22 And Scared

[hokiecowgirl]

This is supposed to be the best year of my life. I'm 22, I am a senior in college, studying abroad in Australia. I have multiple job offers in Texas when I return to the states, I'll be graduating with a degree from Virginia Tech! I've been here a little over a month, finally settling in to a new culture, making some new friends, and I get a phone call.
My mom called Monday morning, just after I returned from a weekend trip traveling southern australia, to tell me she got a call from my Dr. saying my pap came back abnormal, with pre-cancerous cells, Interepithelial squamous cell lesions. I arranged for a colposcopy with a Dr. here in town in australia for sept 11.
My mom has suffered through biopsys and treatments for uterine leisons, my aunt had both her ovaries removed due to cancer. Both of their conditions didn't appear until they were in their early thirties (my aunt) or mid 40's (my mom)
The week has sort of gone by in a blur, I've been just numb really. But tonight it's starting to sink in. I want to go home. I want my own doctors. I want my friends and family. Worse, we are leaving for a 3 week vacation this saturday. Which means Ill get the results of the colpsocopy sometime while Im gone. I dont know if I actually want to results, or wait till I get back from school.
I know catching this early is good, but I know It had been almost 2 years since my last pap, just because of school and internships and travel. Now Im kicking myself. I can't stop thinking worst case scenerio. It scares me to death I might not be able to have kids.
Is there anyone out there as young as me dealing with this? Any advice?

[rmaureen]

Hi hokiecowgirl:

I am sorry for what you are going through, it can really be scary not knowing what is going on. I am in my 40's but I know catching cancer early can make a big difference in treatment outcomes, the sooner you get the results the better. I really dont know if pre-cancerous cells from a pap automatically means you would need a hysterectomy; your doctors should advise you all possible alternative medical treatments. Also, I would go wherever you could get the fastest medical treatment--that is just my personal opinion; you might consider returning to the U.S. for treatment if it is faster. Hopefully someone can shed more light for you on this, but do know you will be in my prayers. Please let us know how it turns out.

[Queensland Girl]

Hello,

My sister had pre-cancerous cells discovered when she was 19. She needed some minor treatment (conducted at a day clinic) and she had yearly PAP smears after that. This was 13 yearsd ago. She has no problems and has had two successful full term pregnancies with two beautiful daughters.

Early detection is always a good thing, and may not mean the worst case scenario. Also Australia has exception doctors and we even discovered the vaccine for cervical cancer.

Good luck with your tests.