After I ended my affair, we've been through a lot. Going through w/d has been sheer hell, on both me and H, plus we're moving (fresh start and all) and money is tight.<P>Now I have to go in on Tues. for a colposcopy since my 2nd pap came back irregular. They think maybe cancer. <P>I"m waiting for more to drop...there must be more. How can I go through trying to rebuild my marriage (which is going great by the way) and withdrawal, moving, and THIS? <P>Anyone else have this happen to them? Any input? Advice?<P>Thanks<P>Tracy<P>------------------<BR>"I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me."

I had this procedure done four months ago after two irregular paps. It was no big deal.<P>The pap test is a screen, not a diagnosis. In the colposcopy, they look using a special tool at the tissue itself. Then, if they spot irregularities, they do a biopsy. In my case, the biopsy wasn't necessary.<P>Odds are tremendously in your favor that the results will be just fine. Remember again, the pap is a screening tool only. An irregular pap does not necessarily mean something is wrong. Also, there's many lesser conditions that can cause an irregularity. Even in the worst case, if you've been doing paps regularly, odds are it's only the pre-cancerous stage or very early in the cancer development.<P>You've got plenty of legitimate worries. Don't throw this one into the mix.<p>[This message has been edited by Distressed (edited August 18, 1999).]

Thanks Distressed, the info helped me too. I'm waiting for the next pap after an irregular. The thot of Colposcopy was rather scary and I'm a nurse to boot! The mind decides that if the H hadn't been unfaithful the pap wouldn't of come back abnormal. The timing stinks no matter what. I hate to say misery loves company BUT.......... <P>Sad4now, I understand your turmoil! Recovery is recovery.<P>------------------<BR>eyes wide open<BR>

Let me kick in here as well.<P>I had a bad pap 10 years ago. I went from Class 1 to Class 5 in a year. This would have been a RAPID change, so they did a second pap, but didn't even wait for the results. I had an HPV screening, a punch biopsy, and cryosurgery, all in rapid succession.<P>Then the second pap came back OK -- they'd read the first one wrong.<P>Have you been having regular pap smears? If so, then it could be just an infection of some sort -- that's why a colposcopy is done. <P>It's scary when this happens the first time, because your first thought is cancer. I had to do a second pap just this year, because the first one came back irregular. I was in the middle of wondering about my H and OW/"friend" at the time, and of course the letter arrived on a Saturday. I had wanted to know if the HPV was positive, because if it was, that would be my proof. I was a mess all weekend, and the Dr's office wouldn't tell me. So I had to scream at them that I wanted the Dr. to call me. She finally did -- on Tuesday.<P>No HPV.<P>I know it's scary, but it's probably nothing major. Please keep us posted on how it goes.

I have two close friends who actually had cancer cells. Because of the Pap and early detection the cells were removed and they are ABSOLUTELY fine now. They go in for regular checks. One of these ladies is going on ten years since the removal and there has not been a single problem.<BR>My other friend said the worst part was waiting for the results. Not knowing. Once she knew it was positive she could proceed to do what needed to be done. <BR>The pap can be abnormal for many reasons.

I've had irregular paps before, this was stage 2. This was the second pap in 3 months at this level of abnormality, and they think probably HPV which many know is the virus that causes changes in the cervix cells that lead to pre cancerous changes. 90% of women with cervical cancer are positive for HPV, tho they haven't made the technical connection yet. <P>They also visually saw some abnormal areas on the cervix in the 2nd pap and it was extremely painful. I've had so many problems in my female organs I'm ready to have them all removed! So, I really don't know what to expect.<P>I know that if it's cancer, they'll just freeze it off or cut it out and keep re testing me every few months. I know it's not a death sentence. But it's stressful just the same. <P>Lucky for me I've very informed. Just tense.<P>Thanks<P>Tracy<P>------------------<BR>"I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me."