Abnormal Pap - any help appreciated!!! - Cancer: Breast Message Board

darlenetotten · 10-02-2003, 05:34 PM

Hello,

I've just received some disturbing news and am turning to this board for any assistance. I had a pap test done May 2002 (it is now October 2003). I heard nothing from my doctor so I assumed everything was okay. I went to a different health clinic last week to have another test done to renew my birth control pills. However, I received a phone call today from the original doctor's office I went to in May 2002. The receptionist wouldn't give me any information other than to say that the Health Department wanted another test because they were watching this one and it been done back in May, 2002. I have no idea what this means as I could not speak to the doctor. I'm really concerned and don't know what to do. I'm even more concerned that I had this test done in May 2002. If there had been a problem with it, I would have thought I would have heard about it by now. I guess the only thing I can do is wait and see what the results are from the test I had a week ago. This test is all I can think about now. Any advice is appreciated. (P.S. I'd like to go back to my own doctor - I'd only gone to the other clinic because they are giving me discounted pills as I'm a student - however, I live in Canada and OHIP only pays for one PAP a year. My doctor may be upset I went to someone other than him.)

Lindarella · 10-03-2003, 01:21 PM

I just wanted to give you some comfort.

I know it's very easy to worry yourself sick when you don't know what is happening. Try not to worry. Since you posted this on the cancer forum, I'm assuming you think you may have cancer. It is very remote that at your age you'd have cancer.

There are so many things that it could be and nearly all are treatable or not life threatening. It could even be a faulty pap smear.

Just hang in there until you get the results. You may want to call the old doctor and explain your fears. A reasonable doctor should talk to you over the phone in a situation like this. Try not to let the (sometimes) uppity reception ladies get to you.

Don't worry about the old doctor getting mad. Explain that you are a student and you needed a discount. There is no shame in that. Your doctor is likely still paying of his/her student loans.

Good luck to you. Again, hang in there.

darlenetotten · 10-03-2003, 03:53 PM

Hello,

I just wanted to thank your for your reply. I've made an appointment with my old doctor for October 16 (the earliest I could get in). By then, I should have the results back for the recent pap test I've had. I'll keep you updated. Again, thanks for your reply.