Cervical Cancer Center

Question: I have Cervical Cancer (stage 1B2), is there anything over the counter I can take for a Yeast Infection? The RN at the Cancer Care Center recommended Monistat Uristat, however the stores around me do not have Uristat which are tablets. The do have other Monistat products with creams and such but I really don't know if I should be inserting anything at all...

Answer: Lets see: You are under the care of a RN and probably a couple of other doctors, and you want to ask for free advice from a bunch of strangers? You want us to say "Well the RN said use pills, but the cream probably will not cause you to swell up like a balloon!" At least call the local pharmacy. Tell them the RN said use Monistat pills, and what is the availability. They will probably tell you they are in section 12, not the section that you where looking in - or that they can special order it from another branch, and have it in stock by 10 am. They normally get drug deliveries daily, sometimes several times a day. The pharmacy is also trained to look for medicine in-capabilities. They get much more training than a RN, and might suggest something that will work as well, and have a computer that can look up your prescription drugs and what is best for this case. Did they check for other things? Like could you have a yeast infection because of high levels of sugars - possible if you are starting to suffer from diabetes. Have you ever had your blood sugar levels checked? Just wondering. Good Luck with both problems.

Question: I'm getting my Cervical Cancer jab tomorrow.. How big is the needle? I'm abit worried.. but not to bad. I had my BCG two years ago which was fine, the needle was reallly small! Although ive been watching videos of the cervical cancer jab and the needle looks HUGE! How big is it.. center meter wise? x

Answer: well firstly, why would you watch a video of it if you are scared? i have had two of the injections, the first one hurt, the second one didnt, but the needle is small, so just be brave, its about 4 cm, but you can't feel it, its just a prick then a bit strange, then its done. you will be glad when you have had it done. i know wich i would rather have out of cervical cancer and a small jab goodluck =]

Question: My little sis has cancer and I want to tell her but I can't......HELP???? We've been waiting for the results from my little 21 yr old sister's biopsy. The doctor has finally told my mom that she has cervical cancer but they don't want to tell her yet (My mom works at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center where the biopsy was done, so she has direct contact with my sister's doctors) The mom say's the doctor has to be the one to tell her and give her all the medical mumbo jumbo, but they won't tell her for another 2 weeks!!!!! My sis and I are extremely close! we have NEVER kept anything from each other NEVER!!!!!!! So it's so hard for me to keep this secret.....My mom say's it's because it's because she has to live a normal life and not stress out until the doctors know what the next step is supposed to be. I feel as though I'm keeping something from her that she really wants to know, she told me she has the feeling that something is wrong cuz she hasn't been told ANYTHING about the biopsy yet. (she is 21 but still very sheltered and juvenile) I know that telling her would only make her worry and I'm willing to hurt for her (by keeping this secret) so that she can go on with her carefree life for now before she worries about this cancer.....is this the right thing to do???

Answer: Why would your mother have told you this information when she knows your so close and later if your sister finds out you knew two weeks before she did I think she would be upset. I have cancer and would be furious if I was not told about it as soon as possible. I also shocked they would make her wait two weeks before telling her, my doctor received the biopsy report and called me immediately to come in. Talk to your mother and ask her why she had to tell something like this with out giving you the go ahead to tell your sister. It's wrong to hold back information. Once I was diagnosed the surgury and treatment started so fast I really felt that things were moving so quickly and I just went along with everything the Doctors said, now I'm sick with chemo and I wish I had more information because there is nothing worse than not having enought time to learn about your own disease and how you want to deal with it. Good luck and my heart is breaking for your whole family. I would tell.

Question: had a colcoscopy for cervical cancer last week.? am bad with the bleeding and stomache cramping. its waking me up at night with the pain. have been in touch with my doctor who quite frankly dont think she gives a s**t. i have to have another operation in 3 weeks time as the biospsy confirmed i needed more treatment. its so doing my bloody head in. nobody at my health center seems to be able to give me any advice to at least to try and give me some kind of peace of mind. instead ive been put on sleeping tablets???. am so confused and feel like there is something that they just arnt telling me. can any one give any friendly advice please. am going out of my mind with worry. no nasty sarcastic jokes please,cancer is not funny.

