Shshi

Hi,

As you know, frequent Paps are necessary to monitor any possible changes in the cervical cells from HPV. I know how scary it is, but believe me, the alternative is even scarier. You just have to get through it one Pap at a time.

It's funny, but as I read your post, I remembered an an article I just read today about how everything is relative, which brought up some interesting points.

For example, for you, having another Pap six months after having one abnormal Pap which only showed chronic cervicitis is worrisome and scary.

For me, I'd be happy to have Paps just every six months. I've been having Paps every three months for the past two years and am on an every three month schedule for the next two years because of numerous abnormal Paps and colposcopies which showed moderate/severe dysplasia and finally carcinoma in situ (Stage 0 cervical cancer.) I would gladly switch places with you.

On the other hand, one of the other ladies here who just recently posted would almost certainly rather be in both our shoes, as she's been battling Stage 3 cervical cancer which recurred and caused her to need a 9-hour surgery to remove everything (radical vulvectomy). She now has to have 8 weeks of radiation therapy which causes her such extreme pain that she can barely walk. (But she has a great attitude about it. You should check out her post.)

Then there is a dear lady named Ellen on another board who is in hospice care dying of the ovarian cancer she's battled for the past 5+ years. I'm sure she'd gladly switch places with all of us.

So, as bad as our problems are, remember, there's always someone dealing with something much worse. It's all relative.

Good luck with your follow-up Pap. Let us know how everything turns out.

Big hugs,

Lisa