This is a case of a 45-year old female who was referred by another hospital on her island with chief complaint of body weakness and pain while urinating or dysuria.
She was diagnosed with cervical cancer stage IIA with vaginal extension in a local hospital on her island. PAP smear in May 2010 showed HGSIL/CIS or High grade squamous intraepithelial lesion, or HGSIL for short, is a medical term given to a category of cervical dysplasia detected through a Pap smear. Cervical dysplasia is mild to severe abnormal changes that can occur in the lining of the cervix. Her biopsy then showed poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma.
A Pap smear is a test used to detect cervical cancer or abnormal changes in the cervical cell. It is done by taking sample of cells by the use of a small spatula.The cells are then placed in a tube with a preservative, or placed on a slide and sent to laboratory to tests.
If HGSIL is found through a Pap smear, a colposcopy is then done to confirm results. A colposcopy is an in-office procedure that allows a doctor to examine the cervix more in-depth. It is done by using a colposcope, a lighted microscope that magnifies the cervix.
Since we do not have that type of equipment, the patient procedure was done in another hospital.

During the colposcopy, the doctor may also do a cervical biopsy, the removal of small pieces of cervical tissue. The tissue samples are then sent to a lab for further examination.
Due to lack of resources in her place then, colposcopy was never performed. The OB –Gyne to whom she was referred to immediately requested for such.

A colposcopy is performed in the doctor’s office and normally takes less than an hour to perform. Results are available within two weeks, depending on the lab the doctor uses.
It was actually my first encounter with the OB-Gyne from another hospital and I was really impressed by his ability to show genuine concern with the patient who hardly understand English and took her time discussing the matter with the patient’s niece. I have learned from him that the patient’s condition is not actually cervical cancer but as he termed “pre-cancer”.
Although there are other procedures done to destroy the abnormal tissue formation that cause the vaginal extension, he chose to have the patient on Cryotherapy.
Cryotherapy is a technique used to destroy abnormal tissue by freezing it. It is also called crysosurgery. Since our hospital cater to operable clean cases, the patient had to be brought again to another hospital where the OB-Gyne could perform the surgery.
Cryosurgery is method of treatment used for cervical dysplasia, or abnormal cells on the cervix. It may also be performed in very early staged cervical cancer. If left untreated, these abnormal cells may develop into cervical cancer. Cryosurgery is also called cryotherapy. Cryosurgery kills pre-cancerous and cancerous cells by freezing them.
During cryosurgery, a doctor will insert a speculum into the vagina. A probe is inserted into the vagina that releases a gas that freezes the abnormal cells. It is left in for three minutes until ice crystals form on the cells. The process may be repeated after waiting for an additional three minutes. (Source: about.com)
It only took her half a day in that hospital and she was brought in our hospital again and she was already able to ambulate.
According to the doctor, she might have blood-tinged discharges that will go away after a couple of days.
The patient has been discharged and was then advised to come to an OB-Gyne in her place for follow up check up.
Also, it is important that every woman should get vaccinated to prevent cervical cancer.
It is just amazing how God sends his angels to heal those who are sick.

I am an advocate of one’s right to free air but I also have friends to really cannot control their urge to puff the cigarettes. I just smile at them when they try to sneak out of the office and exchange Padron with one another just to satisfy their cravings. I know that they are old enough to know the consequence of their actions and they are responsible enough limiting their smoke-intake.

Finally, after almost a month of getting drowned with the ward’s toxicity level, I came to get out with my colleagues to catch some movies. I felt guilty that I had to leave my practicing charge nurse completing her tasks but I already did my part lightening up her load. We need to run to catch the movie’s last full show. As we hit the escalators toward the cinema, I caught a glimpse of sony lcd tvs on a showcase in an appliance store. I just said to myself, I have been a Sony believer and one day, I will be getting that TV in my living room.

Christmas can now be felt everywhere and in these tough economic times, what is the best way to get through the season? Do not just splurge man, enjoy the season without breaking the bank. Tradeshow booth can be a good start in showcasing your crafts or products. It is like taking advantage of the holiday season and earning some extra bucks that you could use in turn in buying your loved ones the best gift for the holidays.

Long before I signed my job offer in the hospital, I told myself that I would just buy time and stay here for a year. Well, it has been almost two years and I am still stuck in here. Switching career is really far from consideration but given that I will still do the same tedious tasks, I would like to get serious recognition for fulfilling them. It makes me envious to learn about my friends who got Beverage/Sommelier Jobs that really bring them so much pride and money. I just have to wait for the right time to come.