Answer: That nurse has a terrible attitude problem and you should complain about her conduct..having what you have had in very invasive and you should be getting a lot of support,go to your docotrs today and demand painkillers..beofre this proceedure they should of informed you of the side effects and taken more care of your emontional well-being..for the tension side try "valarian"tables from the chemist..you also ned to talk to a friend or relative and have a good cry sometimes.I remeber i had an "internal"scan when i was expecting my last child..i found it so disturbing i was phyiscaly sick afterwards..and you are going through much more than what i went through. take care dear...here if you wish to talk! Janine.

Question: I'm worried that my friend has cervical cancer.? Basically she told me it hurts when she has sex which is one of the signs. She went to the walk in center to get a check up and see if she had gonoreah or thrush and they said she didn't but couldn't tell her what the problem was. Its been 6 months since it started hurting and she has stopped have sex. Surely after 6 months there would be other signs such as bleeding? Shes only 17. please help...?

Answer: A doctor is the only one who can help, not us.

Question: How do you feel about the HPV Vaccine? Some people think it is a great way to help prevent getting some forms of cervical cancer and it is a health concern that people should take seriously (4000 women will die from cervical cancer this year -- taken from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention). But some people feel that it will provoke sexual activity with teens. Also, some people are afraid of what the long term effects may be if there are any. In the magazine "First--For women On The Go", one woman from Florida stated in a poll that "it wouldn't encourage sexual activity any more than a tetanus shot encourages kids to step on rusty nails" (June 18, 2007 issue, Page 6). What are your thoughts and opinions?

Answer: I don't think it will encourage young people to have sex anymore than they normally would. HPV isn't the only STD out there, not to mention pregnancy. Most teens are going to have sex, regardless of all the warnings about STDs and pregnancy. I think the vaccine is great! However, I'm a little concerned about the long term side effects. I'm planning on getting the vaccine myself (even though I know it won't cure my HPV), but I'd like to see how some people react to it long term. I personally contracted HPV right after I turned 17. I developed cervical cancer and genital warts from it. I wouldn't wish cervical cancer on ANYONE! It was one of the most painful and emotional times of my life. My parents were absolutely devastated, seeing how I am their only girl. And, now that there is a vaccine to prevent it, then why not get it? It can prevent developing cervical cancer and possibly dying from it! Not to mention, it can prevent genital warts too.

Question: Has anyone ever had cervical displasia? Or known anyone that had it? Details...? I had my son in January of 2007. At my 6 week checkup they found the cervical displasia so they sent me to the cancer center. I went and they sprayed vinegar to look and did a biopsy. I got a letter saying that they found something and that I needed to go back in April of 2007. Well I never went back, I still havent went back. a year later. Well im finally going back tomorrow, and im really nervous and scared! Has this ever happened to anyone else? I know I should have taken care of this a long time ago, but truth be told, I was scared to go back. I still am.

Answer: Jessy, I had an abnormal pap smear several years ago. A follow-up check ruled out cervical dysplasia. I remember feeling very scared also and very relieved to know that it was nothing. Yes, you are right that you should have taken care of this before now - fear can have a paralyzing effect on people sometimes; but I am glad that you are finally going to follow-up. You have a son that needs you so you must do what you have to do to be there for him. I wish you the best.

