I tested positive 3 years ago for the HPV virus. I have had only one abnormal pap smear in the past. I have had 2 husbands in 37 years. Which means that I have had 2 sex partners during that time. I am scared. I am also a survivor of bladder cancer with 4 surgeries for that cancer. I have been free for 3 and 1/2 years. I do not know which husband was the carrier. I am not mad at him for the symptoms are silent in men. I made the mistake of not having a new pap smear in 3 years. I lost my job and insurance so I could not afford it. I am scared. I want to learn more and pass the information to others who do not understand. That is the key/education. We must educate all ages. As I talk to people, at least 75% do not know what it is. That is scary. My grand daughter is going to be vaccinated. She just turned 15 years old. This is real! Published: July 29 ::

I had always been very careful about having regular, annual GYN check-ups. So it was in December that my doctor told me I had an irregular pap test result which indicated precancerous cells (stage II) were present. I knew from previous pelvic exams that I had apparently been born with a 'cervical lesion'. This had a tendency to cause infrequent, mild infections requiring antibiotics 2-3x’s over a 10 year span. However, when I returned for a second pap test in February the cervical cancer had advanced to stage IV cancer. They initially did two cryogenic fezzes if the area which did not stop the cell growth. I also required a more radical procedure, punch biopsy to remove all cancerous cells surrounding the opening of my cervix. Thankfully, this treatment has produced normal pap tests ever since. On another note, I did not have any medical coverage at that time and the hospital provided full coverage under their "uncompensated medical services” policy. I believe all hospitals have some funds set aside for just such cases, but one must simply inquire (insist!) and fill-out appropriate forms. I urge all women to get regular pap tests. It could save your life. Published: July 29 ::

I was detected of cervical cancer on January this year after attending my pap smear, which I usually did at the end of every year beginning from 1994.The doctor said that it was the 1st stage but when my biopsy result came, it was in stage three. I just need to take some antibiotics and to be reviewed in the next three months. I didn't know that I had cancer because I did not experience all the signs and symptoms that the doctor said should be happening to me. So, sometimes when you get the signs, you might be in the later stages. Come on women: Attend your pap test regularly, and don't take the risk. Published: May 17 ::

I had regular pap tests. I was bleeding very heavy and had bad cramps. My bleeding would last for 18 to 20 days and stop for a couple days, then start all over again. I wasn't diagnosed with cervical cancer until a doctor could see the tumor, which was golf-ball size. Women have got to know that just because the pap test comes back normal does not mean everything is fine. Any big change in bleeding, and you have got to have a biopsy done. Published: April 14 ::

I went for my usual six-month checkup and was told that I likely had an increase in my white cell count. I was told to go to a specialist to have it further tested. I went to the specialist and had a biopsy. She told me it would require “treatments.” It turns out that I had a fast growing cancer. Four months later, I had a radical hysterectomy, and thankfully, no cancer was found in my surrounding lymph nodes, which meant the chance for a cure was great. There was no cancer before … ever. I went to my appointments every six months. I have no family history of cervical cancer (only breast cancer); I’ve never had any STDs; I haven’t had multiple sex partners; and I don’t HPV. Perhaps, when people are aware that one has cervical cancer, they won't look at it as being a "dirty woman" disease like my family did. What a disgrace! Cervical cancer happens because it happens, the risk factors increase chances. Published: December 04 ::

I was diagnosed with cervical cancer in May. It took 11 months for the doctors to figure this out. I went to the doctor in June because of very heavy vaginal discharge. I bled on occasion during intercourse. At 1st they thought I had polyps, then they thought I had an infection and gave me antibiotics and was told to come back in three months. After three months they gave me an appointment for a colposcopy. In mid May I had my appointment for the colposcopy, but by then the tumor had grown so quickly that my only option for treatment was a radical hysterectomy and a pelvic lymphoidectomy. I had that June 4. They say they got all the cancer, but I still have to go for chemo and radiation as a preventative measure to reduce the chances of the cancer reoccurring. Published: August 19 ::