Next step..tell me about your cone biopsy UPDATE- the results are in..

[kimblebee]

So, if you're here you probably read my thread about HPV. If not, welcome, all are welcome.

I had my pre-op today and now I'm getting nervous. I am having a cone biopsy (which, by the way, sounds SO painful). They are also doing other biopsies because there a few areas of concern. I asked if I could just have a hysterectomy (which I've been begging for for 10+ years) and they said not at this time, these things have to be done in steps.

So, in three weeks I have the cone biopsy (which takes two weeks to recover from..I wasn't expecting that) and then we wait for the results. If the cancer has spread, radiation comes into it (I can't even process that yet) and if it hasn't then I'll get a hysterectomy.

If everything is ok, I can put that off to get my infusions that I put off, then have the next surgery. If further treatment is needed, of course that gets priority.

I am so overwhelmed and just want everything to be normal for a while. Just so I can focus on one thing without having to consider another major thing as well.

So good, bad, ugly, painful, I'd appreciate your stories.

As always, thank you. And, sorry for the pity party.

 

[Meriweather]

No experience with it, but wishing you the best of luck.

 

[Kitty 34]

I can't help you either with knowledge of the test but sending you many hugs and positive thoughts.

 

[Turn the Page]

I hope everything goes as well as possible.

I never understood why doctors are so hesitant to do hysterectomies. I knew a woman who had to have a partial hysterectomy. I don't remember why but she said they ended up taking about half of her uterus and one ovary I think. I asked at that point why they didn't just take the whole thing. I mean really, they said she couldn't have had any more children with the amount of uterus she had left so why not just take the whole dang thing, go through menopause, and be done. She said she begged them to but they just wouldn't do it.

 

[ronandannette]

So, if you're here you probably read my thread about HPV. If not, welcome, all are welcome.

I had my pre-op today and now I'm getting nervous. I am having a cone biopsy (which, by the way, sounds SO painful). They are also doing other biopsies because there a few areas of concern. I asked if I could just have a hysterectomy (which I've been begging for for 10+ years) and they said not at this time, these things have to be done in steps.

So, in three weeks I have the cone biopsy (which takes two weeks to recover from..I wasn't expecting that) and then we wait for the results. If the cancer has spread, radiation comes into it (I can't even process that yet) and if it hasn't then I'll get a hysterectomy.

If everything is ok, I can put that off to get my infusions that I put off, then have the next surgery. If further treatment is needed, of course that gets priority.

I am so overwhelmed and just want everything to be normal for a while. Just so I can focus on one thing without having to consider another major thing as well.

So good, bad, ugly, painful, I'd appreciate your stories.

As always, thank you. And, sorry for the pity party.

The information they've given you is interesting and not totally consistent with what was done in my case. Cone biopsy is both a diagnostic tool and a treatment for dysplasia. It's pretty unpleasant if you're conscious - as much mentally as physically. Make sure you understand your pain options and advocate for full anesthetic if it's available. I can't imagine though, why it would require 2 weeks of recovery - it's just a larger-scale punch biopsy like you've already had. You'll be treated as an out-patient and back on your feet the same day.

I also don't know why they would anticipate progressing straight to radiation. Normally a LEEP procedure would follow; excision of the problem areas and cauterization with an electrical wire. Same as above, very unpleasant - especially given that you can smell the flesh searing and afterwards the "charred bits" will fall off into your underpants. (Sorry for being graphic.)
http://richmondobgyn.com/patients/resources-2/leep-or-cone-biopsy/

 

[loves to dive]

I had a hysterectomy when I was 35, best thing that ever happened to me. I had procedures and surgeries every year from 3 months after I had my son at 23 until both my doctor and I said enough. I had a number of biopsies and was up and at work 2 days later so I'm not sure why they are telling you two weeks. Heck I was at work part time 2 weeks after my hysterectomy and back then it was major surgery with getting cut across your pelvis. When I went in for my 6 week check up after my son was born, 2 cysts were found on my ovaries. Actually only one was found, the size of a tennis ball. When the doctor opened me up, he found one the size of a grapefruit on the other ovary but it was so large it had been pulled behind so not seen on an xray (back then we didn't have all the diagnostic tools they have now). Had 3/4 of one ovary and 1/4 of the other removed. Every year after that it was either biopsies or scrapes or some other "procedure" until I had enough. My doctor said we could just remove my uterus (which was what was causing problems that visit) and leave everything else or we could yank it all. Yank it all I said, I'm tired of seeing your eyes over a mask all the time. You are your best advocate and you can always get a second opinion, as a matter of fact, you really should. It's your body.

 

[antmaril]

I had a cone biopsy when I was 40 (25 years ago). It was done under anesthesia. I was back to normal in a few days. I had cervical cancer in situ and chose to have a complete hysterectomy. I could have been done after the cone biopsy, being tested every few months, but I chose to just have the surgery and not think about it anymore.

I wish you all the best. I would ask about anesthesia for your procedure.

