Dreading my dyskaryosis treatment...

by - Monday, June 11, 2007

After a smear test recently, I discovered that I have severe dyskaryosis of trhe cervix. I have to admit that I cried when I first read the letter from the hospital. I'd expected my smear test results to come back all clear, believing I was too young to have cancer or anything like that. And being rather uneducated in the field of "women troubles", I feared the worst.

Thankfully, my GP, the staff at the hospital, my father and the internet all managed to convince me that it isn't cancer: it's actually an abnormality of my cervix which could one day become cancer if not treated. Meaning ten to fifteen years from now. Thank God!

Yet I am still anxious. I need to go for treatment, which involved having the abnormal cells scraped off using a process called diathermy. I know it's nothing particularly serious: I'll be in and out of the out-patients' department in less than an hour; after effects will include only period pains and bleeding for a couple of weeks. However, I hate the thoughts of having to spread my legs again in front of a room of strangers (as I did during my colposcopy a couple of weeks back); I'm worried that the poroblem may not go away; I'm worried about being ill when the kids need me to be super mommy.

But at the end of the day, I'm so happy that the problem isn't cancer or any other serious abnormality. My problem can be treated quickly and easily; I shouldn't worry about it, I'll be fine. I know I will, deep down.

I just wish this anxiety would go away...

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2 comments

  1. Hi Amanda,

    Reading your post reminded me of when I went through this same thing nearly 8 years ago. I also cried and thought I had cancer until it was explained to be properly, and I've had to have more smear tests that usual since to make sure it doesn't come back. While it's very unpleasant, it's so worthwhile. I'm so grateful for the chance to have had this procedure. Think of the women in 3rd world countries who don't have this screening and may end up dying of cervical cancer in 10 to 15 years time.

    I wish you strength. These things are easier when approached with an attitude of gratitude. I hope that this doesn't sound preachy, it's not meant to, just some moral support.

    Tracy

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  2. Thanks so much for your moral support Tracy! I am really grateful to know that dyskaryosis can be found and treated before it becomes cancerous, and so thankful that I don't have a more serious problem. In fact, after talking to my sisters in law (who both live in Tunisia) I came to realise how lucky we are to have the NHS and free regular screenings.

    Anyone wanting to know more about dyskaryosis and cervical cancer should also check out the site www.tellher.com, which is a goldmine of useful, easy to digest information.

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