is it true

• By DLL
• Posted October 17, 2009 at 5:00 pm
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Hi Story!
Yes you can...I did. I am 51 and at age 49 found out I had Stage 1 anal cancer. I have never had anal sex...Here is the deal: HPV is spread quite easily by all types of contact. When you are intimate with someone this particular virus like all HPV viruses are apread form one area to another. Your vagina and anal area are very close together and they think this is how the virus spread in people who do not engage in anal intercourse. Keep in mind it is the same strain of the virus that causes tonsil cancer too. It is crazy to me that I have had sex for years and never had an abnormal PAP smear...yet I got anal cancer??? Just because I had anal cancer does not mean I am going to get cervical cancer...Just because you have cervical caner does NOT mean you are now going to get anal cancer.All it means is that we should be vigilant. If you found a dr that tests via anal pap smear for HPV it does not mean you will get cancer nor can they treat you with anything....Is that crazy??? You can get follow up exams to make sure the virus is not causing any displasia ...Not many docotrs even know about this or treat it. But the chances of it developing into cancer are actually small. Normally your body will "stamp out the virus" and most people do not get anal cancer. The virus is the same but cervical cancer is more common.

So from what I have read and I am no expert but have researched this in depth...do NOT panic. Go on the this website http://www.ucsfhealth.org/adult/medical_services/cancer/cr/conditions/anal/ signs.html and review the information on it. They appear to be the main research center as anal cancer is gaining momentum among gay men.

I refuse to give this condition more control and live in fear. It is very true that there is an apparent stigma with HPV but there is so much ignorance out there even among doctors. It is quite shocking. The truth is is that people spread this virus as they do not know they have it....it is not anyone's fault as you cannot test ahead of time for it...obviously precautions should be taken when you have sex if you have a new partner. I have had less than 5 partners in my entire life!! Anyway do not get caught up in the who and why. move forward as an informed person and inform the people around you. Best of everything to you! Lori

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• By mommy2four
• Posted October 19, 2009 at 10:48 am
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Thanks DLL for sharing your story! I agree - we must all be diligent with our health care & proactive as well. I hope your cancer has been treated w/little complications. You are so right - we can't live in fear and allow this to rule our lives..... when I first found out I did allow some fear in, but quickly banished it and just live each day to the fullest! Thanks again for sharing!!

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• By DLL
• Posted October 21, 2009 at 1:12 am
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Dear Mommy2four and Story,
I see the many posts on this site agonizing about who got what when...I just want to shout STOOOPPPP!!! for pete's sake!! It is a virus and it is serious but it can be managed. Trying to figure out who gave it to you is really useless and a waste and squandering of our life. I know as when I got anal cancer I went through this...I still wonder why did I never test positive in a PAP smear for HPV??? I am sure I have it but for some reason my immune system kept it at bay....until a year agao and then I got anal cancer....So mommy2four I am so glad you are doing well..I want everyone to just take a deep breath and I am not assuming I am going to end up with additional cancer becasue I ahd anal cancer...I will be vigilant and move forward.

It was tough being treated for cancer..it really sucked!! If you are single and eventually would like to date then yes you should tell your partner....They probably already have HPV and of course CANNOT be tested for it. They will say "No I never have had any warts etc...and they will not be lying...." As we know it is dormat....and often has NO symptoms...The high risk HPV has NO symptoms....this is NOT the same strain that causes cancer....so you will never get symptoms!! Obviously the cervical cancer is the same strain that can cause anal cancer but it is not a given that they will contract this...like I said before they probably will not...of course they may not want to take this chance (what is ironic is that they may already have taken it and may be carrying it!! They will not be able to prove they do not have it ) Everyone has gotta believe in something and I believe in "misery is opitional" (at least the self imposed kind) so just know that you have to stay in the right now and be intelligent and brave. (I know it is not easy..:)

There is someone out there for all of us and it is going to be fine!! Interesting enough they are now talking about having young men getting the Gardisal vaccine so they do not contract HPV and do not spread it....When is see all these men are freaking out ...My girlfriend has HPV..who did she sleep with..when did she know yada yada...It is quite disconcerting, Men spread it too ..we do not get it by ourselves!! Hello...Their plumbing is on the exterior and unfortuantley for women, ours is on the interior and exterior so our exposure is more complex. Ok, I am now climbing off my soapbox! Signing off for now..must watch my kitten sleep!!

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