| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| suzyhomemaker |
Posted - Sep 19 2007 : 07:39:00 AM
OK, I am sure you all hear about the way testing can pick up things early and prevent serious problems. I am hear to tell you all, ladies, as I care so much about you, to PLEASE book and go for your annual Gyn exam with a PAP test included. Ask for the brrom sweep PAP as it is more acurate than the brush. You may want to ask for HPV test as well. A positive result is another sign to keep a lookout carefully for you. It does not indicate cancer, but it does indicate frequent check-ups, every 6 months versus every year.
You know how the AMA states you could go up to 3 years without an exam and be fine. Well, this is a LIE and not true. I am living proof of that. I went for 2 1/2 years before getting my exam. By then, I had full blown cervical cancer. Ladies, cancer is completely different that precancer. The treatment is different and life changing.
However, if you go EVERY YEAR for your exam, you can be assured that any small changes will be picked up and addressed. You can feel confident that your health will be great and any small problem resolved.
Get your OWN COPY of your PAP results to make sure there is nothing unusal. Somtimes a report will be a bit off, and you will need to go back anywhere from 2-6 months later. It's important to do this to make sure those changes go back to normal on their own. If not, there are simple procedures to be done to help your body back to wellness.
Ladies, please take the time out to take care of yourself. I missed my opportunity while caring for extended family who did really need me for one medical crisis after another in those years. Now I wish I had still made the time to get checked out, even if it was in a different state with a new doctor.
Country girl in NE PA |
| 17 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| ponyexpress |
Posted - Oct 11 2007 : 3:44:22 PM
I do breast self exams, but since I have "dense, fibrous tissue", I don't feel confident in my ability to tell bad from okay. So, I schedule my GYN exam (which includes a breast exam) and my mammogram six months apart. That way, I'm getting a professional opinion at least every six months.
I've learned that it takes as much time and energy to wish as it does to plan.
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| babysmama |
Posted - Oct 11 2007 : 11:13:04 AM
My next pap and breat exam will be within the next month or so with my prenatal appointment. It has been two years since my last (after I gave birth to my son) so it is time. Thanks for the reminder. My mom just had her first mammogram at age 47 (gulp - she waited a long time!) and had to go back today to get different slides of both breasts. I tell her that is normal and not to worry too much, since they don't have any previous slides to compare the first too but of course she is worried. Please keep her in your prayers.
-Elizabeth |
| Leezard |
Posted - Oct 11 2007 : 09:49:34 AM
Well the appt. went just fine. I'm no good with the pap though, pain and fun stuff. I took my ipod and actually stayed quite relaxed considering the pain but it all worked out. Now just the waiting for the results. Thanks for the good thoughts ladies :)
http://ruby--slippers.blogspot.com/
www.leezard.etsy.com |
| Alee |
Posted - Oct 11 2007 : 09:30:49 AM
I hope your appointment goes well. One of my friends helped me get through my pap smears with a smile- She said "visualize purple bunnies"
I said "What?!"
She said "Yup! Visualize purple bunnies!"
I don't know how seriously she meant it- but it always makes me smile when I have to go in!
Alee
The amazing one handed typist! One hand for typing, one hand to hold Nora!
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| Hideaway Farmgirl |
Posted - Oct 11 2007 : 08:48:20 AM
Thinking good thoughts for you, Leezard!
Jo
"Wish I had time to work with herbs all day!" |
| Leezard |
Posted - Oct 11 2007 : 06:32:26 AM
Thoughts, prayers and such...I go for my annual in about an hour :)
http://ruby--slippers.blogspot.com/
www.leezard.etsy.com |
| suzyhomemaker |
Posted - Sep 23 2007 : 10:33:38 AM
Kay (therusticcottage), if you have a family history of ovarian cancer or even if you just feel strongly about checking for it, you can request an ultrasound. This is an internal and external ultrasound, maybe a bit strange the first time, but it is well worth the peace of mind. It is the only test they have now to pick up anything early. It is effective when used and it is fairly non-invasive.
