After the birth of my son in 1992, I had a Pap test. The results showed abnormalities so I was referred to the Colposcopy clinic at the Royal Hobart Hospital. Following the colposcopy I was told I now required a cone biopsy. Looking back I wonder why I didn’t ask more questions and why I wasn’t given more information. Anyway, the cone biopsy successfully removed the pre-cancerous cells and I went on with my life albeit with regular colposcopy check ups. After 2 years I was cleared and no longer required the clinic visits. Around 1998 I developed HPV and infected my then husband. I saw my GP who treated the warts and I continued on with my life. In 2002, I had my daughter via an emergency caesarean due to scarring on my cervix preventing it from dilating. I had regular Pap tests and all was good until November 2015. I had my regular GP perform my Pap test and not hearing anything from her I assumed all was good. She went on holidays in January 2016 so I needed to see another doctor at her practice. This doctor asked if I had the results from my test and then told me that it showed irregularities and I needed to go back to the colposcopy clinic. At first I was quite angry at my regular GP for not telling me sooner but then I realised that it didn’t matter when I was told, it didn’t change the results. Finally, I received a letter advising my appointment at the clinic was 3 weeks away. I decided I wouldn’t tell anyone until I knew what I was dealing with. At the colposcopy the specialist took a biopsy and explained that a cone biopsy would almost certainly have to take place but she would make a firm decision once she received the results…in 2 weeks. I am now waiting for the results which I should get this week. I still haven’t told anyone but I have started bleeding and getting cramps which I haven’t had since I had a mirena placed almost 3 years ago. I can’t wait to have the results so I can know what to expect….I am trying to keep positive, hoping it is an easy fix like last time, but I am also terrified that I do have cancer and that it may have spread…..I guess I’ll find out soon enough.
