couponbarbie's Cancer Blog
April 7, 2010
I had an interesting conversation with the wonderful women at my local Planned Parenthood. As some of you may know, Planned Parenthood was the first to spot my irregular PAP results. I had my colposcopy there and the doctor who performed it had the terrible job of calling me and telling me I had cervical cancer last year.
Needless to say my situation had a big impact on them, it was the first time they had this happen to someone so young.
Everyone at that clinic is very friendly and always kind to me. The nurse or office manager would call me periodically to check in (after I started to see an oncologist exclusively)to see how I was doing, if there was any change, and to see if I needed anything. I was touched and have reccommended their clinic to everyone who will listen.
A few days ago the office manager contacted me and asked for an update. I was happy to tell her that my 6 month check up had been an all clear and I was fine, just going to be watched by the oncologist for a while. She was happy and relieved I think. She then asked me if I would be interested in sharing my story. I immediately agreed and asked her what I could do. I have always used Planned Parenthood clinics as my primary gyno just because it was easy, affordable, and does good things for the community.
Anyway, it looks like my story will be used to help secure potential donations for their clinic. I didn’t know but Planned Parenthood will pay for some/most of the costs of procedures related to cervical cancer treatment. I was lucky to have a pretty good health insurance plan. I’m still paying my hospital bill but I am glad I didn’t have to think about if I could or could’t afford to get treated. I can not imagine being in that postion.
Finally I realize why I was given this challenge in life. I had to survive in order to help others. If that means speaking to groups or sending my picture and story to others inorder for them to see the benefits and good works the local clinic does then so be it!
I’m sure you’ll inspire many people with your story and I’m happy you’ve accepted the invitation to speak.
Posted on That’s awesome that you have this opportunity! Thank you for accepting it and speaking about CC! I’m glad things are going well for you.
XOXOLisa
Posted on It was great that you had so much support of the professionals. Sometimes I think they see too many people and they just don’t have to time to be as compassionate and they may want to be. My first colpo was horrible, I basically had a panic attack while laying there.. the second one I had was done by the doctor who did my surgery.. that was so much better, and let me tell you, she was more understanding than the male Major who did mine at Fort Bragg.
I’m happy for you that you can look at it the way you have. Maybe you are right. Always stay optimistic Barbie.. always.
Posted on That is so awesome! I am so glad someone wants to hear your story and it will help make a difference! You go girl!
hugs,
amy
Posted on Planned Parenthood found my cervical cancer too – and they have also followed up in the most friendly manner possible. I started going to PP when a young adult (accessibility to birth control), but have continued going throughout the years, because I wanted to support an organization that provides such a valuable service to our communities.
Posted on Good for you, Barbie. I’m glad they encouraged you to get involved and you will do a wonderful job. I think many of us are looking for a way to “give back” after our cancer experiences and you’ve found yours.
Enjoy!
Posted on My future daughter-in-law, 34, was just diagnosed with adenocarcinoma in situ. Has not seen an oncologist for the cone biopsy yet. We are all beside ourselves with fear over this. Please,can you give me an update on your situation.It seems you had a similar diagnosis. Did you have surgery? Can you still have children? Have you had any more problems? My heart is breaking and I have spent6 days night and day on the computer researching this. Any info. you can share is so appreciated.Bless you. Thanks.
To Anonymous
Computer research is where I started, it can be frightening but I feel it is good to know all the options and possible outcomes. But remember, everyone has a different path through this. First off, if you want to chat privately please email me at couponbarbie@live.com and put “in situ” in the heading so I know it is from a Blog For The Cure friend.
I did have a LEEP and then a Cone Biopsy and was lucky enough that was all I needed. I have been cancer free for over a year now and just go to the oncologist every 6 months for a PAP checkup. I can still have children although there is a greater chance for miscarriage (if I remeber its not that much bigger, depends of how much cervix is removed). Please email me with anything, I am happy to talk to you and answer any questions!
Take Care
Barb
Posted on March 17, 2010
I just found a lump in my vulva. Its between the outer lip and inner lip, not in a place that I shave. It feels like a bruise and its slightly squishy, about the size of a snow pea pod and completely under the skin.
I’m trying not to freak out and just waiting to see if its maybe an allergic reaction. The worst part is I just got the results of my 6 month PAP and I am clear of any cervical cancer cells. Anyone else experience a strange lump in this area?
I think the best thing you can do for your self is to call your Dr and get it checked. I will be keeping my fingers crossed that it is nothing and you be fine. Keep us informed on what is going on. Prayers and Hugs to you.
Pat
Yep, get it checked out. Hopefully it’s nothing, but too often I hear people say, “If only I’d gone to the doctor sooner”.
Hi Barbie,
I had a sebaceous cyst in that same area, it would grow then burst. Before it burst I felt like I had come down with the flu. Do you know if yours does this?
I wound up getting it surgically removed which has been a life saver – no more monthly flu like symptons :) yippee!
Anyways, when in doubt get it checked out. I put my health concerns aside for 1/2 a year because I was caring for my (like) mother at a nursing home. I didn’t think anything could be wrong with me.
Anyways – I like the pic of you and your boyfriend in front of the capital. I live in Northern Virginia and the only time I get downtown is when I take our son to Childrens National Hospital. (He had a brain tumor in 2004).
When i see pictures of DC - it reminds me how lucky we are to be so close to so much.
Perhaps if I am up to it…I will take the kids to see the cherry blossoms.
Take care!
Michelle
Posted on Barbie – I’m dense. Sorry I’ve been reading everyone’s post and got you confused with another blogger – sorry :) LOL
Good News! It was nothing! Doc said it would go away and it did. Just a blocked pore type thing. Although scary it just reminds me to do my checks monthly and not leave anything to chance. Thanks for all the kind words and opinions.
08.16.10 
Thanks for your support - 
