Hannah knew it wasn’t quite time for her yearly Pap Smear, but she had a feeling something wasn’t right. After struggling with it for over a week she gave in and made an appointment, knowing full well what to expect. Few women dreaded anything more than this test. Not that it was all that painful, just embarrassing and degrading
As Hannah prepared for the test the next day, she realized that the results might be something she wasn’t prepared to face. “I’ll just have to take this one day at a time, that’s all I can do” she told herself as she climbed into her car. When she emerged from the car at the office her butterflies kicked into high gear. Once in the office she signed in and then settled into a chair and flipped though a six-month-old issue of “People” magazine. Not too long after she arrived at the office she heard the front door open, and then someone filled the chair next to her. She didn’t even look up to see who was next to her until a hand covered her’s. “ I just couldn’t stay away, knowing what you would be going though”. It was her husband Paul. She was glad he came. She had wanted him to be at her side, and hadn’t been able to find the right words to ask. When Hannah was called to the room, Paul waited outside for her to undress and put on a gown. Several nurses asked him if he was ok, as he was shifting from foot to foot and drumming his fingers on the near by wall. After several minutes the nurse poked her head out the door and informed Paul he could come in. When he entered he found Hannah already on the table, ready for the test. He immediately went to her and took her hand. Not long after the doctor entered and after a brief conversation took her place to begin the test. Hannah could hear the nurse preparing the tools that the doctor would be using. She could also hear the doctor washing her hands. When the doctor took her place at the foot of the table, she knew they were ready to start. Dr Harrison warned Hannah about the pressure she would feel while the sample was being taken and then started her work. It wasn’t long before the pressure started to build. Hannah squeezed Paul’s hand tighter. After what seemed five minutes the pressure was gone. Dr. Harrison handed the instrument to the nurse and helped Hannah into a sitting position. “Why don’t we step out and let you get dressed, then we can all talk” Dr Harrison said as she ushered Paul out into the hall. When Hannah was once again dressed Dr Harrison came to talk to she and Paul. “ I didn’t see anything to worry about in your exam but we won’t know about the Pap Smear for about a week. For now, I would say you have nothing to worry about, so don’t worry. As they were leaving the office the receptionist told them she would call with her results as soon as they came in.
The week passed very slowly for Hannah. By Friday she was so upset she couldn’t sit still and nearly came out of her skin every time the phone rang. Finally about two o’clock Hannah decided to walk out and get the mail. When she returned Paul was just finishing up a call. She could tell by the look on his face the news wasn’t good. “The test came back with some suspicious cells. Dr Harrison scheduled a biopsy for in the morning”.
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Reviewed by anchan
1/10/2003
Very nice, what a pleasant surprise. I'm patinetly awaiting part 2.
a very good write about the fear all women face when they have this test. well written, and hope to read more about hannah! love, your friend from texas, karen lynn. (((HUGS))) :)
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