How my story begins: I had abnormal cells for about a year. I had Pap tests every 3 months to see if my cells would go back to normal. To be honest in the beginning I didn’t understand what abnormal cells were or what was going on. My doctor would schedule me an appointment, I would go and that was it. I told him I was moving to the UK in a few months time. He said if my next Pap test was clear I wouldn’t need to have another for a year. My next test was clear. I thought thank God, I didn’t need to sit on another uncomfortable table while a doctor examines me again for a while. What I didn’t know was I was going to have that done a lot more times then I can count.
Fast forward to a year later. I was working one day and my co-worker randomly started talking about how it was time for her to have a Pap test done. I thought to myself I guess it’s about my time as well. I made an appointment, had a test done and just went on with normal life. I thought my test would come back normal again and everything would be fine. I got a letter in the mail from my doctor stating “consultation meeting”. Me being naive still didn’t think anything of it. I thought maybe they had made a mistake and had accidentally written that on my letter instead of someone else's. I was actually going to reschedule as I was supposed to be working that day. But my boyfriend told me I should go as it might be important.
So my doctor, a nurse, my boyfriend and I are in the room at my appointment.My doctor explains he found cervical cancer cells in my cervix.... ugh what? The doctor asked if I had any questions all I remember saying was “no I’m okay, thank you”. I was in shock, I literally didn’t know what to say, and couldn’t say anything or else I knew I would burst into tears.
My boyfriend and I were driving home and he asks if I’m alright, I reply “yeah I’m fine”. Yeah I’m fine?? I still can’t believe how it took so long to set in. Once we were almost home I just burst into tears. He pulled over, and we just sat there for 20 minutes while he hugged me and I cried.
Life before my diagnosis: My life before diagnosis was exciting. I had just moved to the UK from Canada to be with my boyfriend. We were travelling and seeing a lot of new places. Life was good.
How I felt after diagnosis: I felt like “why me?” I didn’t deserve for something like this to happen to me. I felt really alone as I had just previously moved to a new country. I was so far away from my family and friends at a time when I needed them most.
Telling my family and friends: It was hard to tell my family and friends. I almost didn’t want to because I knew they would be upset. But I knew I had too.
My treatment: I had a loop excision to remove the cancer. But my doctor recommended I have a trachelectomy to remove my cervix in case the cancer came back. I had always wanted children and didn’t have any. So having a trachelectomy instead of a hysterectomy would allow me to one day hopefully have children.
What I did to help myself: I tried to stay busy and keep my mind occupied. That seemed to really help.
My life after cancer: Life after cancer is different. I am still the same but I am also very different in many ways. I’ve learned so much about myself along this journey. I’ve learned how to advocate for myself, and to be a stronger person.
Where I am today: That boyfriend that was there for me through my cancer treatment is now my husband. We will be married two years this year. He’s my rock.
We are currently trying to conceive but are going through fertility treatment as my trachelectomy has thrown a few curve balls our way. But we are cracking on and are being optimistic for the future of having a family.
What I want other women to know: To not be afraid of cancer, but to also not be naive like I was. Having regular screening is important, it is how most, if not all cervical cancer ycan be caught before it’s too late. So please, PLEASE have regular Pap tests. It can save your life!