So since this whole thing about HPV came up, I've been researching like a maniac. I keep finding things about how it's pretty unlikely that my husband's BOT (base of tongue) cancer is NOT HPV related even though his test came back negative, and especially since it came back negative in a swish test which is considered to be pretty unreliable. So that puts us back to square one. Does he have it? Does he not? How does this effect me in the long run? Am I at a higher risk for cervical cancer now because of this? The more I find out, the more questions I have. I have an appointment with my GYN next week to have my regular PAP test, but I will also be insisting on an HPV test at the same time. This seems to be the best course of action at this time.
My husband's oncologist basically suggested to him that we just "stay off the internet," because it creates more stress and confusion and fear than it alleviates. And as much as I'm in the "knowledge is power" camp, I'm not at all sure he's wrong.
Showing posts with label HPV. Show all posts
Showing posts with label HPV. Show all posts
Monday, March 4, 2013
Monday, February 25, 2013
Good news and bad news...
Since my hubby was diagnosed with stage 3 oral cancer in the base of his tongue, I've been a researching fool. One of the things I found out was that his cancer is often related to being HPV positive (in addition to smoking and heavy alcohol usage) , and since that is the most common sexually transmitted disease, it's a good idea to find out if the cancer is related to HPV to avoid spreading it, and also, so if he was positive, I could make sure to get my PAP tests done regularly and not put off looking into any weird neck swelling.
While the treatments for HPV+ oral cancers and HPV- oral cancers are the same, they are considered to be much more effective on the positive kinds. Well, Wayne had the test last week, and his results came back negative. On the one hand, this is good news because it means that I have not been exposed, so I don't have the additional risk factor of HPV+ for oral and cervical cancers. This is a relief. The bad news is that there really is no reason at all for him to have gotten this cancer! He's a non-smoker. He's a rare social drinker. He is completely not in any risk group for oral cancer. So why does he have it?? And now it's the kind that is less likely to respond to treatment. I really hate things that don't make any sense.
While the treatments for HPV+ oral cancers and HPV- oral cancers are the same, they are considered to be much more effective on the positive kinds. Well, Wayne had the test last week, and his results came back negative. On the one hand, this is good news because it means that I have not been exposed, so I don't have the additional risk factor of HPV+ for oral and cervical cancers. This is a relief. The bad news is that there really is no reason at all for him to have gotten this cancer! He's a non-smoker. He's a rare social drinker. He is completely not in any risk group for oral cancer. So why does he have it?? And now it's the kind that is less likely to respond to treatment. I really hate things that don't make any sense.
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