My treatment: I underwent surgery and embarked on a slow and lengthy road to recovery.

Hearing about my diagnosis: Learning about the diagnosis crushed me. The idea that I may not have a chance to see my teenage daughter graduate from high school and losing the essence of a woman was shocking. A dark cloud covered my family and took over our existence; for many years, I felt paralyzed and unable to understand what was going on. Unaware of what to do and convinced that I could push through on my own, I chose silence and renunciation.

What I want other women to know: Recuperating from the physical aspects of the surgery wasn’t as dramatic as the emotional, psychological, and spiritual uphill battle. Outwardly all seemed the same but the inward devastation turned my world upside down. Nothing prepared our family for the immediate and long lasting effects of a radical hysterectomy.

How cervical cancer changed me: The life-saving surgery eradicated the cancer but the radical procedure also launched me into full menopause at the age of 36. The relationships with my husband and daughter were altered immediately; I was no longer the same.

My life today: Today I have a sense of empowerment to tell my story and recognize that I’ve been in denial for many years. I can finally acknowledge that I am a cervical cancer survivor! I am armed with the determination and the desire to assist other women, family members, and caregivers to battle the personal issues related to cervical cancer.

Check out her personal website here.

Read Alegra’s daughter’s story.