OT--Importantce of Yearly GYN Exams!

Hi Everyone! I am sorry I have been absent from the boards for so long. I am almost 1 year out and down 143 lbs. Wearing 14/16's now for the first time since I was 12! (I am 39 now!) I wanted to write and remind all of my OH friends of the importance of having a yearly GYN exam, no matter what your age! Thankfully I have went every year since I was 18. This year, after many tests, etc, I found out I have cervical cancer. Yes, it can happen to you! (Read my profile entry for 6/19 for my experience). It is in the beginning stages and I have already had what I hope is all of it, removed. I am just waiting on one more set of tests to come back. Like I said, I am sharing this with all of you, because whenever I heard of anyone getting cancer, etc, I always thought it was so far removed from me, I never had to worry about it. No one in my family has a history of cervical cancer. I am the first. So, I was rudely awakened to say the least. I am over being sad, over being mad, and now just want to move on and along the way, remind all woman, to take care of themselves! Especially now that you are on the right track of getting healthy by losing weight, you have to remember to take care of those other things too! God Bless you all and good luck! :angel"

Congrats on the loss your doing great. I am sorry to hear about your cancer troubles. I had cervical cancer back in 2000, I had a leep done right away and haven't had an abnormal pap since. Good luck with your follow up tests! Tracey 5'9 327/173 below goal

congrats on your weight loss... sorry about your cancer... and ty for the reminder... i have my schdualed for 6/6

You are sooo right. And please LADIES, do not let your size keep you from getting your exam. Don't be embarrassed....it's your health, be proud that you are doing as much as you can to take care of yourself. I admit I didn't go a couple of years because the doctor made me feel bad about my weight, actually brushed off other problems that I had and put me on adipex. I did however go back at my highest of 500lbs...and the new doctor recognized my lyphedema and referred me for REAL help with it...thank goodness! Sure it was harder for the doctor to examine me because of my size, but she's a doctor and I at least made sure I had good hygiene, etc...which I'm sure she has many a patients who aren't as concerned about that. So let embarrassment kill you, go! go! go!.

Kathy, I am so sorry to hear about all you have been through recently, but I am glad you are in recovery now and here to share your words of wisdom. You have done such a great job on your weightloss too, keep up the great attitude and effort cause you deserve a happy, healthy life! Take care, Amy