrible emotional PMS, which I'm currently experiencing) and just decided to go back on the Pill. **** if being a woman isn't really trying sometimes.

Jewel- I asked to have the biopsy this week, but I've just started the antibiotics for the bacterial infection today and I have to give it a couple of weeks for the meds to run their course; then I am out of town for a week- the earliest we could do this was the 27th.

I just spent some quality time with Lucy. I held that round little body with its sweet graying muzzle and those loving brown eyes and had myself a good cry. Now all is just about right with the world. :)

Thank you again- I can't even begin to tell you how much it means to me to have you here.

[slknight]

Julie,

Just sending you a big hug. People here lent me their good-health angels for my breast lump, so I'm now sending you mine. I've had several friends who've had abnormalities and everything has turned out fine. Sending you good vibes and keeping you in my thoughts.

As for Lucy, give her an extra biscuit for me. My sweet Chessie always knows how to make everyone feel better. Aren't dogs great?

-Susan

[Jodi]

Julie,
Hang in there! Add me to the list of those who've had an irregular Pap over the years. I know what you mean about hearing the same thing the doctors say from real people. Feel free to vent over the next couple of frustrating weeks -- the waiting is the worst, isn't it?? In the meantime, we're all sending hugs, prayers, and happy thoughts your way.
Jodi

[Leslie w]

((((((Julie)))))

You'll be in my thoughts.

[BosunsWife]

Big hugs coming your way.

[kwormann]

Julie, as always, warm thoughts coming from me. If it makes you feel better, I have a normal pap, but my cholesterol is 280....Im the other side of your coin:)

[wallycat]

just to add that abnormal results can often change with the next pap to normal....very common.
My twin sister had stage I don't remember what abnormal, and all she was required to do was have LEEP procedure....

Just an aside, even if it's worst case and it is cancer, uterine/cervical cancer is one of the slowest growing....so you are doing everything right and I'm sure it's nothing more than the bacterial infection murking the results!!
Keep us posted :D

[smpv]

Julie,

I will pray for you too.

If I were you, I would call the doctor an have him schedule the biopsy for the next week. It would relieve the worrying.

I had an abnormal pap that came back on a Friday and my doctor had me scheduled for a biopsy on the following Monday.

More than likely it is nothing. Unfortunately for me I had cancer, but it was caught real early. No symptoms for 9 years.


Pat

[kima]

Oh Julie I too send you the biggest, tighest hug in the world!!! I wish I could fly to your house (my wings are in for repair, alas!)
and have a cup of tea and meet your lovely husband and furry friend.
Both my sister, myself and my best friend were told we had "abnormal" pap tests last year and they all turned out to be just fine. The odds are certainly in your favour- but it is a worryIi know. I went through the whole lump in the breast , biopsy thing just awhile ago and everything is fine. Have faith that everything will be fine. So glad you shared with us- soon you will get good news and can put it all behind you. A trip to Ireland will be a wonderful affirmation of how sweet life is!
I think of you everyday,Maureen

[JHaris]

Julie,
having that announcement of "abnormal pap test" sent me into a tail spin years ago. Went to get several other opinions immediately and ended up with the Head of the Gyn Dept. at the U of Pennsylvania Hospital which is as good as it gets. Since I already had three children and wasn't planning on more, they went ahead after biopsies and did a partial hyst. It was pre cancerous and would have turned into it. I didn't want to sit on a "time bomb" as one Dr. put it. But they have so many more newer techniques to day ( this was done back in '71) to even avoid this kind of surgery. But if there is anything there and has been said, this is the easiest to treat because it is the slowest growing cancer. I just wanted it taken care of so it would be one less worry. Definitely women's bodies do some strange things. I still get pap tests to this day. I know there is split opinions on this, but I want to take everyprecaution there is. I would try to force getting the results sooner. Having to wait for the results of tests and biopsies for weeks is ridiculous. It is torture to have to sit and wait it out for results. This part of medicine is something I don't understand.

A few years ago I had a mamogram and the next day at work I got a call from the hospital that they wanted to take another because there was something showing up that they weren't sure of.....could I come in the next day. I asked if they had any openings that day which they did at the end of the day. I just told my boss I was out of there and probably broke a lot of driving laws getting back to the hospital for another set of x-rays. Everything turned out to be negative, but I spent a few hours of being terrified.

I hope all turns out for the best....these abnormal tests do happen all the time with nothing occuring afterwards...but it is definitely better to follow through as soon as possible.

Lots of hugs to support you.

Joan

[SusanL]

(((((((((((((((HUG))))))))))))))))
... what they said, I can't add any more but you are in our prayers, too!
My father always said to only worry about the things you can control, everything else is out of your control. I try to keep that as my mantra when I am feeling out of control of my situation.

[LGBurns]

(((((((((((hug)))))))))))))

Just sending this your way. You're in my thoughts. Good job on the cholesterol!

