Hello lovelies! I wanted to sit down and have a catch up with you - I've posted plenty over the last few months, but there will always be things I don't share - one thing in particular I wasn't going to but a message from a friend today has made me have a change of heart.
I started a part time job in June - before I began I thought it would be a good idea to go and have a few things sorted that I had been putting off like visits to the dentist and doctors. I did both, all went well and I thought nothing of it until a letter arrived.
My smear results came back abnormal..........follow up visits to the hospital with a specialist resulted in me finding out I had early stage cancer cells in my cervical "canal". Gobsmacked. And extremely relieved due to the fact that it had been caught early and was only on the outer tissue layer and had not spread.
After a couple of treatments that included tissue removal I was given the all clear in September. Phew! I choose to keep the results and my hospital treatments to myself apart from Mr H of course, two family members and my boss due to the fact I needed to take time off work. I'm not good with sharing info like this and have always preferred the "Keep calm and carry on" approach. I'm the same way with most things. I have ups and downs like everyone - I just tend to "suck it up" and keep going. A not entirely healthy option I'm sure.
After I was given the all clear - I did casually mention it to a couple of friends. One of them sent me a message today saying she went for her smear after I told her and has found out she has abnormal cells and is about to start going through the motions of removal and further tests. She was grateful I had told her, as it made her pick up the phone and make a very overdue appointment.
So beautiful ladies. Early detection is key! I am so grateful it was found early and that I will be around for my children. I hate going to the Doctors for "Lady Checkups" but the alternative is much worse.
We need to look after ourselves first so we can be around to look after those we love.
xo
So glad they found the cells early and you're ok. I go for regular smears even though I hate them. I hear so many people saying they put them off cos they hate them :(
ReplyDeletegreat post - good on you for sharing and jollying us all along! xx so glad you are in the clear now xx
ReplyDeleteVery well reminded. I am so glad that you are well and in the clear and I hope that you remain that way for a very long time. Take care of yourself my dear and thank you for sharing such a personal story. I am so glad to have you here! xx
ReplyDeleteGood for you Elaina, for speaking out about this. Thank goodness your treatment was successful, and you are well and healthy. I agree, none of us like these screening tests but they have saved lives over the years, and it is only a few seconds discomfort, plus a little indignity, and is well worth it for reassurance, or as in your case, early detection and treatment. Sending healthy, happy wishes your way X
ReplyDeleteOh goodness, I'm so glad it was sorted quickly for you! xx
ReplyDeleteGood for you - I'm overdue one so I shall arrange it forthwith. Glad you're well and banging the drum xxx
ReplyDeleteYes it's so very important to keep up with pap tests as much as we all dislike having them done. And doing breast checks every month yourself to check for any changes/lumps or bumps is important too.
ReplyDeleteAs a nurse I've just started performing pap tests this year and now see just how vital early detection is.
x
I'm glad to know you're doing well, Elaina. Take care.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you are ok, it must have been a stressful time for you .Very important to get them done regularly - I had to have them done every year for a few years, now I can go back to three yearly.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your story Elaina!!!! I am so glad you are ok!!!! That is wonderful wonderful news! It is so very important to go to the doctor and do these things. I too went through this and it was all very scary and unnerving. I have been all clear for 12 years now but I never miss an appointment. Wishing you health and happiness dear friend! Nicole xo
ReplyDeleteHere's to another 12 healthy years dear friend. Never missing an appointment is so important. xo
DeleteA much needed post!! I'm so glad you caught everything in the early stages!! Thank you so much for sharing!!
ReplyDeleteSo glad you are well. Such an important message. At my last smear, I had an audience as the nurse was being tested. :)
ReplyDeleteSo happy to hear you are ok - thank you for sharing. Such a timely reminder :) and hope your friend is ok too xx
ReplyDeleteWowsers. Scary. So relieved for you that it was all ok in the end. That must have been a really difficult time for you. Huge hugs from me, and for your friend too, Jillxo
ReplyDeleteJust because you have a blog doesn't need you mean to share everything in your life, especially something as difficult as a life threatening health scare. It is an important message though - I am overdue myself!
ReplyDeleteWow, thanks for sharing and I am so glad that you had early detection.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing Elaina, so glad to hear you have the all clear. I was a bit worried there for a minute! xx
ReplyDeleteOh poor you! THat is very stressful. And I'm glad you are ok now. Thanks for the reminder - I'm ringing up to get an appt today.!!
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