So it's V-J Day here in Rhode Island.

[Suu]

We're the last state that celebrates the bombing of Japan in World War II. This doesn't bother me too much, being the history nut that I am, but the state has already said they will remain the solitary hold-out for this remembrance day. That, and most of the state loves having a day off. That and they REALLY hate changing laws, because shit like this always has to go through a public vote. This is why we are still "The State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations" who celebrate Victory-Over-Japan Day and just changed the name of a one-door public office in the city of Providence to add another word. Or something.

Today is also my last biopsy of this schedule after my battle with cervical cancer that started 2 years ago. My first normal pap and biopsy appeared in January, so as long as this one bodes good news in a week or 2, I'm clear, and I've beaten the fucker.

Of all cancers to have, this is the easiest one to beat, but it's certainly not /easy/ to deal with. I'm pretty sure that my stress levels were overly effected, and that I lost brain cells, having to mull over the fact that even though I was not going to die, and that I was not going to lose my hair or suffer the ill effects of "traditional" cancer treatments, I had cancer. I had an oncologist. I had labs and biopsies. I had a constant pit of fear working it's way into my emotions and my activities of every day life. I had to tell people, not just parents, but also boyfriends. I could lose my cervix, they weren't going to be able to have sex as often as they wanted....They would have to help me through this bullshit. Only one turned their tail and ran. The others were nothing short of supportive.

I suddenly had a network of family and friends willing to drop everything to make sure I would be okay, because I mentioned an evil word that started with a C. I kinda wish that network had been there for less life-threatening words, like divorce, or miscarriage, but I understood the connotations of the word, and how people are so driven by our modern culture to band together to fight this killer C-word, even if mine was going to potentially go away on it's own, because a woman's body is a fighter. Especially down in those parts. Nothing gets in or gets out without the password, it seems. This HPV infection didn't have the password and decided to take it up with the bouncer. The bouncer couldn't get him out of the doorway on his own, so I had to enlist help.

It was Planned Parenthood that found this and more than likely saved my cervix from utter destruction. I'm not planning on having children, so it's loss wouldn't be too bad for me, but this is when the post turns from being about me to being about them. This organization saved me, and it saves thousands if not millions of other women yearly. I went there because I was running behind on my annual exams, and they found something that was off. All I wanted was birth control pills, and I left with an irregular pap. They never gave me an abortion, or a bag full of condoms, they provided a service and a series of subsequent services I NEEDED FOR MY HEALTH. That day they called me in to discuss what they had found after the first biopsy, I had a doctor, a NP, an oncologist, and a peer volunteer councilor holding a box of tissues to make sure I didn't lose my shit. I did loose it, and she was there to make sure I didn't fall to pieces. I cried, and she held me like a friend. I didn't know this woman, but she had devoted her spare time to help me and other strangers in need. I went from supporting Planned Parenthood to practically falling in love with it at that moment. Do people even know they do this? That they provide this excellent service? Some do, but their enemies don't. Their enemies would rather see them as the abortifacient of Satan himself. No, fuck women with cancer in their tits and vaginas, can they reproduce? All we care about are the unborn balls of jelly. SAVE THE JELLY, LEAVE THE CANCERS.

But I digress. This is now an awareness post. Ladies, get your annuals. PLEASE get your annuals. Every year. Don't skip like I did because you hate them, I'm not a fan of being fingered and having my boobs honked by an unattractive doctor with no promise of dinner first either, but do it. Make your appointments, get your paps. Done.

[East Coast Hustle]

Powerful shit, for sure. If I had a uterus you'd have properly motivated me.

Wicked glad to hear you appear to have kicked it's ass.

[Mesozoic Mister Nigel]

I hope your biopsy turns out clean as a whistle, Suu.

[Suu]

Everything looked "pink and healthy!" So in 2 weeks I'll get the results and new pap schedule. They're changing the frequencies women need to be tested now depending on age and pap history.