For any ladies that use a clinic with a sliding scale fee, PLEASE get a copy of your results to check yourself and share with your regular doctor. My quilting buddy used the free clinic and she had unusual results. Another checkup three months later revealed the same, but they did nothing. I told her to take her results to her family doctor who promptly got her in with a gyn doctor (another sliding scale thing). A more detailed scope checking revealed precancer. She had a conal and is now fine.
This is why you must check your results. Anything other than a plain old NORMAL needs follow-up.
Country girl in NE PA |
| willowtreecreek |
Posted - Sep 21 2007 : 7:20:36 PM
My appointment comes up at the end of October. I have gone every year since I was 14. They thought I had appendicitis but it turned out to be a non cancerous ovarian cyst. I go for a yearly checkup and get an ultrsound to check on the ovaries.
Felt and Fabric Crafts
www.willowartist.etsy.com
www.willowtreecreek.com
BLOG
www.willowtreecreek.wordpress.com |
| therusticcottage |
Posted - Sep 21 2007 : 6:54:56 PM
Had mine and it came back normal - thank God! I have HPV so have had several paps that came back pre-cancer. But the last two have been normal.
Also asked my doctor if there is any kind of pre-screening for ovarian cancer. She said not at this time. That just blows me away -- that as many things that the medical field can do they can't come up with a way to screen for ovarian cancer.
http://therusticcottage.wordpress.com
Visit my Etsy Shop! http://therusticcottage.etsy.com |
| Leezard |
Posted - Sep 21 2007 : 5:41:50 PM
Mine's October 11th along with a regular physical. Here's my second embarassing admission of the day, it's been more than enough years since I've had a pap or a regular physical. I've really let those things slide and I'm hoping for good results.
http://ruby--slippers.blogspot.com/
www.leezard.etsy.com |
| kitchensqueen |
Posted - Sep 20 2007 : 8:27:56 PM
A reminder to ladies who may not have health insurance, or who can't afford to go-- Planned Parenthood and other clinics provide these services on a sliding fee scale. So that's no excuse!
http://apartmentfarm.wordpress.com
http://shadetreestudios.etsy.com
New Rt 66 blog: http://historyinthemaking.wordpress.com |
| sewgirlie |
Posted - Sep 20 2007 : 6:58:01 PM
I do go every year without fail since I am on the pill and cannot get it without the checkup and pap smear. It is so important!! |
| doglady |
Posted - Sep 20 2007 : 1:06:14 PM
Already went this week and it's so important ladies. Please don't put it off.
Tina
You can tell your dog all of your secrets and they'll never say a word!
www.kennelcreations.com |
| DaisyFarm |
Posted - Sep 20 2007 : 08:29:11 AM
I did it...app't. on Oct. 16th.
Now who else has made an appointment??
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| Carol Sue |
Posted - Sep 20 2007 : 12:36:21 AM
Clare and Farmgirls,
I so agree with Clare and I do my physicals pap and breast exam yearly. I have for many years, it was a promise to my mom who was diagnosed with breast cancer in her first part of her 60's. I have done my paps since I was 18, had a scare last year and because of the record I had it was detected and came out clean after all.
Make a party of it, no laughing, dd and I have a date the first part of January every year for our annual check ups. We have worn pj bottoms and slippers once, then just our pjs another time and crazy socks. Do what you must but bring your girlfriends along and care for them as well.
Carol Sue
Enjoying life. |
| Alee |
Posted - Sep 19 2007 : 08:42:08 AM
Clare-
That is wise and wonderful advice. I am so sorry you had to find this out the hard way.
I have a friend in Wyoming who hated getting the exams so much that she went 8 years without a check up. When she finally did get a check up she had to have fully hysterectomy because she too had cancer and it was the only way to keep it from spreading.
*hugs*
Alee
The amazing one handed typist! One hand for typing, one hand to hold Nora!
http://home.test-afl.tulix.com/aleeandnora/ |
| willowtreecreek |
Posted - Sep 19 2007 : 08:11:48 AM
Thank you clare. Keeping you in my prayers.
Felt and Fabric Crafts
www.willowartist.etsy.com
www.willowtreecreek.com
BLOG
www.willowtreecreek.wordpress.com |
