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Thank you all very much for the kind words, thoughts and prayers, especially those of you that have also been affected by this horrible disease.
We're very fortunate that the cancer was detected somewhat early. She had an abnormal pap in August 2011 and a follow-up test was scheduled for December 2011 but she became pregnant with our second child. She had an abnormal pap in October 2012, which was followed by another abnormal in January 2013, which is when we learned of the cancer.
Because her cervical cancer was caused by the Human Papillomavirus, there's only a 2% chance that it will return within five years. She had a radical hysterectomy but fortunately, the surgery was done laparascopically, so the healing time is much less than other methods. Since the cancer was found early and did not spread, there is no chance of it affecting her internal organs. However, the virus does still exist in her body, so there is a chance of return (and even possible breast cancer).
As a PSA, I urge everyone with daughters to have them vaccinated. The HPV virus is deadly and has been around for thousands of years. The vaccination can be given to girls beginning at age eleven and will prevent them from cervical, breast and tongue cancer. This virus was initially thought to be sexually transmitted only but recent studies say that it can be transferred via skin to skin contact. So Dads out there, take care of your girls and get them vaccinated ASAP!
Thanks again!
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