How my story begins: I was your average 33 year old. I was working as a school counselor in an elementary school. I was going to school on the weekends to complete my doctorate in Educational Administration. I am married to a great man and we have two beautiful girls (ages 6 and 2-1/2 at the time of my diagnosis). We were just living life.

On April 24, 2014, I was diagnosed with cervical cancer. I will not forget that day ever. I had an interview that afternoon and the doctor called on the way to the interview. I knew something was up because it was my actual doctor calling, not the nurse this time. It was after the interview when I called her back and found out. I had a LEEP procedure done the week before to get rid of some pre-cancerous cells and when the pathology came back, it showed cancer. I talked to the doctor as I sat in my car in the school's parking lot. My doctor couldn't believe it either. She just kept saying she was sorry and couldn't believe that it came back this way. I immediately called my husband and he was as shocked as I was. I went into school because I didn't know what else to do and changed out of my suit and back into my work clothes. As soon as I was changed, I lost it. I just started crying.

How I felt after diagnosis: We waited and waited and waited. I think that was one of the worst parts of this whole ordeal. For 39 days, I waited. I know people wait a lot longer and have outcomes far worse than mine. But when you hear those words "you have cancer," no one can prepare you for that. Your mind goes to so many different places and it is scary. I have an even greater respect for those who have faced and conquered cancer. Besides being scared and anxious, the next 39 days showed me how truly blessed I am.

Telling my family and friends: I think the hardest thing next to do was to tell our families. I had very little information and didn't have a doctors appointment for almost 2 weeks. That weekend, we told all of our immediate family and a few very close friends. That Friday the oncologist's office called and said that they could move my appointment up because of a cancellation, so I took it. On Monday, my husband, my mom and I went to see the oncologist. It was hard and I felt nauseous the whole time. The oncologist was very nice and explained everything. I was a little leery because I do not like men doctors and the doctor was a man. But, he answered all of my questions and my mom's questions and my husband's questions and we set the surgery date. He had said that because we caught it so early, there would be a minimal chance for chemo or radiation. He couldn't say for sure until the surgery. So the date was set for June 3rd. We could not do it sooner because of the LEEP procedure that had been done the week prior to me finding out. The rate of a pelvic infection was too high and the doctor said it wasn't worth the risk.

My treatment: June 3rd finally arrived and we headed to the hospital bright and early. I was the doctor's first surgery that day. The surgery went well and he got it all. They sent it out and when the pathology came back it confirmed that he had gotten it all! I can say that I am cancer free!!!

How I felt after treatment: The first week was really rough. I had some nerve damage in my leg (not where any incisions were) But when I think about what could be, I am thankful and will deal with it.

But after my treatment, I felt even more love and cried and thanked God for all the good in my life. My awesome friend Cyndi was the one who set up the care calendar. Everyday in the month of June someone was doing something to help us out, either by cooking, staying with me, taking me somewhere, taking care of my daughters or taking them to where they needed to be. I have to say that having that much support is rare and I have the best of family and friends. I just still am so amazed!

What was most difficult for me: The waiting was the most difficult for me and hearing the words cancer.

What I did to help myself: I have the best friends and family a girl could ask for. So many people are behind me and praying for me and love me. My bunco girls had t-shirts made, a friend made a care calendar for the month of June for me with daily dinners and help with the girls during the day and my mom handed out bracelets that say 'no one fights alone' and I received many other tokens of love. I was overwhelmed with the love that I felt from so many people. I don't think I cried happy tears this much in a long time. My husband was my rock and still is. I do not know what I would have done without him. He has let me lean on him and cry with him and everything. I have fallen more in love with him than I ever knew I could.

My life after cancer: My life after cancer hasn't changed too much. I do have a different outlook on life and try to live life to the fullest because it could have been totally different. I am one of the lucky ones and will continue to say that. I go to work, have a family and get to do the things I want to do. There are side effects that I am still dealing with. But again, in the grand scheme of things, I am fine with taking hormone replacement vs. having had a different outcome.

Where I am today: I am just shy of two years cancer free!!! I earned my doctorate this past year, bought a new house and get to see my kids and family grow. For those of you who read this, thank you! For my family and friends, thank you for being there, thank you for caring, thank you for praying and thank you for helping! I couldn't have made it through with out each and every one of you! I am so truly blessed!!!!

What I want other women to know: You are not alone and you can do this. It is scary, but there are people out there to help!!!! Lean on the people who love you and let them help you. They want to help you!

How I will try to help others: I want to spread the word and spread awareness. I donate. I remind my friends to have their annual exams done. I would love to help organize something in my own town to raise awareness!