Is it cancer??

I know this isn't a pregnancy question but I'm comfortable with you girls.  I had an abnormal pap about a month and a half ago before I miscarried and so next week I am going in to have a biopsy of my cervix.  I just found out my 20 year old cousin has cervical cancer and is already at stage 2 and is at risk for a historectomy(sp?) So now that makes me worry about what is going on with me.  My doctor thinks it is HPV but that is what causes cervical cancer, so I'm really worried now.  My cousin sleeps around a lot and I don't think they found anything until she went into the ER for pain.  I don't pain or anything like that and I had a normal pap about 6 months ago and so I'm hoping that if it is HPV that it hasn't developed into cancer.  Does anyone know someone who has gotten cervical cancer at such a young age?  I am 17, for those of you who don't know.  Thanks!

[mekkah04]

Well I don't know if this will help. But I am 21 years old. And about 7 months ago my pap smear came back abnormal and they said it was Level 1, which was nothing to worry about and it was something to take care of. When they do find abnormal cells depending on what stage you are in, such as my self they do somethiing call cryosurgery, which they freeze the cervix to get rid of abnormal cells. I had to go back every 3 months for a check up and when I did go back I was pregnant, I got another pap smear and everything was fine, she say no abnormal cells or anything like that. I too was scared that I would develop cervical cancer, but I am relieved they found it early. There are no symptoms or signs that I know of unless it is in the late stages, but when they do a biopsy they will tell you what level you are at.

[4EVERDK]

Thanks!  I just don't want any chance of not being able to have kids.  I don't think it should be too bad I mean its only been 6 months if I got it right after my last pap.  I have had 3 partners but my pap was after the last two so since my last normal pap I have only had 1 partner and my boyfriend has had only 1 other partner besides me.  Im not too worried I just have been through a ton this last year with a lot of medical stuff and I want everything to be okay for once.

[ShamansMommy]

I dont have an answer, but I just wanted to say sorry for your loss and I hope everything turns out alright with u. Also, I am just catching that u are 17. Honey, please listen to me for a minute. I am 22 years old and have lived a lot more than most ppl my age. I have had tons of fun and learned lots of lessons. Right now I am spending my friday nights walking the halls with a screaming, teething infant while all my friends get ready to hit the clubs. I live vicariously thru their myspace pictures...lol! I love my daughter more than life but it is the hardest job I have ever had, with NO time off! EVER. It consumes every aspect of my life, it is no longer my own. When I was closer to ur age I had a miscarriage and was so bummed, but it was the best thing that coulda happened for me and my baby because I wasnt ready to be a mom. Now I am older and a lil wiser, and its very trying and taxing, but I am way more equipped to be a mom, and I think my daughter benifits from that. I dont feel like I lossed a baby, I feel like it is the same one, she just knew it wasnt her time to come. The point is, u r so very young to be a mommy. Not that u CANT do it, but you owe it to yourself to live a little first. Live for yourself. If you are even outa your parents house you couldnt have been for very long. Take some precaution while being sexually active, and live life!! There is plenty of time for you to have a baby. I hope I dont sound preachy, I am just trying to be ur friend =) Whatever u do, good luck to you!!

[AnnieBrooke]

Isn't HPV the one that there is just this year a new vaccine against?  On your list of things to take care of in prep for your better medical future, if everything is clear of HPV with your new pap, this would be a good shot to get.  

[4EVERDK]

With all that I have been through in my life, Im no longer a teenager.  I have had to grow up so much and none of that stuff matters to me, clubs, partying... who cares.  I don't need or want that kind of life.  After you almost lose your life you realize what really matters and I'd give anything to have my baby back right now.  I don't need to grow up anymore... No one gets it... and that's the sadest part!

[rubyolivia]

The gardasil vaccine for HPV isn't meant to work once you've aleady been diagnosed with HPV. (Unfortunately) I would suggest getting it though if it turns out to just be an abnormal pap and not HPV. That would prevent you from getting it and from any more scares!

I was diagnosed with HPV when they found low grade lesions around a year or so ago. I had a colposcopy done (just like a pap, only a little more painful) and it came back fine and clear of cancer. I was really worried since DH and I were ttc. But here I am...8 months pregnant! :) So just try to relax!

[ImmortalOne]

As a former teen mother (I had my first daughter at 17 yrs 5 months) I can tell you that nothing you've been through yet will prepare you for being responsible for the life of another.  So please understand this isn't to say that one day you won't be a great mom, but take a step back and try to improve your life first.  Finish school, goto college.  Please, for your sake and the sake of any children you choose to have in the future.  Lack of education will only hold you back and hurt you and your family in the long run.  I know.


As far as the HPV and Cervical Cancer, I don't have any answers for you on that.  I know they have the new "vaccine" however I don't trust that it is entirely safe or reliable just yet, because there hasn't been enough time to study it in my personal opinion.  Just make sure you follow what your doctor needs to do, and I will keep you in my prayers.