[quote=Charm2017]
Boatswife: Just to muddy the waters even more, my wife's PAP smears have been tested for HPV but also came up negative if that is the question you wanted to ask. [/quote]
Yes......I guess I'm thinking that with my positive HPV pap result years ago, did that have any impact on the cancer that I have now. I know it's probably not likely, but it just a thought that's in the back of my mind.
[quote=Kelly211]
I know this may sound strange, but having been a heavy smoker for years I have been spared the "why me" burden. I did this to myself in no uncertain terms.

In the mean time thought I would share with you the sign I have had tacked up over my desk for years. It says �IT IS WHAT IT IS�. I look at this sign often when questioning a setback in my professional or personal life. It reminds me to deal with �What is� and stop wondering about the �What ifs and Why�s�. I can�t change the past or what brought me to this day, but I can act today to effect what my life will be like tomorrow. This I know.
Kelly
[/quote]
I was very mad at myself for waiting so long in seeking care. I knew it wasn't right and still didn't do anything. When I told my doctor that, I could have hugged him. He said "we all just hope it will go away" and helped me get over that "my fault" factor.

�IT IS WHAT IT IS� I love that and I'm going with it! LOL My husband just told me "you do what you have to do and move on to the next step" and we did.
[quote=davidcpa]Here's a few HPV facts I have acquired throughout my journey:

The HPV virus may lie dormant for DECADES before cellular changes are seen, when, as we know, it may be too late to deal with. Many HPV positive cancers are not found until they are already a Stage III or IV.

There is no evidence that vaginally infected HPV will travel to other sites within the body and vice versa.
[/quote]
I think this is where my curious thoughts are with cervical HPV and this answers my questions. It still makes me wonder though, especially when it has the tendency to lie dormant.