April 10, 2006

Next: It Doesn’t Get Better Than This

It’s Pretty Bad When…

… you come back to a place that used to be such an important part of your life, and everything has changed. I’m talking about Open Diary, of course! Wow, it looks different here. I just want to apologize to everyone for the unexpected hiatus. Over the last couple of months, life has been unusually hectic. I’ve been travelling for work, and the single life has once again consumed me. I even considered letting go of my diary for good. I think I had lost sight of why I started my OD in the first place. It got the point where I was more concerned about my notes than the actual prospect of venting, letting out emotions. Well, it’s taken another crisis to bring me back down to earth.

Over the weekend, I received a letter in the mail. It was a letter informing me that my pap smear results from three weeks ago came back abnormal. Like so many other women that I’ve talked to on both Open Diary and MySpace, I have cervical dysplasia as a result of HPV. I don’t know if I’d normally feel comfortable about writing this entry, but thanks to entries from so many other women, I feel this is important. According to the CDC page on HPV, by the age of 50, 80% of all women will have had it at some point in their lives. Most won’t even realize it because there are no symptoms and it often disappears on its own. The typical span of infection is 18 months. This virus is extremely common, and more women need to be aware of it. It can be contracted through unprotected and protected sex as this virus is contracted through skin on skin contact. There is no way to test men for the virus, and there are no adverse health affects for men as they are just carriers. The high risk strain of HPV leads to cervical dysplasia which can, in turn, lead to cervical cancer.

Currently, there is no "cure" for HPV. As I mentioned before, the virus often just goes away on its own. Once you’ve had the virus, it is very unlikely that you can contract it a second time. In fact, there will soon be a vaccine available to protect against HPV. My doctor informed me that in the last year, scientists discovered that they may potentially be able to create a cure for the virus from the vaccine itself.

Fortunately, I am in a pre-cancer state. I’m having a colposcopy and a biopsy on May 9th. Cross your fingers for me that all is well. Women, learn what you can about HPV and cervical cancer. There is little you can do to protect yourselves from this disease.

Felina

Yeah, I’ve missed keeping up with your diary – albeit through several incarnations of my own. The new sucks, but I’m glad you caught it earlier than you might have. Best of luck with it all, and everything else too! 🙂 ~Stay Shiny and Keep Flying~

wow, i didn’t know all that. I am sorry you have to go though all this and the medical testing. *HUGS* I’ve gotten canker sores in my mouth since i was little. So much that I’ve gotten up to 5 at once. I get them about every few months and my husband thinks it’s a form of herpes but could be wrong.

I understand this. Right before I got pregnant, I had a biopsy done and everything came back normal. It usually does. But, I will keep positive thoughts for u nonetheless. (((HUGS)))

Bravo to you for going public with this, Rach. That takes a lot of guts. I’m crossing my fingers for you, babe. Be well.

.BrittanyJade.

April 11, 2006

i missed ya! I’m sorry about the results but i hope everything goes well. HPV seems so common, i hope 4 people who have it! Good luck with everything 🙂 *hugs*

Mermaid Jan

I have had biopsies twice, once while pregnant with my son. You will be ok. I feel that knowing about your condition is half the battle. I have paps every 6 months. Just know that so many women have HPV and don’t know. This puts them at a much higher risk.

PieceOfWorkPunky

I know a lot about female issues, for I have sooo many, and I used to work for a GYN…it is so, so, so, so, so, SO common!! Not that I am saying this should make you feel any better, it is a scary thing. But did you know HOW MANY factors can make your pap come back abnormal? So many!! The range of factors goes on and on… Not any less scary though, I know! My fingers are crossed for ya! Hugs

Just Kristen

It’s scary that it’s so common, yet so many people no nothing about it. I hope your biopsy and colonoscopy both go well. You’re in my thoughts. *hugs*

jxxlxxs

i had the same thing, ended up having to have sirgery to remove all the “bad” cells…that was fun…NOT haha but dont worry, its not so bad, just a little embarassing 🙂

wow, good luck, I had to go through that same stuff. It is scary. Lots of love!

fuff

wow- you are in my thoughts and prayers.. *hugs

Rainier

I too have missed you. I will keep you in my thoughts. R

HersheyKiss

crossing fingers. man, women have it so damn rough sometimes.

dude, james dude

glad you dropped back by, and i’m really sending good vibes and thoughts. hope that it all works out good for you. love those red streaks in your hair!

Mr. Mofo

I have top goto work right now so I will read this tomarrow. Good to see you back. P.S. I could really use those pics of me in a pink chiffon dress back…please.

I missed ya!*crosses fingers for you* I’ve heard about that virus before..it’s scary that so many women can have it and not know about it. I’m they caught it relatively early for you.

RYN: You’re welcome. And if you need anything, you know how to find me.

I will keep you in my thoughts. I hope everything turns out okay.

..Ella..

Wow. I just don’t know what to say… I will pray for you.

suchatool

April 12, 2006

well… we missed you.. and hope u feel better

Hobbletta

Thank you for posting this entry. More women need to be informed about the risks of HPV.

SOC

I’ve wondered where you’ve been. You’re in my prayers.

Starr418

April 13, 2006

got the fingers crossed!!!

BlueEyedDevil

You know, I had HPV and it cleared up on it’s own, now I’m completely free of it. So I wouldn’t worry too much. Hope the colposcopy goes well though.

RainbowsRock79

April 14, 2006

Ya it is hard. MY girlfriend got that before i meet her and she got cerivcal cancer from it and had that same test. You will do fine. She hasnt had the cancer come back for two and half years now. Goodluck with everything. You are in my prayers..Hugs

Blue....

April 17, 2006

OMG how scary….My fingers are crossed for you sweetie!

spacemaid

April 18, 2006

Thinking of you sam

hey babe. i am so sorry to hear that. i have been hearing a lot of commercials concerning it lately. everything will go fine on may 9th so no worries. love you!

Kristin

May 16, 2006

You are sooo strong and beautiful.

Winterwatergirl

June 13, 2006

thanx for sharing. I also was diagnosed with HPV in my 20’s. The biopsy was all it took to make it go away. I’m still nervous about it and always let my partner know about my past. Luckily I haven’t had to do that in a while. And luckily it’s never resurfaced.