Health Department

My name is Angelica, I am a 33 yr old widowed mother of four children and I am also the daughter of a cancer survivor. Back in Dec. of 2007, I felt a lump in my left breast so I contacted the Health Dept. and asked if I qualified for the free mammogram and breast screening because I do not have health insurance. The Health Dept. referred me to Early Detection Works (EDW); a state program ran through local health departments. I spoke to an operator who asked me a few questions about my family med. history and income info. The operator then determined that I qualified for free screening based on the info I had given. I was given a Dr. Appt date where I was sent for a mammogram and routine pap smear at no charge to me. Two weeks later, I received a letter in the mail informing me of a Dr. appt. I called the Health dept back where I was informed my mammogram had come back normal, but I had an abnormal pap smear and I needed to follow up on it. I went back to my scheduled dr. appt and had a cervical biopsy done.

Two weeks later, I went back to the Dr. to get results. That is when I was told by the Dr. that I had been diagnosed with Neoplasia (a form of cervical cancer). I was extremely lucky that it was caught in time! Two weeks ago I underwent a procedure called LEEP (Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure). LEEP is a way to quickly remove the abnormal tissue in your cervix. I am still recovering from the procedure. I will have six weeks recovery and I have to return to the doctor to make sure they got all of the cancer. If not, I will have to undergo more treatment. I will be under doctor’s care from 6 – 18 months depending on my recovery.

I have faith in the Lord that all will turn out well. I am extremely thankful to EDW and the Sedgwick County Health Department for all they have done for me and my family. If it hadn’t been for them, I would have never been able to afford to go to the Dr. and get screened. Therefore I owe my life to you! Thank you so very much on my behalf and my family’s! I am forever grateful that you were there to lend a helping hand. God Bless!


Sincerely,

 

Angelica