Question: If you had the power to cure all sexually transmitted diseases, who you do it? Consider this quote: …the Christian Right is distorting the government’s relationship to science. One example is that we now have a vaccine for the sexually transmitted human papillomavirus, which causes cervical cancer, of which 5000 women die every year in the US. The vaccine, which can be given to girls at age 11 or 12, is safe and effective. Yet evangelical Christians at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention – political appointees – have argued that we should not use this vaccine, because it will remove one of the natural deterrents to premarital sex. Reginald Finger, who’s on the immunization advisory committee of the CDC, has said that even if we had a vaccine against HIV, he would have to think long and hard about whether to use it, because it might encourage premarital sex. If you worked at the CDC, would you promote the vaccines? Suppose we had cures for ALL STDs, as well as safe, reliable birth control. Would this change your views on premarital sex? The quote is from an interview with philosopher Sam Harris in the September 2006 issue of The Sun. He made this statement while referring to an article by Michael Specter in the New Yorker. Link to the New Yorker article by Michael Specter: http://www.michaelspecter.com/ny/2006/2006_03_13_bush.html Ooopsss...the "who" in my question was supposed to be "would" so it should have read: If you had the power to cure all sexually transmitted diseases, would you do it? Ebemdpa: Your response reminds me of a joke I once heard. A town was flooding and trucks arrived to help people evacuate. One family refused to leave, saying that God would help them. As the flood waters rose higher and higher, the family climbed up on their roof and prayed for God to save them. A coast guard boat arrived. The family refused their help, saying that they had faith that God would save them. The flood waters kept rising and soon a helicopter arrived and lowered a ladder, but the family refused to climb because they were still convinced that God would save them. Eventually they drowned and went to heaven. They were curious and asked God: Our heavenly Father, why did you forsake us? We prayed and prayed, but you let us drown. God shrugged His shoulders and said: “I sent a truck, a boat, and a helicopter. What more do you want?�

Answer: I am a strong proponent of giving people the choice to have open, healthy sexual relationships, and therefore I believe that making both the vaccinations and birth control available is an important step towards a more healthy societal attitude towards sex and sexuality. The "economics of scarcity" that surround sex are, imnsho, completely unhealthy and ridiculous.

Question: I recently had a PET scan and my first radiation treatment and have a question about side effects. Help? After my first treatment I got very nauseated and I could tell that my mouth was effected. Food tasted different and the center of my toungue could not taste anything. Also, my inside of my cheeks feel "thicker" and numb. My hair on my head has also began to fall out just a little. I had radiation to the pelvic area for uterine / cervical cancer and was told that I shouldn't have side effects anywhere other than the treatment area and most of the side effects would not occur until about the third week of treatment. I had a PET scan two days prior to the first radiation treatment. Could it be possible that the radioactive dye caused these symptoms or that the treatment was worse due to the residual of the dye? The cancer center is closed during the holidays so I thought I would try to get answers here. Thanks in advance. I did not have chemo. I drink very little (maybe at the most 24 ounces per day.)

Answer: I doubt the PET had anything to do with it. Most people do experience these symptoms a couple weeks after first treatment, but it varies from person to person. Even though only your pelvic area is being raidiated, it is effecting the rest of your body. The hair loss, nausea, and mouth issues are common. You should already be on anti nausua meds, if not, get a hold of the oncall doc and get an rx for some. An antacid will also help. For your mouth, you need to use saline mouth wash (you can mix your own salt and water if you want, warm water is better), and brush with an extremly soft tooth brush (my experience is that you cant find as soft as you need in reg stores... may need to ask your pharmacy or treatment center). You can also get an rx called magic mouthwash. It is medicated to keep any sores from getting infected and has lidocaine to help with any pain. The radiation messes with the saliva, which is why your checks feel thicker and numb. As far as taste goes... eat things with a strong taste, use plastic utensils instead of metal. Suck on hard candy.

