So many questions

• By Tavy
• Posted December 1, 2008 at 2:59 pm
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Hi there,

Boy...I sure do understand your fear. I wish I could reach out...take you in...and give you a big hug. Since I can't do that, I'm sending a virtual hug!

A cone biopsy is done after moderate to severe cells changes have been diagnosed. It can be used to diagnose the cause of the abnormal cell changes and remove the abnormal tissue at the same time. A cone biopsy can determine the extent, depth, and severity of the cancerous and pre cancerous tissues and can be a guide to treatment decisions.

Now, because you are having a cone biopsy done doesn't mean you have cancer. It means you have diseased cells that need to be removed so they can be examined. More times than not, the test will come back negative for invasive cancer. Sometimes they come back positive. I will believe with you that you don't have cancer, as you probably don't.

A quote from WebMD "The cone biopsy may remove all of the abnormal tissue. This would mean that no further treatment is needed other than follow-up Pap tests.

The edges of the cervical tissue removed by a cone biopsy may contain abnormal cells, meaning that abnormal tissue may be left in the cervix. The cone biopsy may be repeated to remove the remaining abnormal cells. If follow-up tests show normal cells, then no further treatment may be needed. If abnormal cells remain, you and your health professional may discuss other treatments, such as removal of the uterus (hysterectomy).

The cone biopsy may show cancer that has grown deep into the cervical tissue (cervical cancer). Further treatment, such as surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy, will be recommended."

If I could turn back time I would have had a cone biopsy done. I was very uneducated when my pap came back bad and why my colposcopy results indicated Carcinoma in Situ. My ob/gyn neglected to do a cone biopsy and went straight for a total hysterectomy. I was scared and trusted he knew what he was doing since he was the expert. He promised me I didn't have cancer, but this was the thing to do. Pathology reports after my hysterectomy showed I had invasive cancer...stage 1b cervical cancer. If I had had a cone biopsy done it would have showed this and a radical hysterectomy would have been the course of treatment considering the size of the tumor vs the total I had. Because my ob/gyn jumped the gun in thinking I didn't have cancer I now have a lower cure rate and had to endure other forms of treatment I would not have needed had he followed protocol and done the cone biopsy.

I've said all this to say....THANK GOD YOU ARE HAVING A CONE BIOPSY DONE! Your doctor is not just assuming you don't have cancer. You probably don't have cancer, but he is doing the right thing. Most tests results are back within one week, but this varies with each laboratory processing the biopsies. Just ask your doc how long it will take to get the test results back.

Again, you probably don't have cancer :) but be happy your doctors are doing all the tests needed to determine this. They are not taking any chances and this is a good thing. I too was afraid of having paps done for fear they would find something wrong. I went 8 years without one....and they did find something wrong. Never again will I go without the tests I need to stay healthy. Don't fear the cone biopsy...embrace it...it can save your life.

I'm so sorry you are going through this, but know you are not alone. There are so many wonderful ladies here who have been through the same and more. I stress the word "through". They have or are going through it. They are not staying there, but passing through. Try to focus on all the good things around you. When all of those negative thoughts come....keep telling them leave. It's normal to be a little scared about this, but don't let that fear take control...you control it!

Ok....please be sure to let us know what your cone biopsy results are.

Be blessed!

Tavy

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• By Sandra1970
• Posted December 1, 2008 at 5:46 pm
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Hi, I had a laser cone biopsy last Tuesday. It wasn't that bad. My results will be in sometime this week. I worried for nothing. The procedure was over before I knew it. The first night I took 4 advil for the cramps. I haven't really felt any since. Sometimes I get a little achey if I try to do a little to much. I definitely would recommend taking the next day off to rest. Good luck.

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• By flowershoplady
• Posted December 1, 2008 at 6:23 pm
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bender, i'm glad to hear that you went to the doctor and you're taking care of your health! tavy did a great job in her posting explaining what a cone biopsy is all about. i would also encourage you to ask your doctor to explain more to you, to tell him/her that you want to understand what's going on with your health and what he's recommending and doing. talk with him before the surgery if that would make you feel more comfortable. you are important and deserve the best! usually biopsy results take 2 to 3 business days to come back, and that's something you can ask about as well. if you have other questions, please let us know! you're not alone.....sending gentle hugs...

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• By bender
• Posted December 2, 2008 at 1:47 am
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I am having a EKG done, a chest x-ray done and labs done Wednesday. I am going to see my ob on Thursday, for any questions or concerns I may have and so he can explain what is being done. I am just not sure of what questions I should ask.

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• By bender
• Posted December 2, 2008 at 1:49 am
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Thank you so much for your reply, although I am still very worried about Friday. Still not sure what questions I should ask.
I am having a EKG, chest x-ray and labs done on Wednesday. Is this also normal?

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• By Tavy
• Posted December 2, 2008 at 6:42 am
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A cone biopsy is a surgical procedure, so yes it's normal to have tests before it is done. Sounds to me like you have a good doctor who is on top of things. Of course you are worried about Friday. Anyone would be, but all we can do is share our experiences and let you know that we made it through and so will you. Bender, I still get scared. Sometimes I lay awake at night and get really scared when I think it may come back. Sometimes I don't sleep the entire night, so yes I understand your fears, and so do many of the other ladies here.

I would suggest getting a note pad and pencil out right now. If a question pops in your mind...write it down. Make sure you take this with you before your procedure. It will help you to stay organized and on track when you talk with your Doctor. What to ask...well I would share with him all about the anxiety your are having over the cone biopsy to start. Ask him how long it takes to get the results. If other questions come up, write them down.

Again, sending hugs your way!

Tavy

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• By bethieboo
• Posted December 2, 2008 at 9:48 am
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My second cone biopsy is next Friday... it's much easier than the colposcopy, punch biopsy and EEC. You are under so you feel nothing and the recovery is a breeze. I had clean margins after my first cone but on my 3rd and 6th month check ups the dysplacia was back and I still tested positive for hpv so they are going to try another cone.
Try not to worry to much - if you are told you have clean margins then in most cases your body will kick in and produce healthy cells. The cone has very high sucess rates....
I will say a prayer for you. Good luck and keep us posted with your recovery and your results!! :)

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• By flowershoplady
• Posted December 2, 2008 at 10:01 am
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questions to ask? i would suggest you ask for a copy of your medical records, ask what the results of the pap tests were, the biopsies, the hpv tests, whether they correspond. ask what the doctor will be doing during the surgery, how much cervical tissue will be removed, ask risks and concerns, why he's suggested a cone vs other procedures (such as a leep). ask your recommended follow up. ask if he recommends a gynecologic oncologist for your situation.

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