Cervical Cancer

Content Warnings for Infertility.

Grief is so weird and it's showing up around things I never expected it would. I worked in healthcare during the pandemic. I didn't touch another human being for nine months and when I came out of isolation after the vaccines, all my friends I was close to had moved away and had kids. The ones who stayed had gotten married and also had kids. I went from having a vibrant community to being suddenly left out of things because I wasn't a mom or part of a couple.

I tried reaching out, I shared how lonely I was feeling, and nobody heard me. I went to a "friends vacation" with this entire group. I was the first one who had to leave and when I asked if we could take a group photo before I left, one of them said "Oh, we already took it before you got here." Well, that was the final nail in the coffin for me. I pulled away from them and haven't spoken to some of the people in that group for over two years now. Not a one of them has reached out to ask about where I went or what's happened.

When I started having some weird health symptoms, I went to the doctor and was told that I could have cervical cancer. After testing, biopsies, ultrasounds, and bloodwork, (all of which I navigated alone), it turns out I didn't have cancer, just a hormone imbalance. But I also found out thanks to ultrasound images that it's essentially guaranteed that I'll never be able to have kids. I'm not married, I didn't plan on having kids any time soon even though I'm 34 and my biological clock is starting to tick faster. But to have had the choice taken away from me by my own body has been so hard.

Ever since I found out, it's been so painful to be around my friends who have kids. Seeing them happily married and their adorable families... Seeing that they have what I have wanted for so long and will probably never have. I just feel so alone and so sad all of the time because nobody else in my life understands.They all have their partners and their kids and I'm happy for them, but sad for me, and mad at life for being so unfair. I'm mad at myself for not being more intentional about dating even though I was so focused on my career and school. I've tried online dating but the entire process is exhausting and I get ghosted before I can even get to a first date.

And I feel so ashamed for being so sad. Because I am so lucky in so many other ways. I bought my first home at the age of 30, I'm working in a career that I worked to get into for 5 years, I have a cute dog, and the few friends I do still have are incredible. But it still hurts.

#Depression #Anxiety
To make this post more fully understood, I feel I need to go back several years. In 2015 my best friend was diagnosed with a rare but treatable skin cancer. She was diagnosed in October and told me not to worry because it was very treatable. Long story short, she went through he'll. My mom & I visited her in the hospital. After her family left us alone, she told us that her family didn't know yet but they had found a spot on her lung. This was right before Christmas and by the last week in January, she was gone. Her birthday was a few weeks later so I went up to spend some time with her mom and take her a gift. My mom wasn't feeling well so I made the visit alone. Four days later, I took my mom to the hospital. Three days after that she passed away. I had a mental and physical breakdown after that. The Drs found conditions that I must have had for years. I was so busy taking care of other people in my life that I ignored my own health. Fast forward 5 years. I'm no longer able to work but was coming to grips with my new normal. Then my brother passed away 5 years and 10 days after my mother's death. So, also in Feb. Aside from my husband and my stepdaughter and her family, my family had all but abandoned me.
This year in October, I had a pap come back with ASCUS and positive for HPV 33/58. Those are high risk for causing cervical cancer. Not the highest but high. I went through colposcopy and then a few weeks ago a cold knife conization. My anxiety was through the roof constantly waiting. Meanwhile my cousin was going through treatment for the second time with cervical cancer. Here it is the holidays and I was trying to stay positive. I wanted Christmas to be special in case it was my last one or in case I would be going through treatment. My stepdaughter had my granddaughter text me to invite us up Christmas morning to "hang out". No food. No celebrating. Just sit there. Keep in mind, she is fully aware of my diagnoses and the procedures I had gone through and the upcoming biopsy for me. I figured they needed a day to just chill. I didn't care what day we celebrated Christmas so I offered to do it at our house. I was sent a text dripping with attitude letting me know that they would have to decline. No explanation. No offer to do it at a different time.
So, praise God, my biopsy came back negative. I don't know whether my stepdaughter knows or not. She hasn't asked so, I haven't told her. I am not healing well from the procedure itself yet. So, I am supposed to take it easy. I purchased some things to make everyday life easier in case I had to go through any treatments. They've been sitting in the boxes since the beginning of December. All they required was installing pull out drawers for our cabinets. So, measure and drive 12 screws. Keep in mind I am disabled and he does maintenance for a living. I've been having extra trouble with my feet lately. He let me know that it would be nice to have instructions. They came with instructions and a template. Now for some unknown reason he is giving me the cold shoulder and barely speaking. He's treating me as though there is no reason that I shouldn't be taking better care of the house.
I need to go to a clinic about 2 hours away for a procedure for some of my GI issues. For this one, I could drive but I get extremely anxious driving in that city. I know it's going to be a fight because he keeps asking if I "need" a driver. He reluctantly drives when I am put out for procedures locally. Now, I went to the Dr this week and there is a spot on my foot that may be melanoma.
I don't feel like I have anybody to count on anymore. I've always been there for everybody else. Why do people peel away when you need them most?
I'm sorry for the long post but as I said, I have nobody to lean on. I needed to get this out. Just needed to vent.
BTW...I installed the pull out drawers.
Thanks for reading.