Question: Do I have a good chance of getting into UCLA, UC Berkeley, UCSD, or Stanford (magically)? I'm graduating next year (2010), and I just want to know how good my chances are. Thank you! - 4.0 GPA weighted (10th and 11th grade average) ; 2350 on SAT; 760 on Chemistry Subject Test and 750 on Math 2 Subject Test - IB Diploma Candidate - Junior Year Schedule: AP Literature and Composition, AP US History, Physics IB/Honors, Pre Calculus IB/Honors, French 4 AP/IB, Advanced Orchestra - Senior Year Schedule: Calculus AB/AP, AP Biology, Humanities Block (English 4 IB HL, Theory of Knowledge, History of the Americas IB HL), Psychology AP/IB, French 5 AP, Advanced Orchestra Clubs - National Honor Society (NHS) - California Scholarship Federation (CSF): will be the Senior Representative next year - Key Club - Chipko Environmental Club - French Honors Society (SHF) - creator of Extra Hands for ALS (a disease in which patients are paralyzed and slowly deteriorate and die; we visit patients and help them with everyday activities) and thinkPINKkids (to advocate the harmful effects of breast cancer) - French Club (Officer of Publicity of the 2008-2009 school year) - Orange County Academic Decathalon (OCAD) - Advanced Orchestra (Head Chair (leader) of the 2nd violin section) Extracurricular Activities - Indian and Western Violin: take private lessons; been learning for 8 years - South Indian Classical Vocal Music: take private lessons; been learning for twelve years; have performed in many music festivals and recitals - Volunteer at the SMMC hospital in the Oncology Dept. and the gift shop: total of 100 hours so far - Volunteer at an American Cancer Society center in Santa Ana. I work with patients, to make sure that all their needs are being fulfilled. Fellowships etc. - I have been accepted into American Cancer Society/Beckman Coulter/UC Irvine's Youth Science Fellowship Program (aka Cancer Research Program) during 2009 summer: 6 weeks, 5 days a week, 6 hours a day of researching cancer. I was one of the 20 who got in out of the 200 who applied. I will enter my findings into the Siemens Westinghouse Competition. Along with the other PhD researchers, I helped develop and HPV DNA chip, to advance in genotyping HPV strains. I'm working with HPV and cervical cancer. - Got accepted into Stanford University's Summer College Program - I'm a good writer, so I'm not really scared about the application essay. I want to major in medicine--either pediatrics or oncology. I feel like my GPA is holding me back since it is a 4.0 weighed. UCLA has been my dream school for quite awhile now, but we'll see what happens. Let me know what you think! Thank you!

Answer: Since it sounds like you are a Californian, you should have a very good chance at the UC schools.

Question: do I have a good chance of getting into UCLA, UC Berkeley, UCSD, or Stanford? I'm graduating next year (2010), and I just want to know how good my chances are. Thank you! - 4.0 GPA weighted (10th and 11th grade average) ; 2350 on SAT; 760 on Chemistry Subject Test and 750 on Math 2 Subject Test - IB Diploma Candidate - Junior Year Schedule: AP Literature and Composition, AP US History, Physics IB/Honors, Pre Calculus IB/Honors, French 4 AP/IB, Advanced Orchestra - Senior Year Schedule: Calculus AB/AP, AP Biology, Humanities Block (English 4 IB HL, Theory of Knowledge, History of the Americas IB HL), Psychology AP/IB, French 5 AP, Advanced Orchestra Clubs - National Honor Society (NHS) - California Scholarship Federation (CSF): will be the Senior Representative next year - Key Club - Chipko Environmental Club - French Honors Society (SHF) - creator of Extra Hands for ALS (a disease in which patients are paralyzed and slowly deteriorate and die; we visit patients and help them with everyday activities) and thinkPINKkids (to advocate the harmful effects of breast cancer) - French Club (Officer of Publicity of the 2008-2009 school year) - Orange County Academic Decathalon (OCAD) - Advanced Orchestra (Head Chair (leader) of the 2nd violin section) Extracurricular Activities - Indian and Western Violin: take private lessons; been learning for 8 years - South Indian Classical Vocal Music: take private lessons; been learning for twelve years; have performed in many music festivals and recitals - Volunteer at the SMMC hospital in the Oncology Dept. and the gift shop: total of 100 hours so far - Volunteer at an American Cancer Society center in Santa Ana. I work with patients, to make sure that all their needs are being fulfilled. Fellowships etc. - I have been accepted into American Cancer Society/Beckman Coulter/UC Irvine's Youth Science Fellowship Program (aka Cancer Research Program) during 2009 summer: 6 weeks, 5 days a week, 6 hours a day of researching cancer. I was one of the 20 who got in out of the 200 who applied. I will enter my findings into the Siemens Westinghouse Competition. Along with the other PhD researchers, I helped develop and HPV DNA chip, to advance in genotyping HPV strains. I'm working with HPV and cervical cancer. - Got accepted into Stanford University's Summer College Program - I'm a good writer, so I'm not really scared about the application essay. I want to major in medicine--either pediatrics or oncology. I feel like my GPA is holding me back since it is a 4.0 weighed. UCLA has been my dream school for quite awhile now, but we'll see what happens. Let me know what you think! Thank you!

