Pap Smears Save Lives

[Erby]

There's not many women here, but most of us do have signifiant others to share this with.

OK, it's a LOT more personal than I normally get but if it encourages just one of your significant others, it's worth it.

Don't ask about the medical terms. I don't know. Ask your doctor.

For years, my wife Joan has had annual pap smears, complaining each and every year that it was "that time" again.

In September, the results came back with pre-cancerous cells. Worry, frustration, stress, etc, immediately barged into our lives and hit us upside the head.

A couple of weeks ago, she had a complete hysterectomy. A quick microscopic check during the surgery yielded cancer cells, so the doctor also did a "lymph node dissection" to check if it had spread further.

A few days ago, we received the biopsy results. There was cancer in the uterus, but no sign that it had spread. The doctor is confident that it was caught in time to prevent spreading.

Many years ago, at the relatively young age of 62, my mother died of ovarian cancer that wasn't discovered until a couple of weeks before her death. It had spread way too far too do anything about it. She didn't get regular checkups. I don't even know if tests were available back in the early 90's. Would it have helped? I don't know.

But I know pap smears helped my wife extend her life and our happiness.

Joan is now home and almost ready to resume normal activities for which I am extremely grateful. Thank you to all all those who knew and were praying for us. We appreciate it.

GET YOUR ANNUAL PAP SMEARS.

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[Scottpat]

Erby, Thank You for sharing this personal experience that Joan and you had. I hope that it will make folks realize that although some testing for cancer may be uncomfortable for a short time, it can say a life.

We had a similar experience back in August around our home......

[Les]

Erby,

Thanks for the courage to share this info!

Tell Joan, me and my family have her in our prayers.

My daughter-in-law gets another round of chemo today that will save her life. It all started with a pap smear couple of months ago. She is 42.

[Nolan Kienitz]

Erby,

My wife and I have you, Joan and your family in our prayers.

Thanks for sharing and re-inforcing the message of needed testing.

[charlieb]

You are a blessed man

James 5:16

[hausdok]

Hi Erby,

Thanks for sharing; I know how tough that is to do - my little sister died of lung cancer and pancreatic cancer took my Dad. Best wishes to you both and a sincere hope that you and Joan will enjoy each others' company and thoughts for many more decades to come.

Tell Joan I thank her for letting you be such an integral part of the TIJ family. []

ONE TEAM - ONE FIGHT!!!

Mike

[Jim Morrison]

Good on ya, Erby, for sharing that. I'm glad things are looking up and wish you all the best!

[randynavarro]

Bravo Erby.

Thank you for sharing. I'm happy for you that all has worked out.

To quote some unknown Hispanic/Latino brother, "Viva la vida!"

And by the way, don't let Joan share the burden. Get your prostate checked. . . now!