For me, this isn’t a moral issue — it’s a medical one. If it were a breast cancer vaccine and it were being mandated in the same way that the HPV vaccine is, I truly believe my objections would be the same. In the big picture, though, I think that would change a lot of reactions.

I’ve been living with herpes for nearly 10 years now. And HPV for nearly 12. Contracted both during my marriage to a less then faithful husband. Had my doctor informed me as to WHAT HPV really was then, I would have known what he was doing and never stayed for round two!

At the time I was diagnosed, I knew SO little about the virus. I felt dirty – I didn’t want to live! I felt like I would feel THAT pain every single day for the rest of my life. BOY was I wrong!

Immediately after diagnosis, I remembered my grandma nearly yanking my arm off as a 6-year-old who was about to sit on a public toilet. She screamed “Don’t sit down YOU’LL GET Herpes!”

BOY was she WRONG!

The fact was, I was IGNORANT to the viruses! I found myself thrust in a world of abusive relationships because I felt I didn’t deserve better.

Now, TODAY, I want more for young women who are getting diagnosed. I want them to know they can have a very happy and NORMAL Life! I want them to know they have at least one or two people who care when they’re so afraid each year that it “may come back.”

If I had my way, I’d never have another woman or young girl go through where I’ve been. It’s terrifying and definitely NOT something you can talk to your close friends and family about.

The Vaccination doesn’t just prevent HPV and Cervical Cancer – IT prevents depression, isolation and destructive behavior.

I’d like to end this comment with a question I posted on Weary Parent – something to REALLY think about…

IF this were a vaccination for breast cancer, would you feel differently?

kk