Answer: well, WOW :p I think that you can get into UCLA :D just focus on your grades and have faith in yourself.. good luck

Question: Are Conservatives Winning In Their War On Science? Blocking the teaching of evolution, standing against stem cell research, censoring scientists, even trying to block the release of a vacination for cervical cancer and pushing for the teaching that the earth is the center of the universe around which the universe revolves. Are they winning? and if they win, how long will this dark age last?

Answer: No, they're only paving the road of their children to a life of ignorance, intolerance, and hatred for others. Sweet, huh?

Question: Will HPV Vaccine work for males? I understand most of the news is centered around prevention of cervical cancer in females. But suppose I have a girlfriend already infected with the HPV virus... if we were to marry someday, am I doomed to contract this disease or can this vaccine protect me?

Answer: The vaccine, Gardasil, is mainly for women between the ages of 9-26. They are trying to get it approved for men. Make sure to use condoms. Preferrably, latex b/c lambskin is to porous. You can contract HPV from your girlfriend. But it depends on the type of HPV that she has. If it is just the type that causes warts on the hands no problem. But if it is the type that causes genital warts be aware. Make sure that she gets the vaccine, use condom, antibotics for the genital warts, and look into preventives for you.

Question: Chemo, blood issues and Hospice Care? I've posted some questions concerning my mother in law and her aggressive stage IV cervical cancer. She was given the option to seek Hospice care, or receive palliative chemo. She had opted for the chemo and received her first (out of three) dose three weeks ago. Obviously she had some pretty bad side effects and the doctor cancelled her next treatment because her blood isn't right, and they keep having to give her blood. I'm not quite sure if her blood will ever be stable enough to receive another dose of chemo, nor if the doctor is crazy about attempting any more chemo treatments. In the meantime, she is thinking of moving into a palliative (Hospice) center soon. I've looked into how it works, but my question is, is that if her blood continues to not be right, I know Hospice offers comfort and pain management, but not any agressive life saving techniques, but would they be able to give her blood when needed? I wasn't sure what they were prepared to deal with or not. Well, I just found out from someone that works there that no, they don't do that. I felt funny calling because it's not really my place but I worry and try to get all the info I can. I'll give the best answer when the times up, thank you all.

Answer: Those are questions you will want to ask her new doctors. At the facility my dad is at, they do not give treatment. They are basically a place that sits their and watches you. Like a day care of adults. Very very sad. The place also was not in the greatest condition. But then again my dad did not have insurance and it was paid for by medicare. So he was not getting a fancy place. The home he was also in does not hook you up to any machines at all. No breathing tubes, no heart monitor. Basically, they just make you comfortable. Give you some meds and put you on a bed infront of a TV. I am really sorry to tell you this but it sounds like you are getting down to the end of the line. I really wish you the best and I hope your mother turns around and the cancer subsides.