Hi, my name is NannaRules68. I'm looking for
someone or help with learning how to not be upset with my partner who has stage 4 cervical cancer. she is going through a lot and I'm her punching bag per say. and sometimes I just walk away from her.
#MightyTogether #Anxiety #Depression #Migraine #Fibromyalgia

Part 1 of 2 Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a ubiquitous and sexually transmitted virus affecting millions worldwide. It is a leading cause of various diseases, including cervical cancer, making it a significant public health concern. This introduction aims to shed light on the critical role of the HPV vaccine in preventing these diseases by providing an overview of HPV, its associated health risks, and the primary purpose of this post: to inform, educate, and advocate for HPV vaccination.

HPV, with over 100 known types, is the most common sexually transmitted infection globally. While most HPV infections resolve independently, certain high-risk types can lead to cancers, including cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women, causing approximately 311,000 deaths globally in 2018. These statistics highlight the urgent need to address HPV infection and its consequences.

Understanding HPV:

HPV is primarily a sexually transmitted virus. It can be transmitted through genital, anal, and oral contact, making it one of the most common sexually transmitted infections worldwide. Understanding its transmission pathways is crucial in both prevention and education efforts.

High-risk HPV types, particularly HPV-16 and HPV-18, are strongly associated with the development of cervical cancer. These types can infect the cervix’s cells and, over time, lead to precancerous lesions and cervical cancer. These lesions are often asymptomatic, making regular cervical cancer screenings essential for early detection.

Statistics highlight the severe health risks associated with HPV. Approximately 570,000 new cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed each year. This underscores the urgency in comprehending the relationship between HPV and cervical cancer and the importance of vaccination as a preventive measure.

The HPV vaccine:

The HPV vaccine is a groundbreaking medical advancement in the fight against Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and its associated health risks.

There are several HPV vaccines available, with the two most widely recognized being Gardasil and Cervarix. Gardasil, for instance, protects against the most common high-risk HPV types, HPV-16 and HPV-18, and low-risk types that cause genital warts. These vaccines offer comprehensive protection against the most concerning HPV types, reducing the risk of developing cervical and related cancers.

The effectiveness of the HPV vaccine is well-established through extensive clinical trials and real-world data. Studies have consistently shown that the vaccine effectively prevents HPV infection and associated diseases. For instance, research has demonstrated a substantial decrease in HPV-related conditions, including cervical precancerous lesions and genital warts, in vaccinated populations. These findings underscore the vaccine’s role in preventing HPV transmission and the subsequent development of related health issues.

Safety is a paramount concern for vaccines, and the HPV vaccine has undergone rigorous testing to ensure its safety. Common side effects include pain at the injection site, mild fever, and dizziness. Serious adverse events are rare and thoroughly investigated by healthcare authorities to maintain public trust in vaccination programs.

The impact of the HPV vaccine:

One of the most significant achievements of HPV vaccination is the marked reduction in HPV-related diseases. Cervical cancer, in particular, has seen a substantial decline in cases, which is expected to continue. Vaccination has significantly decreased the prevalence of high-risk HPV types, reducing the occurrence of cervical precancerous lesions and ultimately preventing cervical cancer.

The impact is not limited to cervical cancer; it extends to other HPV-related conditions like genital warts and oropharyngeal cancer, contributing to improved public health outcomes.

On a global scale, several countries have successfully implemented robust HPV vaccination programs, achieving impressive results. Countries like Australia, which initiated school-based HPV vaccination programs, have seen remarkable reductions in HPV prevalence and related diseases. These success stories demonstrate the effectiveness of proactive vaccination efforts and serve as models for other nations.

Recommendations for getting vaccinated:

The HPV vaccine is recommended for specific populations to maximize its benefits. Adolescents are a primary target group, with vaccination typically recommended for boys and girls starting at ages 11 or 12. Initiating vaccination at this age ensures that individuals receive the vaccine before potential exposure to HPV through sexual activity. Catch-up vaccination is also available for those not vaccinated at the recommended age, extending the opp

Part 2 of 2 ortunity for protection to young adults.

Completing the vaccine series is of paramount importance. Depending on the vaccine type, it may involve two or three doses administered over several months. Complete vaccination provides the most robust protection against high-risk HPV types, ultimately reducing the risk of associated diseases, including cervical cancer. Individuals and healthcare providers must ensure the vaccine series is completed as scheduled.

