Monday, January 19, 2009

Been a While

It's been a while since I wrote anything here or anywhere for that matter. I have been swamped with the day to day grind of living. All of this will change in the next couple of days though.

I will be heading to the local hospital on Wednesday for the dreaded hysterectomy. No! not because I am having problems, but as a safety precaution.

It all started about 17 years ago when one of my yearly exams produced an abnormal pap. I just ignored it and about 5 years ago or so I got pregnant again. My new doctor did the pap and again it came back abnormal. I waited until after my daughter was born to have any further tests. I had a small biopsy taken and the doctor stated that for the following 3 years he wanted me in the office every 3 months for another pap.

Well during this time I finished school and began my career. I did not return for any of my follow up appointments. Finally 4 years later, I decided that I might need to return for a year exam. I was hoping for a normal pap this time, HA! Same as before abnormal. I returned a month later to have a small biopsy, which turned out to be inconclusive.

About 2 months later I underwent a leep procedure (cone biopsy) under general anesthesia in the hospital and the week before Christmas I was told the results. Its not really bad, I quess. I have severe displasia (or pre-cancer cells on my cervix). I doctor states that where it is and how much of the cervix is affected will be hard to track changes, so he recommended a total hysterectomy.

I told him that I would think about it and let him know soon. I worried over Christmas break and I am still worrying, but I made a decision. With my family's and co-worker's support I have decided to dive in to the world of getting older and have my first major surgery. I returned to the doctor's office last week and told him to set it up and do it quick before I change my mind. He did not hesitate, so I go in Wednesday.

I am still terrified, but at least I know that it will soon be over. I have my pre-op appointment at the hospital today. You know, sign the papers, talk to the anesthesiologist(not sure about the spelling), and do the lab work. It has been snowing for the past couple of days and we are expecting more. I hope that I will be able to get there.

Anyways my life for the next 4-6 weeks will be moving at a snails pace, so I might actually get time to write on here. It will probably be a welcome release and a boredom quieter.