Hi, I'm 37 yrs old. I was diagnosed with stage 1b1 endocervical
adenocarcinoma in November following a cone biopsy and cerclage due
to me being 16 weeks pregnant.
A little background - I was not due for a pap smear until December.
I went to my OBGYN in September because I was newly pregnant. They
did a routine pregnancy pap smear. Pap smear showed abnormal
cells. My OB was not too concerned because it was not abnormal for
paps to come back "abnormal" during pregnancy due to the hormones.
She scheduled a colposcopy and to her suprise and mine it showed
carcinoma insitu. A cone biopsy was done which then confirmed that
I indeed had adenocarcinoma stage 1b1. I was devasted and still
am. My only option for treatment according to my OB and Gyn
Oncologist was to have a radical hysterectomy asap with termination
of my pregnancy. There was no time to wait until the baby was
developed enough to be born. So at 20 weeks of pregnancy I
underwent what turned out to be a modified radical hysterectomy
(ovaries were left but lymph nodes were all removed). I am 9 days
post op and was feeling ok until 2 days ago. I still have a foley
cather in and will for another 3 weeks. By the way I am home. I am
feeling crampy as if having menstrual cramps. The catheter hurts
and I have a constant urge to urinate which hurts. I finally moved
my bowels today but still feel quit uncomfortable. I am taking
dilauded for pain. My incision is hurting as the staples are
starting pull. Besides feeling physically terrible I am also
mourning the loss of my baby girl. Ironically, if it were not for
the pregnancy the cancer would have not been detected so early so I
probably would not have gone for a pap until Feb or March. My
little angel saved my life. The biopsy of my lymph nodes shows no
invasion and so I would not have to have any further treaments.
I have two children (boy 5 yrs and girl 3yrs). They were both so
excited about having a sibling, infact they were asking for one
before I knew I was pregnant.
If anyone knows anyone that has had to make a difficult decision
like I had to please let me know. I'm also looking for support to
help me through this terrible time.
Thanks,
Vicky