TMI Thursday--on Friday!

I've eluded to my "female issues" a few times in the past two months so I figured I might as well get it all out there! Just a warning, this may be too much for some audiences :)



May 12th-Headed to the OBGYN for my annual check up



1 week later-Informed of "abnormal" results...a conversation which included words such as 2% chance of cervical cancer, various procedures I had never heard of before which did NOT sound pleasant, and the urgency of the situation. Way to not alarm a girl Doc.



30 seconds later (and continuing for 2 weeks straight)-Frantically looking up everything on the Internet about cervical cancer and convincing myself that not only did I have it, I would not be able to have my own babies.


June 3rd (my birthday)-First Dr.'s Appointment at the Cleveland Clinic. Not a great birthday. As a girl who had a fear of never having her own babies, I was stuck in an OBGYN's office where 1/2 of her patients were pregnant, A Baby's Story was playing on the TV in the waiting room, and my actual exam room had an ultrasound machine in it. Frankly, I was a mess.

After completion of the first procedure, a colposcopy, which is basically a big word for taking a look, it appeared I had very little to worry about. Doc saw a spot of abnormal cells but they were only on the surface and localized so she assured me they could be removed easily if need be. She took two biopsies of different areas, which actually didn't hurt at all (total opposite of what I had read online...thank you), and I was on my way.



June 10th-Results are in! One of the biopsies came back abnormal with the same results as my Pap. Darn. Not free and clear yet! Scheduled another appointment...



June 24th-Went in to have a LEEP performed. This time they had to numb my "area" (which DID hurt!) and proceed to remove the abnormal cells from my cervix. They used some crazy loud vacuum that removed the abnormality by BURNING off my skin. Yeah. I know. But surprisingly, no pain. Again...unlike what I had read online. My advice: do not type into Google "does a leep hurt?" It will not leave you feeling optimistic about your upcoming appointment.

So I was off, walking around with a big open wound in my cervix...not so great. But Matt accompanied me to this appointment (thank goodness) and we got ice cream afterward...so that helped :) I mean when doesn't ice cream help??



July 15th-Results are in again! This time...great news! They were able to remove the entire area of cells AND it was not cancerous! Did you hear that ladies?? I don't have cancer! And I'm all healed! Best.Day.Ever.

Except the fact that this was "take your favorite medical student to work" day. You got it. I was stuck having my final appointment with a MALE medical student, clearly young, clearly male, clearly studying my parts. Not cool Doc. At least give me a heads up?? I mean, not that I would've denied this guy the right to see my, uh, assets, but I chose a female doctor for a reason, you know??

Anywho, she also let me know that none of these procedures should negatively effect our chances of conceiving so score! I am just SO glad it is over and I don't have to go back for another year! AND, there is an 85% chance that I will never get these results again. I am SO hoping for that :)

So thanks for sticking with me during this trying time and offering up your concern and prayers. They meant so much to me and I cannot thank you enough!

HUGS!

And by the way...it's Friday!! Love it!