5. Abnormal Cells

This was the first time I’d received a letter with the word Cancer in it, but it wouldn’t be the last.

“Thank you for coming for cervical screening…..We have found abnormal cells called High Grade Dyskaryosis…..In almost all cases these cell changes are NOT found to be cancer…..but if left untreated could turn cancerous….We would like you to come in for a Colposcopy”

Oh Joy, this sounds fun. I read through all the information and during a colposcopy they may remove any bad cells using a Loop Incision (LLETZ). Sounds fancy. But they literally use a hot wire and burn the cells away while cauterising it.

I go to the hospital and I have 3 nurses in the room, one performing the exam, the helper and someone training/observing. Fine with me, I’m not shy.

The Nurse talked me through the procedure, step by step and was very supportive and comforting. I jumped up on this fancy chair, legs akimbo and she started the exam. Of course, it was all on video so I was having a nosy at the screen to see what’s what!

She confirmed the cells would need to be removed, so I would need a local anesthetic in my cervix and then she will cut away the cells. The cells are then sent off and tested.

It was very uncomfortable having and injection in my cervix, not as uncomfortable as when my coil was put in mind you, but still uncomfortable! Once I was numb, she removed my coil (didn’t feel a thing!) and started removing what she needed to. The anesthetic contains adrenaline which had made its way into my blood stream…I felt stoned!

The nurses were chatting away to me to take my mind off what was happening, but I was probably talking rubbish as I was away with the fairies!

A week later I got my results….all clear, no cancer. See you again in 6 months’ time for a check-up.

Sorted. Or was it….