So....talk about.....CANCER SUPPORT THREAD !!

[CoyoteMagic]

Ok what is high-grade squamous lesions (CIN-3) and Low grade squamous lesion (CIN-1)?

Her freakin OB came in and told her she has "almost" cancer and needs a total hysterectomy and left. No, you need an oncologist with a game plan!!!! Ugh I am so mad and upset.

First off she needs a new OB and that one needs to be reported to the medical review board. I don't know much about cervical, endometrial or any of those cancer. What I understand is that squamous cells are considered PRE-Cancerous NOT the big C. She's got to have many more tests. Heck it could be that it's an error on the reading of the test. I have 2 neices that have had "positive" test. One it first popped up with 10 years ago. She has a pap every 6months and some kind of procedure every year to remove the top layer of cells. Rachel has a beautiful little girl! Mary was just told about hers around a year ago. She hasn't had to have the same procedure as Rachel, but she is having to have paps every 6months.

Please Please PLEASE, sit your daughter down and tell her about the importance of thinking positive. SHE is in control of this. Here attitude is going to be the key to get through this.

And KNOW we are here for both of you!!

 

[debilorrah]

We had a long long talk with her tonight. My understanding is basal cells are pre-cancerous. Everything on the pathology says squamous cell carcinoma. I didn't shed a single tear in front of her either. As soon as she left I did!!! She is beyond just a bad pap, she had a LEEP cone biopsy. She had the bad pap, a biopsy, then the LEEP cone biopsy.

 

[HeatherLynn]

I don't know much about cancer but I vote for a new OB also. I had one while I was pregnant with my first. I came up positive just on a pap but she gave us information on getting an abortion, set up a meeting with a specialist who does these surguries while women are pregnant, telling me I'll lose the baby. Had me scared out out of my mind. Gave me minimal info really and when I finally saw someone else they were like " honey this was just a positive for possible future pre cancer and we normally don't do anything about these until follow up in 3 months. I had the baby and they monitored every 3 months for 2 years. Apparently it was pregnancy induced. The point is the OB was a bit heartless setting up abortion counciling, tossing abortion pamphlets at me and telling me I was going to lose the baby during surgury, never giving me the full pic that we were looking at pre pre cancner. I mean seriously she she was throwing dire stuff around, even just an initial call to tell me you need to come in, you have cancer and we should talk. Over the phone. A bad doctor is not what your little gal needs now. She needs the best information and the best care. I hope she finds a new OB and Onc that can give her that. I'll be praying for you both Deb. Hugs

 

[3goodeggs]

to that doctor! Boo hiss! My mom's first oncologist came into her room and the first words out of his mouth were,"you have roughly six months to live without chemo, with chemo maybe three months more."
that was 12 years ago. She's still kicking.( her aim is better too.

)

There are GREAT doctors out there, find one, and if you have to drive out of town to avoid that other one, do so.

Sorry you are going through this again.

 

[dewey]

CIN (dysplasia) is not cancer. It's considered pre-cancerous.

Basal and Squamous are types of cells that everybody has. Basically, the cells in the outer most part of the skin (epidermis) are Squamous Cells. Cells in the lowest (basal) part are Basal Cells. Both cell types can become cancerous, and although SC cancer (usually HPV related) is responsible for the majority of all cervical cancers, CIN/dysplasia is usually easily treated and so usually does not progress to invasive cancer.

Around 1/2 a million women per year are found to have Dysplasia (Bowen disease) and live their entire long lives without any complication. The higher grade CIN is more likely to develop into cancer but it can 30 years or more, if ever.

CIN (Dysplasia, Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia) lesions are graded....grade 1 the lowest, grade 3 the highest. CIN is pre-cancer, not cancer. CIS (cancer in-situ or "sitting in-place") is still not invasive cancer, but careful follow up is vital for all.

Leep or a surgical cone biopsy is usually also the cure for CIN, sometimes more than 1x is needed, and CIN usually does not progress to cancer even when left untreated, as is the case for most women.

Did the cone biopsy have a clear margin? I cannot imaging a radical hysterectomy being recommended as the treatment for CIN.

It's all nerve wracking especially when a doctor goes off the deep end like that without explaining anything. I hope she can talk soon with a good doctor that can explain her pathology report to her.

 

[HeatherLynn]

Just as an added note deb, when I had the irrigular pap and they did some type of follow up test coploscopy it sounded like but its been 12 years so memory is not great. Anywho they confirmed CIN1. I actually still have the stupid medical records from that doctor because i carried them to every ob appointment for 2 years. Anywho she wanted to take the baby, remove all the cells. She also told me that I would be lucky if I had any more children and I would have to have a hysterectomy before I was 30. I told her I was dealing with nothing until after the baby came regardless and that the specialist she sent me to agreed ( not only agreed but felt that there was every possibility by the time they did the follow up after the baby this may have cleared itself up which it did). 3 more kids and no hysterectomy later I still test clear. Its been 12 years. Because I tested positive that once my doc still wants me in every year rather than the new updated schedule they have but I'm not worried.

I really hope as you guys get more information that things take on a better look. Try to keep those chins up though. We will pray and I know she will be ok. Just stay positive.

 

[ChooksChick]

Any word from Burt? Praying!!

 

[broodytood]

debiraymond- All the terms and stuff they throw at you can be so confusing. Get 2nd and 3rd opinions if needed.
And getting educated is the best way to ease her mind.
When I found out I had BC I went out and got the best book on BC I could find from the leading breast Dr.
It really helped me to get familiar with the terms and most common treatments.
First Dr told me I had cancer, the next one said pre-cancer. Next one said early stage cancer.
All of it messes with your mind because of the unknowns.
I am truly sorry that she is having to go through this so young.

On another note, I'm going in Monday for my re-excision and lymph node removal.
They will stage my cancer according to what they find in the nodes.
Here I thought I was already staged. I learned I've been graded but not staged.
Just when I thought I had it all figured out...
But I do know that clean nodes are a plus so that is what we are hoping and praying for!

Still praying for all of you who are fighting!!! We are here for you, Burt!!!

 

[Lunachick]

Hey broody...........

they have to check every avenue................at least they're thorough that's what I keep saying. Good luck on your test! Sounds like good news so far though!
I go for my "comparison" CT scan tomorrow morning.

A lovely breakfast of "berry flavoured" contrast shake - actually 2 of them ugh then a shot of more of the stuff when I get there at 10 a.m. MMMM-mmmmmm yum yum, can't wait. I just hope I don't barf tonight......



Burt, where are you??? Hey, you know we're all waiting and hanging around here hoping you're going to say something to ease our minds....

..........

 

[jjthink]

Haven't been able to visit as much (or try to help with bird emergencies nearly as much) because my computer(s) (both at the house and at work) are really slow with the new site but I am thinking of everyone, sending good wishes.
debi...from reading the other posts, sounds like they caught nice and early...
broody, good luck on the test!
Ginny, sorry about the yukky drink! Can't wait till you can have something normal and tasty afterward!

JJ