This is a cervical cancer story by Talitha Darragh. You can read her full Cervivor Story here.

Anytime I’m going through a hard time, physically or mentally, I try to stay positive. This was especially true when I was diagnosed with cervical cancer for a third time in April 2022. I knew when my original doctor at St. John’s Ascension in Southfield, Michigan referred me to a doctor at the University of Michigan that I was in for a long road ahead. This was no longer about a hysterectomy, the chemotherapy, or radiation therapy—the cervical cancer treatments I had had for my first two occurrences. 

During my first appointment with my new oncologist, Dr. Uppal, he recommended doing a total pelvic exenteration. The words seemed to be going in one ear and out of the other. I was seeing his mouth move, but not truly understanding what he was saying. By the end of the appointment, I agreed to this major, life-changing surgery.  I was willing to do anything to be here for my three children. The doctors were planning to remove my bladder, bowels, and vagina while also doing vaginal reconstruction using muscle flaps from the back of my thighs. This would leave me with two ostomy bags for the rest of my life. One for urine and one for stool. Not exactly how I had my life planned, but it is what it is. 

A few short weeks later, I remember taking a selfie in the bathroom stall after I used the bathroom for the last time as a “normal person.” I had a big grin on my face as I dealt with stress with humor and French braids in my hair, not knowing when I would be able to shower next. If I can remember right, surgery was 14 long hours. I had three surgeons: my oncologist, urologist, and plastic surgeon. Together, they saved my life. Two of them I have never met, but I trusted God that I was in good hands. I remember hearing them say, “She’s a young mom, this has to be successful.” 

Surgery Recovery? Easier Said Than Done

Thank goodness, surgery was a success, and now it was time to recover. Easier said than done. Doctors were planning on about 10 days in the hospital. Unfortunately, those 10 days turned into six weeks. Because of the vaginal reconstruction, I was unable to sit for six weeks. 

My doctors knew that I had little ones at home and that I wouldn’t be able to heal and rest properly at home, so they had me admitted to a nursing and rehab facility two weeks after surgery. This was where things took a turn for the worse. My abdominal wound opened up, I wasn’t getting the physical or occupational therapy needed, and my nutrition was lacking, which resulted in even worse healing. I had to go by ambulance to my appointments because I couldn’t sit in a car. 

When I went to my first appointment while at the rehab, my doctors saw my decline and decided to keep me in the hospital rather than send me back to rehab. I stayed in the hospital for four more weeks before going home. 

Learning My “New Normal”

While in the hospital, I had to learn my “new normal.” Things were rough, but I never gave up. I was so mentally strong and determined. Maybe this is where my stubbornness is a plus! 

Finally, after six long weeks away from home, I was able to go back to my babies. Coming home was scary because I no longer had the help and support of my amazing nurses. Thankfully, I had a home nurse come by once a week or so. She was able to help me problem-solve and successfully change my ostomy bags without sobbing my eyes out because I couldn’t get them to stick. Overall, things would get easier every day, and I was slowly able to get back to normal. 

Looking Back Today

Here I am today, three and a half years post-surgery. Looking back, I am still amazed at myself. That surgery was huge. I’m still having healing issues, and there are still many bumps that we are trying to iron out, but I’m here, and I’m alive. I’m able to do everything that I did before surgery—swim, work out, ride a bike. 

Unfortunately, I’ve had multiple cancer re-occurrences, but I’m still fighting. Once I beat this cancer, my doctors plan on ironing out some things like repairing my internal vaginal wound that hasn’t healed in three and half years and figuring out why my ureter keeps closing up. to make my life even better. I cannot thank my team of doctors enough. They are truly on my side and want to do what they can to help. I’m truly blessed. 

The Importance of a Positive Mindset

This whole cancer journey has taught me so much in life. More than half the battle is mental. It’s so important that you keep a positive mindset. I would always tell myself, “Doctors are doing their job, nurses are doing their job, I have to do my job, which includes taking care of my body and my mind.”

I had faith in God, my care team, and myself. I pray that you don’t ever have to go through this, but if you do, I promise it will be okay. Sometimes you have to take it one day at a time, one hour at a time, or even one minute at a time. You can do anything for a minute…just keep doing it. Keep your mind positive. I promise, it makes a difference. You can do hard things.

About the Author

Talitha is a cervical cancer fighter who has had six reoccurrences since she was first diagnosed in February 2021. She is currently participating in a clinical trial at Yale University. Talitha loves spending time with her three children, Dominic, McKenna, and Amelia—riding bikes and swimming together in the summertime. Talitha also loves sharing her Cervivor Story. “I love sharing my story because hearing others’ stories has really helped me feel less alone,” she says.

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