Question: I tried to warn people about the HPV vaccination last year but did they listen? http://www.nvic.org/PressReleases/pr62706gardasil.htm " The National Vaccine Information Center (NVIC) is calling on the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) to just say "no" on June 29 to recommending "universal use" of Merck's Gardasil vaccine in all pre-adolescent girls. NVIC maintains that Merck's clinical trials did not prove the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine designed to prevent cervical cancer and genital warts is safe to give to young girls" I was in this section last year stating these things but all I did was get a bunch of people attacking me, saying I was looney and lo and behold my word was true all along. lol. What are your thoughts on this? Have you gotten the vaccination or has your child? My doc tried to get me to take it but I refused. Good thing I did that...

Answer: I also was suspicious of the vaccine, and chose not to give it to my daughter. I am glad that nobody tried to make it a mandatory vaccine. Drug companies will come up with anything to get more money, and our reps are working for them. It's up to us to decide what is best for our children, and ourselves. We can't rely on Doctors to give us the best treatment anymore, without researching it first. Good thing you refused too.

Question: FORCING women to take Gardasil? For females immigrating to the U.S. who are between the ages of 11 and 26, the addition of Gardasil to the list of required vaccines may be of some concern. The vaccine prevents the sexually transmitted human papillomavirus (HPV) and helps protect girls from cervical cancer and genital warts. In the U.S., Gardasil has been at the center of controversy because it is given at such a young age (the vaccine works best before girls are sexually active) and has shown serious adverse affects. If you have not yet immigrated to the U.S., you may be unaware of the controversy surrounding the Gardasil vaccine. Young women and family members with school-age girls who are pursuing an immigrant visa may want to learn more about the debate over Gardasil before attending an immigration medical exam. The 3-shot Gardasil series can cost between $300 and $1,400. http://www.newsinferno.com/archives/3927 Doesn't this just deter legal immigration? I mean there is no way in HELL I would force my 11 year old daughter if I had one to get such a new and expensive shot when US citizens aren't even forced to not to mention the shot is new. This seriously disgusts me. Not to mention if you are allergic to the ingredients you're messed up. Oh and apparently FAINTING is a common side effect! I know one of the ingredients sodium borate is used for roach killer. IT IS THE ONLY SHOT ON THE US MARKET WITH THIS INGREDIENT! This is dangerous, unnecessary and disgusting. My friend had cervical cancer but until there is more studies and the fact that this has been linked to spontaneous abortions, sterility, deaths, CBS I do not feel it should be forced on anyone and no until a drug has been on the market long enough I would not trust it. Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request on May 9, 2007, and received 1,637 adverse event reports on May 15, 2007. These reports are submitted to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) and used by the FDA to monitor the safety of vaccines. On August 20, 2007 Judicial Watch filed a request for updated adverse event reports and received 1,824 reports on September, 13 2007. Judicial Watch then filed a complaint against the FDA on October 3, 2007 for failing to fully respond to the May 9, 2007 FOIA request. http://www.judicialwatch.org/documents/2008/JWReportFDAhpvVaccineRecords.pdf No sweetie I am not illiterate I do know that sodium borate "is now known to be a dangerous poison, it is no longer commonly used in medical preparations," according to a 2005 listing at The National Library of Medicine (NLM) of the National Institutes of Health. The US stopped using it but uses it in gardasil as well as aluminium instead of saline because it uses virus particles instead of dead virus particles. Either way it does help the vaccine but the ingredients are well less to be desired I'm already a citizen. I am asking if this deters legal immigration. Think about it US citizens aren't forced to take this med, its not contagious, no one knows how long you are protected, it has health problems and it is expensive. If anything people might smuggle kids in. Also discriminatory because it only targets women

Answer: I have encouraged my daughters not to have this done. My reasons are 1/ There has not enough testing of the long term effects and look at what happened with thalidomide and the pill. 2/ Some girls are getting a false sense of security and they think this will protect them against all STI's. There is not enough information and education being given around this. 3/ If they are taught to practice safe sex and use precautions they will not have to worry about human papilloma either. I think this should be the choice of the girls.