Two weeks ago, I underwent a procedure called, LEEP (Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure), where sections of the cervix are cut and burned in order to remove precancerous cells. I did not even know this procedure existed before learning of my dysplasia (abnormal cells) on my cervix. Had I not done this procedure, had I waited or even disregarded the abnormal pap results as inconsequential, these abnormal cells could have become tumors.
The procedure was painless, I was awake, and not at all sleepy. The doctor injected a anesthetic solution, lidocaine, into my cervix and then with a tool which looked a bit like a loop, sliced and burned the cervix. I could only feel a slight pinching discomfort but I could smell burning, much like it smells at a dentist’s office during a root canal.
Afterwards when the medication wore off, my cervix and body was still surprisingly, comfortable and pain-free. I also had a sense of great relief and calmness.
A few days ago, I went back to my doctor and got the lab results from all the tissue that was removed. It seemed to be that half of the tissue sent in were totally negative of dysplasia while the other half did have stage 1-3 precancerous cells and the doctor seemed quite certain that she removed it all, even though it went to the edges of the cervix, she burned that part and so determined that they should be all gone. The real certainty, though, will come when I have three pap smears that all come back normal. So, it will be a course of a year and a half to find out for certain. Despite that, it has given me a lot of relief and security in my future.
I want to take a moment to, once again, recommend to all my lady friends, be kind to your body, and get regular paps and regular well-woman care. I know it’s a pain in the butt to be a woman, our bodies can be a struggle, annoying, and a lot of work to put up with, but, we are women and we deal with it. Our struggles make us stronger. We can motivate other women and girls to be the best they can be, and set examples that help other women and girls to strive to do what they want to do in life. But, first thing’s first: We must take care of ourselves. This means nutrition, exercise, and regular care for body, mind and spirit.
I read about a woman who beat cancer even though she had a large tumor in her throat. She recommended these things:
- Read the book and do the food and vitamin program in it: Cancer-Free: Your Guide to Gentle, Non-toxic Healing. By Bill Henderson and Dr Garcia.
- Drink Kangen Water
- Replace any mercury fillings in your teeth with composite fillings
- Get regular sleep and enough of it, at least eight hours nightly
- Regular exercise
- Reduce your stress
Just as an aside, when I asked my doctor about nutrition and we talked about meat being acidic, she suggested, that I don’t need meat for protein and that it’s false that we need animal protein at all. So, I am reducing that, as well.
I hope this has given you enough information about LEEP and care of your body to help if you are ever in need. But, if you have questions, please feel free to comment or find me on Facebook or Twitter and ask.
Love,
Aleisha