August 18th was when I had my three-month follow-up appointment. It was also the first time I participated in a live support group for survivors of gynecologic cancers. I will be discussing the support group experience in a different post. I am still processing the experience.
My three-month follow up involves a pap smear and a pelvic exam. When I turned eighteen, I remember dreading my first pap smear. I was relieved that I did not have to do it more than once a year. The universe must be playing tricks on me because now I have to do it four times a year for the next two years then twice a year for the following two years. In my fifth year and beyond, it's once a year.
I suppose I am still tender and recovering because the examination hurt really bad. And the pain continued through the next day. Around September 30th (six months after my surgery), the internal stitches should start to dissolve or come out. Other women speak of it as an uncomfortable experience. It will happen to me whenever it does and however it would be like.
Results of my examination did not come quickly which surprised me. I would think that cancer patients are filled with anxiety awaiting results. The doctor was quick to call me when the pathology results came in last January to tell me I had cancer. I emailed the office asking about the results about two weeks after the examination and got no response. I suppose it could be inferred that no news mean good news. I got the results from the August 18th's examination in the mail. It arrived the week I was in San Diego. It was a simple form with the following language, "This is to inform you that the test done on the above date showed the following results: Normal Pap Smear (no malignant cells)."
Still in remission. Life goes on.
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