 

[kimblebee]

I had a cone biopsy when I was 40 (25 years ago). It was done under anesthesia. I was back to normal in a few days. I had cervical cancer in situ and chose to have a complete hysterectomy. I could have been done after the cone biopsy, being tested every few months, but I chose to just have the surgery and not think about it anymore.

I wish you all the best. I would ask about anesthesia for your procedure.

I have AIS, which is in situ. I am being fully put under because, as the dr put it, my v (full word gets starred) is difficult. LOL
I take that as a badge of honour and was using it as an excuse last night around the house..sorry I didn't make supper but my v is being difficult.

If you can't laugh, you cry right?

 

[antmaril]

That's good that you will be under. You won't remember a thing. Good luck!

 

[AndreaDM]

I had one done about 8 years ago, under general anesthesia and was home within a few hours. I was on "pelvic rest" for a few weeks, but I think I only took the next day off of work. I don't remember anything being extremely painful afterward. Margins came back clean so that was that, I honestly barely remember it so it couldn't have been too traumatic.

 

[xlsm]

I read through your other thread when it was posted, and wanted to pop in and say you're in my thoughts, and I hope everything goes as easily and smoothly as possible

 

[The Mystery Machine]

So, if you're here you probably read my thread about HPV. If not, welcome, all are welcome.

I had my pre-op today and now I'm getting nervous. I am having a cone biopsy (which, by the way, sounds SO painful). They are also doing other biopsies because there a few areas of concern. I asked if I could just have a hysterectomy (which I've been begging for for 10+ years) and they said not at this time, these things have to be done in steps.

So, in three weeks I have the cone biopsy (which takes two weeks to recover from..I wasn't expecting that) and then we wait for the results. If the cancer has spread, radiation comes into it (I can't even process that yet) and if it hasn't then I'll get a hysterectomy.

If everything is ok, I can put that off to get my infusions that I put off, then have the next surgery. If further treatment is needed, of course that gets priority.

I am so overwhelmed and just want everything to be normal for a while. Just so I can focus on one thing without having to consider another major thing as well.

So good, bad, ugly, painful, I'd appreciate your stories.

As always, thank you. And, sorry for the pity party.

OMG, I am so sorry. Hang in there!!!

I am having my own battles with swelling after radiation treatments from breast cancer last yr.

One step at a time.

 

[BLAZEY]

Just wanted to say that i hope your procedure goes well and your recovery is quick and not too painful! All the best!

 

[kimblebee]

So, here's the update..

I met with my Dr. last Wednesday and everything is fine! YAY

He was talking a lot and there was a lot of information to process, but what I got is that what they though were cancer cells may not have been. Whatever it was, was not present during my surgery so it looks to have gone away on its own. He took another biopsy just to make sure.

The next step is for me to have a hysterectomy. I'm excited for it but also terrified of the recovery. Because I'm more than a little overweight, and because I already have a c section scar, he said I will get a zipper scar (my own word). It will go from the belly button up and I think that will make recovery time a lot longer.

The surgery isn't reallly really necessary but the Dr. reasoned that it would be the easiest thing to do because I have really narrow bits inside and even a speculum is agony for me. He thinks that it would be really difficult to monitor me like I would need since it puts me in so much pain .

I have a pre op appointment in June and we'll from there.

 

[BlueStarryHat]

I had my complete hysterectomy in January 2016. I am also more than a little overweight and was worried about the recovery. I had my surgery and spent two days in the hospital, and six weeks recovering at home. I never had really bad pain in the hospital. They had me on IV Dilaudid where you press the button yourself-I didn't need it and just asked for some ibuprofen instead, which worked just fine. I went home and after the third day or so I was up and about with no problem, and it was hard to keep to the six weeks of no lifting or straining. Myself, I had a bikini cut, and they thought that maybe I'd have some difficulty with infection because it was under my little stomach pouch, but just washing it with soap and water kept it clean as a whistle and I had no problem there either. Everyone is different, but I feel better than I ever have before my surgery.

 

[kimblebee]

I had my complete hysterectomy in January 2016. I am also more than a little overweight and was worried about the recovery. I had my surgery and spent two days in the hospital, and six weeks recovering at home. I never had really bad pain in the hospital. They had me on IV Dilaudid where you press the button yourself-I didn't need it and just asked for some ibuprofen instead, which worked just fine. I went home and after the third day or so I was up and about with no problem, and it was hard to keep to the six weeks of no lifting or straining. Myself, I had a bikini cut, and they thought that maybe I'd have some difficulty with infection because it was under my little stomach pouch, but just washing it with soap and water kept it clean as a whistle and I had no problem there either. Everyone is different, but I feel better than I ever have before my surgery.

Thank you for sharing your experience. I don't know what I will get for pain because I am allergic to codeine. I'm sure there's many options that will keep me high as a kite lol

 

[low-key]

So, here's the update..

I met with my Dr. last Wednesday and everything is fine! YAY

yay back and I will up you a "hey"

 

[Mizzoufan]

That is great news!!!

 

[Hikergirl]

So happy for you!

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Happy for you also, continued prayers, too.