Individuals should engage with healthcare professionals to receive guidance tailored to their unique circumstances when considering vaccination. Healthcare providers can offer personalized advice on HPV vaccination, address concerns, and provide information about potential side effects and benefits. Engaging in an open and informed conversation with a healthcare provider can help individuals make confident decisions about vaccination.

In conclusion, HPV vaccination is a powerful tool in preventing HPV-related diseases, including cervical cancer. By following recommendations for vaccination timing, completing the vaccine series, and consulting with healthcare professionals, individuals can take proactive steps to protect their health and contribute to reducing the overall burden of HPV in society.

References:

https://www.cdc.gov/hpv/parents/vaccine.html

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/human-papillomavirus-(hpv)-and-cervical-cancer

https://ipak-edu.org/

https://www.who.int/news-room/spotlight/ten-threats-to-global-health-in-2019

Good Afternoon, I am writing today because I am in the running for Ms. Veteran America 2023. I am a finalist and will compete on Oct 8th as Elvis Presley and all proceeds for Ms. Vereran America go directly to Final Salute Inc that helps Female Veterans and their children facing Homlessness.

My story directly corelate with my reason for entering Ms Veteran America 2023 and that is we are all just one event away from experiencing homelessness or worse death. When I was 15 years old while I was in high school, I found out that I had precancer cells growing on my cervix and I had a leap procedure at 15. I had a friend of mine die not to long after high school from ovarian cancer. At 17 I had my jaw fractured by and ex boyfriend and had the case taken to court. It required a lot of strength but led me to join the military while I was in high school, I joined the Army my senior year of High school. I served in both the Army and Navy, special operations and conventional military. I suffered infertility as a service member and military wife for 7 years, spent thousand of dollar in fertility treatment and testing and was a victim of a fertility clinic that was shut down to mal practise because of experimental testing. Recently I experienced a misscarriage at almost 3 months pregnant and before that lost an embryo during IVF. At 7 years I was able to have my mircle IVF baby and at 6 months of age my baby and I moved back to Kentucky to take care of my Aunt that was like my mom that raised me. She found out she had cervical cancer that thanksgiving and I took care of her and my disbabled 36 year old cousin and son until she passed April 25th of 2021. Just a few months later at 18 months my son stoped trying to eat baby food and stoped trying to talk and we took him in for therapy and they said he could be autistic. My son now goes to OT, PT, Play Thearpy and Music therapy and speech almost everyday of the week. And because of my military injuries including a spine ingery and sjogren’s syndrome a sickness that was discovered during a military surgery I spend most of my days going to apts and advocating for health and mental health. I am currently going through IVF again and when I delivered my son we both almost lost our lives and post partum counseling has been of most importance. My reason for including this is because just one of these events or expenses could have led me to homelessness and I want to help the female Vets and their children experiencing homelessness. There are many different reasons and avenues that a person can find themself homeless but very few resources for our female vets and their children and I want them to know they are not alone and help them to get the help they need. I wanted to reach out and see if I could do an interview or article discussing the causes that I am fighting for as a finalist in Ms. Veteran America 2023, such as spreading awareness of the 988 and NC 211 numbers and mental health, Final Salute and resources for female veterans and their children facing homelessness and help for spouses, service members and children facing abuse and how they can find help and how we can help them by providing that safe place and introducing them to help and events like Fayetteville’s “Remember My Name” event. Also how we can give back to our shelter and helping organizations. Ms. Veteran America 2023 will be Oct 8th , 2023.

Hi, my name is Invisableme. I'm here because I have struggled with my mental health since the age of 16. I was diagnosed as having Clinical depression and Anxiety. After having cervical cancer whilst pregnant at age 33, I was eventually diagnosed with fibromalga and Cronic fatigue. I was always able claseed as life and soul of the party, which was a mask or personal persona that I created to feel accepted and loved. Through my late teens these feeling were cover with alcohol and recreational drugs to hide the pain and discuss I felt about my self About 6 years after having cervical cancer I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Due to the trauma during my life I was treated for PSTD. And then complex PSTD. Then about 8 months ago I was diagnosed with EUPD, and the are quering Autisum. I t is a vicious circle fighting my physical health which impacts my mental health. I just wanted to have a safe place where I can reach put to people with like minded condition who understand xxx

#MightyTogether #Anxiety #Depression #BorderlinePersonalityDisorder #Fibromyalgia #PTSD

I’m new here. I’m living with fibromyalgia, spine issues, ptsd, anxiety, depression, undergoing possible cervical cancer investigations and constant pain. I’m putting on weight from all the different medications and it’s really making my depression worse currently. I’m watching what I eat, but still the weight goes on. I don’t know what to do anymore 😢. Sorry no other private safe space to let go x