So I went to the doctor yesterday and today. I got some good news, some pretty good news, and some not so good news.
First, if you haven’t been following my medical drama, you can catch up here and here.
Yesterday I had to go back to my primary doctor to find out the results of my blood work and to see if changing my diet and losing weight helped bring my blood pressure down.
The last time I was at the doctor she gave me a complete physical which included a Pap Smear Test that I had completely forgotten about.
She started by telling me I had done a good job losing weight, and my blood pressure seemed really good. She also told me everything looked great with my blood work.
We are still waiting on the Factor V Leiden test results to come back, but that one is really just for my own information now that everything else looks good.
Then she changed her tune and said there was something she needed to tell me about the Pap Smear.
Apparently it came back with a highly abnormal result.
She then proceeded to tell me that the tests measure on a scale and I was on the furthest end of abnormal.
I needed to see the specialist right away.
In fact, she would not let me leave the office until they made the appointment for me.
This took me completely by surprise.
But I guess this is what happens when you go for years ignoring your own health while taking care of everyone else in your family.
I would be lying if I said I wasn’t a little scared.
The fear comes from knowing that early detection is the most important factor.
Unfortunately, I can’t be sure if this is early detection since I haven’t had one of these tests done since my son was a baby . He is 15 years old now, which is just about how long it has been.
Of course, I came home and looked up what she was saying online and the worst case is pretty bad.
I played with those scenarios for a while yesterday to the point that all I wanted to do was crawl into bed and hide from the world.
But then I knew that was Distorted Thinking.
So I tried to focus on the best case scenario, which is that we have caught something before it can do any real damage to me. I have my appointment with the specialist on October 31st, until then I am doing my best not to allow fear to cloud my mind.
Now for some GOOD news! Because after yesterday, I really needed to hear some good news.
I went to the skin specialist today.
He confirmed that the lesion on my face is indeed precancerous, called Actinic Keratosis.
It is something they usually don’t see in patients under 50 years old, but I’ve learned that I am not like an average patient lol.
Left alone, it will turn into skin cancer – Squamous Cell Carcinoma.
You are probably thinking I am crazy to call this good news lol. But it is.
This kind of skin cancer is not life-threatening if treated early. It usually doesn’t get into your body like more serious forms of skin cancer. If I leave it alone, they will have to cut it out. That’s it.
But I am not leaving it alone.
I was prescribed a chemotherapy lotion to apply to the area. It will pull all the bad cells out to the surface until they are all out and fall off. It will probably look pretty ugly for a while, but I can deal with that.
The doctor said it is something that will require continued monitoring for the rest of my life. He pointed out that there are two other spots on my face that I need to keep an eye on.
This is what I get for all those summer days I spent slathered in baby oil trying to get as dark as I could.
After yesterday’s shocking news, I am on top of the world with this news!
Anna says
So glad that its something they can treat!!! Skin cancer isn’t great news but it sounds like you caught it in time. Sending prayers your way.
connie voodre says
will keep you in my prayers. I had several pap smears that were abnormal, got treated with laser treatments hurt like hell but my pap smears are normal now also had the uterus removed.
Lisa Thompson says
Praying for you my friend! I’m all too familiar with health issues and how unpredictable things can be, but glad you got some good news too! I’ll be praying for your October 31st appointment!
Lisa from Life with Lisa says
Keep a positive attitude. I know exactly where you are coming from…I’ve been in more doctors offices these past two days then I care to say….
Stay well. Prayers for your upcoming appt.
Lisa
Linda says
Kristie ~ Just wanted you to know you will be in my prayers. I have been through cancer myself, and I understand how difficult the waiting is and how easy it is to be gripped by fear and the “what ifs”. Praying that the peace and love of God will overshadow any fear you have…….
Cindy C. says
Praying for you, Kristie! Glad you caught the skin stuff early. Praying for good results with the other!!!
Theresa Schuessler says
Kristie so glad you shared your story I will for sure put you on my prayer list. I just went though a scare of my own got my test results yesterday all was good. One thing I learned this year with all my health problems was to hold on to my faith.
Robin Ortiz says
((((((kristie)))))))) i have you in my prayers. i was dx with stage 3 breast cancer when i was 31 and went thru a bilateral mastectomy, 5 months of chemo,5 weeks of rads. i am 37 adn find now praise God!!! i know your stituation isnt exactly like mine but if you need to talk or whatnot just zip me an email.
Peggy Jackson says
So thankful for the good news, but so sad for the frightening news. I had similar frightening news given to me about 17yrs ago. Mine was diagnosed as Uterine Cancer. Thankfully, my ob/gyn was a good, wise doctor. She told me straight up that that was beyond her expertise and she shipped me to U of M to an oncologist there. They reviewed my labs and said that the local lab misdiagnosed me and that I did not have cancer, but that I had hyperplasia which was only about one transitional step from it. They were able to treat me with hormonal therapy and after three months when they checked again there was nothing. I have never had a recurrence. I tell you this story to encourage you to be your own best advocate. If, at any time, you are uncertain about what a doctor says or wants to for treatment, DO NOT feel bad requesting a second opinion. Better yet, ask to be sent to U of M if you haven’t been already. I have wonderful doctors, but when it came down to some very specific scares with cancer (the second was a Thyroid cancer scare) I learned to ask a lot of question, seek the referral to a specialist and/or get a second opinion. Saying prayers for your healing.
Kathy says
I’ve been following your visits and I am sorry you are going through all this. I am 33 years old and had a radical hysterectomy for cervical cancer back in April, so I completely understand why you are fearful. I will pray that it is just something small and easy to fix. I know it’s easier said than done but try not to worry till you get some more answers.
Tabitha says
What a roller coaster! Keeping you in my prayers. Thankfully Factor 5 isn’t too awful. You just have to be careful. I was diagnosed with it last year when I had 4 blood clots in my lungs when I was 9 weeks pregnant! Yikes!
Mari says
Kristie, I’m sorry about the health issues you’re experiencing. He, the Lord Jesus, is the Healer!
You will be blown away to read about a completely natural product that is being such a blessing and answer to people like you! Blessings, mari
vickie says
Kristie, it must be hard facing this news- I put you in my prayers. Fear is a big burden that’s for sure- I believe I would be fearful under these circumstances also! Have you ever read The Burden Bearer. I heard it before but this book helped me this week through some things -maybe it will you too.