My HPV/Cervical Cancer Journey

In 2009, my annual Pap smear (yuck… hate that word) came back abnormal. I was informed by my OB/GYN that I had HPV…. um what?! I was so confused. I didn’t understand how this could happen. I was responsible and healthy, but now I have a virus? Who did I get it from? When? What do I do now? Is there a cure? What does it all mean? moreThe answers to (some of) my questions were eventually answered:

What is HPV?

“HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI).” There are more than 100 different types of HPV. Source

Wait - It’s an STI!? But I always use protection! What gives?

“HPV is spread through skin-to-skin contact, not through an exchange of bodily fluid.” Source

Who did I get it from and when?

There is no way of knowing. “HPV can be contracted from one partner, remain dormant, and then later be unknowingly transmitted to another sexual partner, including a spouse.” Source

Can anyone get HPV?

Yep. “Anyone who is sexually active can get HPV, even if you have had sex with only one person.” Source

I didn’t have any symptoms. What’s that about?

“In most cases, the virus is harmless and most people have no symptoms. The body clears most HPV infections naturally.” Source

Is there a cure/treatment?

“There is no treatment for the virus itself. However, there are treatments for the health problems that HPV can cause:

• Cervical precancer can be treated. Women who get routine Pap tests and follow up as needed can identify problems before cancer develops. Prevention is always better than treatment.

• Other HPV-related cancers are also more treatable when diagnosed and treated early.”

Source

It can cause cancer?! Seriously?!

“HPV is linked to abnormal cell changes on the cervix (detected through Pap tests) that can lead to cervical cancer. However, this cancer can almost always be prevented through regular screening and, if needed, treatment of abnormal cell changes.” Source

How common is HPV?

Very! “Approximately 14 million new cases of sexually transmitted HPV occur in the U.S. each year, with at least 79 million people estimated to be currently infected. Most people with HPV, though, do not know that they are infected. It is estimated that 70% of women and men will come into contact with it during their life. Fortunately 80 to 90% of cases of the human papillomavirus will be naturally eliminated.” Source

What do I do now?

Go to the doctor A LOT! “Though usually harmless, some high-risk types cause cervical cell changes that, if not detected in time, can turn into cancer. The majority of women with an HPV infection will not develop cervical cancer, but regular Pap and HPV tests are important.” Source

Over the next three years, I went to the OB/GYN frequently to keep an eye on the virus and to make sure it didn’t become worse. My doctor was confident though that the virus would clear on it’s own - I was young and healthy afterall.

In 2010, I had my first LEEP (Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure). The procedure is no walk in the park, but it had to be done to manage the virus and make sure it didn’t turn into cancer. The results from the LEEP revealed that the virus had not progressed, and I went on my merry way.

BUT in December 2011, after one of my countless Pap smears (there’s that awful word again), I was informed that the virus had become high-risk (CIN III) and I had to schedule a second LEEP. This time, there was nothing “merry” about the results. On April 23, 2012, my doctor informed me that the HPV had become an early stage of cervical cancer. I was in total shock! I was a healthy 26 year old. This virus was supposed to clear on its own - NOT TURN INTO CANCER! Son of a FUCKING bitch!

I was devastated. I mean what the hell, man?! Cancer? Really...? You gotta be fucking kidding me! My doctor told me to immediately schedule a consultation with an oncologist, and she referred me to one she had worked with before. In addition to the shock of being diagnosed with cancer, I didn’t have health insurance! I started a new job a few months earlier, and wasn’t eligible for coverage yet. My mom immediately flew in from Atlanta to help me sort it all out.

Fun side note: At this point in time, I had just begun dating a very nice boy named Mike. It was so weird/hard/awkward telling him about my diagnosis. He was (is) amazing though, and remained by my side every step of the way. That nice boy is now my husband! :)

Everything worked out in the end. The HR person at my work went to bat for me, and I was able to get health insurance early (thank GOD!). I had a cold knife cone procedure on June 13, 2012 that removed the cancerous cells from my cervix.

After my surgery, I visited the oncologist every 3-6 months for 2 years to make sure the HPV didn’t rear it’s ugly head again; I’m happy to report that I’m still clear to this day. However, my oncologist gave me a 5-6 year window to have children because I have an aggressive strain of HPV that will likely “re-emerge” at some point. If/when that happens, he’s recommending a full hysterectomy. Que the continuous countdown in my head… tick, tock, tick fucking tock! (If you’re following along, I’m now on year #4 - yikes!). I’m hoping the virus remains dormant FOREVER… (trying to stay positive here), but I’m a realistic person; I know time is not on my side.

I’m now happily married to the man of my dreams, and we’re trying to start a family. There have been some complications, but we have a plan and we’re hopeful (more on that later).

Through this experience, I’ve learned the importance of early detection. HPV and cervical cancer can be treated and managed if you stay on top of it and make your health a priority! Ladies: you MUST go to your lady doc at least once a year and demand a pap smear/HPV test. The American Cancer Society recommends every 3 years for women under 30 (which I 100% disagree with); just read my story and you’ll realize that would not have worked out so well. I went from HPV to cervical cancer within 3 years!

Have you had your annual lady doc appointment? No? Well get on it you silly bitch! Seriously… get off this blog and make your appointment now! It could save your life.

If you’re dealing with any of this, please know that you’re not alone. I’m happy to answer any questions you may have - nothing is off limits! If you’d like to learn more about HPV and cervical cancer, please ask me or visit www.nccc-online.org. Love ya, mean it!

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Quoted: “In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: it goes on.” - Robert Frost

Listen In: “Sodom, South Georgia” by Iron & Wine