Cervical Cancer Support Group

I am 24 years old, only had 4 partners in all my life. I have been getting a pap every year since I was 16, became sexually active at 18.

Jan 2011 I experience post coital bleeding, did an US, found a cyst on each of my ovaries (6mm, 4mm) - no other abnormalities were found.

Well, with my fabulous luck, I had an abnormal pap. I was shocked. The nurse called to tell me the doc needed to talk to me. Went in that same day, he said it was "high grade moderate dysplasia" and that he recommended a colposcopy. The lab report said that HPV criteria was not met, so they did not test for HPV.

I asked what it was, he said I probably had HPV, it's common, try not to worry, and that it would be a sprinkle of vinegar, maybe a biopsy if he saw any abnormalities, but he figured I was healthy and cautious and that I probably had just contracted HPV or that it had finally become visible (because HPV may have been dormant and just become evident on pap because of a weakened immune system, despite this being my healthiest year!)

Ok. So a week later, I scheduled the procedure, went well, nothing too intense, only one spot required biopsy. He said he thought it was still only HPV, and that he would have the office just mail me a report if it was HPV or normal and that I shouldn't be worried. I would receive the letter in about a week.

Well. Today I get the call that something is abnormal, and they want to see me tomorrow afternoon. The nurse (we've known her for YEARS) said that it was serious and that I need to be looking at my schedule to potentially schedule a hospital procedure.

I am absolutely terrified.

I have never been pregnant and I am worried that any additional procedures could cause scarring (stenosis) that would make it difficult for me to get pregnant. (Something I already know is difficult for me, and something I want later in life, when I find the right person)

Reading online is just making me more worried, and I am wondering when I will have the time for a procedure. I am at a loss for words, honestly.

My best friend is too busy to talk to me. My friend from school is too self-absorbed to care about me. I am going through this alone. I am scared.

I don't want cancer. I don't want to have to deal with radiation and chemotherapy only to be told I can't get pregnant. That would be crushing for me. Not to mention, my insurance doesn't cover that, so I am out of luck to pay for any of this.

I am sorry this is so long, and I am sorry for venting, I just feel so alone.

Sorry -

I forgot to mention I am new to the group. I was turned here by a friend and figured I might as well see if anyone had any advice on what to expect, what procedures were like, things like that. Thanks

Results -

He is taking the "wait & see" route. Saying that he doesn't want to be too aggressive with treatment at this point due to my age.

He wants me to follow up in 4 months, and if it goes away on it's own, great. If nothing changes he wants another 4 month follow up. If it gets worse, I'm being taken to surgery to remove the portion of cervix with the precancerous cells.

However, I don't have the money to follow up, much less to do surgery.

I guess I will see him in a year when my next annual is due.

cp12- Sorry noone has responded. I have been recovering from my hysteretomy. I am wondering what insurance you have that won't pay for a follow up if there is something abnormal going on. Most do cover more frequent visits if necessary, including medicaid and medicare.

Most forms of cervical cancer are slow progressing and if caught in time never require radiation or chemo. Also if you have to have just a conization, chances are you can still have children as well. Having said that, if you wait too long, and here is something wrong, the longer you wait, the more damage you will always do to your body.

Hi Kendassa,

They will "cover" it to the extent that I have a 5k deductible I have to meet, then after I meet that they will cover me at 60%. I have always been healthy, so we never thought we needed to pay super high premiums or anything like that.

I don't qualify for either MDCD or MDCR in my state as I am a 24 yr old female, with no children and currently a full time college student.

I am still paying monthly for the colposcopy and that is a burden already. The office says they are willing to do monthly payments for the other treatments but they have to be paid off within 12 months from the procedure. I would require up to two additional paps before the end of the year. I just don't have the financial ability right now. And with my parents supporting me (I live with them), my sister and her two kids (in a house my parents bought and they pay mtg, light, water, utilities) plus they have extended themselves because they had to rent their other house. Basically, my mom's disability check is having to support them, plus two daughters and two granddaughters. We have to bounce payments for gas and groceries between credit cards until my financial aid comes in for school.

I guess I am just waiting to see what happens when I graduate. If I can get insurance that would be great, just hoping this isn't a "preexisting condition".

I am eligible for one annual exam a year, so next year I will do an additional pap before I am off my insurance with my parents.

That's life I guess. It's awful I even know who gave me HPV and there's a chance I could end up with cancer, and he gets to live his life completely care free. Just doesn't seem fair to me.

Anyone know how having an abnormal pap will effect future fertility?

Hi cp12 i just seen your post, and i know I'm super late! But i really hope your doing a lot better!! I was diagnose with hpv high risk 2years ago