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Lauren’s Story (Cervical Dysplasia CIN 2)

Lauren's Cervical Dysplasia StoryAs a nineteen-year-old girl, I got my first Pap smear.

Just 2 shorts months ago, my gynecologist called me during class informing me that I have low-grade abnormalities on my cervix. I was shocked and confused and overwhelmed with emotion. She suggested that I get further testing and come back in May for a colposcopy.

The day of my colposcopy, I was extremely anxious and nervous. Thankfully, the physician’s assistant became my best friend and made me feel comfortable. She answered all of my questions and made everything easy to understand. She took two biopsies that day. I believe that my colposcopy was more emotional/mental pain than actual physical pain.

A week later, my gynecologist called me informing me that my biopsy results came back indicating I had high-grade abnormalities with CIN 2. I came in a week after that to discuss my treatment options. I had the option to let it go and get another Pap smear in 3 months, (meaning my cervical dysplasia could clear up on its own or get worse) or I had the option to get a cone-biopsy. Being only two stages away from having cervical cancer, I chose to get the cone biopsy procedure.

My surgery is only one week away. At my young age, it is a lot to process, but I’m praying and hoping for the best. I’m thankful to have caught it early enough to treat it before it turned into cancer, but also really confused and angry because I didn’t get a Pap test done sooner.

I want to share my story because this can happen to anyone. It is so important to take care of yourself and get yearly exams. I want to educate more women, especially women my age on HPV and cervical cancer. Pap smears aren’t meant to be scary and they aren’t meant just for older women; they are meant to prevent cancer.

I hope by sharing my story, that others won’t feel so alone and that others will put themselves forward and take care of their health!

Lauren

PA

Submitted 06/12/019

This story is intended to convey a personal experience and, because every person’s experience is unique, should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional healthcare advice.

One comment

  1. Monica

    Thank you for sharing your story with others. I hope that you get good news after your procedure.

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