[Angela]

I've had abnormal pap's as well. I've had a colposcopy. It is very nerve racking until the test results come back. It turned out everything was ok for me and the doc told me abnormal pap's are not all that abnormal--lots of women have them with nothing to worry about. I'm sure everything will be just fine! The only bad thing is I had to go to the gyn every 6 months for a year and a half just to make sure everything was still ok. As if once a year isn't bad enough!! :rolleyes:

Woo Hoo for that cholestrol!!

[HRJ]

Julie, just wanted to add to my good thoughts for you. I've had a couple of friends who also had the "abnormal Pap," and in both cases it turned out to be nothing. But it's nerve-wracking, nonetheless.

I'll be sending positive vibes your way.

Take care,

Helene

[RebeccaT]

Julie, I just saw this. Sending good thoughts and prayers and angels and all that good stuff your way. The waiting is the hardest part (so sayeth Tom Petty) and it's so true. I am glad that you are feeling better, and please keep us posted on the results!

Take good care of you!

[browneye]

Julie-

I've had abnormal PAPs in the past - in conjunction with a vaginal infection- usually yeast..

The pap just indicates abnormal cells- not the CAUSE of the abnormality.

In the presence of an infection you will almost always find abnormal cells. To test further is prudent, to be sure.

Nevertheless, I will send prayers your way.

AND, being a dog lover, I know how absolutely comforting my sweet dog is when I wake up in the middle of the night, from a nightmare... there she is, comforting me, tail thumping, muzzle -to-muzzle if I want..... how sweet is that? You know what I mean. DH sound asleep.... Oh well!!!!

[KValley]

I just wanted to say a further thank you to everyone for your words of comfort and common sense. It seems selfish to say that I do find peace in your stories, but I think you know what I mean- it's knowing that you truly understand.

I spent some time on the web (thanks Pammy!) and doing research calmed my fears.

I called a dear friend of mine who has been suffering from endometriosis for several years- there is no cure and both the disease and treatment have been at times very agonizing. My own anxiety made me realize it had been some time since I asked her how she was doing. But when I called, I learned she had just broken her elbow the day before, slipping on the ice from this winter that doesn't seem to be going away :eek: . So, she needed MY comfort as she was feeling really blue. It definitely put things into perspective.

Pat - I said a prayer for you that your body continues to remain cancer free. Thank you for sharing and for your courage.

On to happy things!!!

[pammy]

Yay! Glad to hear that you are in a better frame of mind. Give Lucy a pat for me - she sounds like such a good girl.

[lisas3575]

Just wanted to add my well wishes to those here. I'm glad you reached out to all of us who love you here. We're here for you anytime!
xxoo

[dulcecoeur]

I first had an abnormal PAP when I was 16 or so. For me, it showed dysplasi, or abnormal pre-cancerous cells. I had several treatments (I am not sure totally what they do - its like a scraping and an iodine?) and regular coloscopy's (its basically a camera that they insert so they can see on a tv screen whats going on and treat the right areas).

None of the treatments worked, so they tried laser surgery twice which also did not work (although I hear this is usually very succesful)

Then they did a procedure sort of like a biopsy where they cut out part of the tissue from both the cervical area and part of the vaginal wall. This seems to have worked as my last three PAPS (I have to go every 6 months) have been clear.

It was a long haul though - it took them 6 years, with me going for PAPS and or tests and or surgeries every few months!

The only thing that worries me is all the impact this may have in the future, as for example they are not sure what the laser surgery could do to affect future fertility (I had to sign disclaimers), as well as the ability to carry children after both types of surgery - not too much tissue was cut but still enough! I try not to think about it too much right now. At the time, my main concern of course was stopping it before it got worse. If anyone could give me info on their ability to have children later, please let me know.

It was very hard for me though, as I slugged through it alone (I never told my mum as I did not want her to worry - stupid me I know)

Please get your PAPS done regularly! I was only 16 when they found this..many people wait until it is too late!

Good luck

[lisas3575]

Julie, have you found anything out yet?

[KValley]

Good morning from lovely Atlanta! Finally have a moment to check in and see how y'all are doing...

Lisa- thank you so much for asking! I had the biopsy on Monday- had to cancel last week's appointment because my period decided to make an appearance after a two-month hiatus- the day before my scheduled procedure. :rolleyes:

It was quick thing, but hurt like a son-of-a-gun. It was like having an ice-pick shoved in your nether regions :eek: After the fourth attempt at getting a decent tissue sample I considered throwing up or passing out, but fortunately did neither.

Results should be back next week- I'm feeling positive, but we'll just take it as it comes!

:) Julie

[KValley]

They worked! The doctor gave me the all clear last week.

Thank you again for sharing your experiences, for your concern and friendship. It's been a really difficult six weeks for other reasons and to have this weight lifted from me has been a tremendous answer to prayer.

Hugs to all and my prayers for your good health and happiness!

Julie

[Peggy]

Great news Julie! Having had an abnormal Pap before, I know how stressful it can be waiting for results. Glad to hear it all worked out well!

Peggy

[lhall]

Glad to hear the news, thanks for posting the update.

Leigh

[lisas3575]

Hooray! What a relief.

What's the countdown at? :)

[LaraW]

Glad to hear all is well.

What a relief!!

Lara