How my story begins: Prior to my diagnosis, my Pap tests were always normal, so cervical cancer wasn’t something I ever expected to face. My journey began with abnormal bleeding, which led to an IUD placement and an ablation of my cervix. During the ablation procedure, a random biopsy was taken, and in March 2023, I was diagnosed with stage 2B cervical adenocarcinoma.

My treatment: My treatment plan included 8 weeks of radical chemoradiation with Cisplatin, followed by 3 rounds of brachytherapy which I completed in July 2023 at Juravinski Cancer Centre.

Unfortunately, in February 2024, I experienced disease recurrence. Due to prior radiation limits, my primary treatment shifted to chemotherapy with Paclitaxel, Carboplatin, and Bevacizumab. As part of a trial, we added 5 rounds of targeted radiation at the end.

Where I am today: I am gradually returning to work as an English as a Second Language teacher while balancing life as a mom of two. Staying strong and healthy for my family is my top priority.

February and March are particularly difficult months for me, as I’ve received a cancer diagnosis during this time for the past two years. I have upcoming scans and, like many survivors, experience "scan-xiety," hoping for a positive outcome this year.