I have a flash back to a joke that I once heard about a woman who was going to see her Gyno and was running late and gave herself a wash with her daughter's face washer and ended up with glitter decorating her giny like she'd been bedazzled by fairies...
It's been 7 months since the operation to scrape, burn and cut cancer cells from my cervix. After the surgery the surgeon had a brief chat to me and said that he was happy with the outcome and that he did have to cut a fairly large chunk out of my cervix and performed a dilation and curettage (D&C) while I was on the table.
Three (3) months after the operation in October I had to see Dr N for a check up and for her to give me the results from the operation which indicated that all the cancer cells had been captured, killed, burnt and it was looking positive :) However I did have to heal for six months before I could have another pap smear.
So, fast forward six months to February, I've just been to a formal funeral.. I've been standing in the soaring 36+ degree heat for at least four (4) hours in full dress uniform (including woolen vest). I am sweating like a sinner in line for confession and feeling a little woozy.
Why didn't I bring a bottle of water... In fact, why didn't ANY of my colleagues bring water? There were at least a thousand of us standing in the heat at attention for an extended period of time.. It's a wonder one or more of us didn't drop like a fly!
So, I have to leave Donny's funeral early to get to the hospital to see Dr N. On the way there I have the air conditioning in the car going at full belt so that I am not smelly and sweaty when I get to the hospital.. Wishful thinking? Probably! I had to stop on the way there and buy two bottles of water to rehydrate otherwise she may have me passed out in the stirrups! (don't try and imagine that cause it will just have you in counselling for the next 12 months!).
Fortunately I found parking easily for a change (the gods must have been with me) and I get there just in time. Dr N is prompt as usual and was a little shocked at my appearance and questioned the "pomp and ceremony" in which I was dressed.
Dr N is one of those Doctors who really seem to care. She is very friendly and easy to talk to. I have to admit that I've been very fortunate when it comes to all of my specialists and my GP.
So, Dr N and I have a chat.. We discuss my test results again, she explains the procedure that she is about to perform which involves a scrape of cervical cells, testing them with a few different solutions including vinegar and iodine to see if the cells react. If they react there is still cancer present, if they don't I am essentially cancer free!
So, a test of the cells comes up with no reaction... I hear Dr N give a little giggle (holy crap have I got glitter?) and she tells me there is no reaction! I could just hug her (if I wasn't on the table in a compromising position) Dr N also tells me that my cervix has healed well and looks "beautiful"..
So, Dr N does a pap smear.. Results come back to my GP in a fortnight, however, essentially going by preliminary tests, it's pretty safe to say that I am footloose and cancer free! How chuffed am I!
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