How my story begins: In 2022, I was diagnosed with HPV but was told that it was nothing I needed to worry about because it normally would clear up on its own. Fast forward three years to February 2025 and I received the news that I had another irregular Pap test. I went in for a colposcopy and a couple of weeks later, my gynecologist called me and told me that I had cervical cancer.
Life before my diagnosis: Before I received my diagnosis, I was excited about my dating life and exploring new relationships. I always dreamed of starting a family and having babies. This has always been something that was very important to me.
How I felt after diagnosis: It was the most heartbreaking and earth shattering news I’d ever received. Naturally, I started Googling and reading about horror stories involving cervical cancer. I had never felt so alone and vulnerable and at the same time, I felt like my world was coming to an end.
Telling my family and friends: Two days after I received the diagnosis, I finally got the courage to call my mom and dad and tell them about it. We all cried on the phone and reassured each other that no matter what, we would be there for each other. I slowly started telling other family members, friends, and coworkers. I was overwhelmed with the amount of support I received. I still am so thankful for the love and prayers people have shown me over the past few weeks.
My treatment: I am going in for my first conization surgery at the end of this week. After this surgery, I will schedule an MRI to ensure the cancer did not spread. We will then make plans for my hysterectomy. I am also in the process of freezing my eggs for IVF. I am hopeful that I do not need a radical hysterectomy and I can keep my ovaries.
How I felt after treatment: Although I am still in the process of undergoing treatment, I have certainly learned how to be more comfortable in my body. It’s a very personal and private thing that I sometimes feel like I am going through publicly. I have learned to embrace what my body can do and how much my body can take.
What was most difficult for me: The realization that I will not ever be pregnant.
Where I am today: I am still grappling with the idea that my future will not look the way I imagined it, but it still has so much meaning. Although my plans are not coming to fruition as I imagined, there are new plans being drawn out every day.
What I want other women to know: You are stronger than you will ever know!!!!
How I will try to help others: I want to be an advocate for others going through this. The one thing that helped me cope when I first received the diagnosis was talking to other people who had experienced the same thing. That feeling of aloneness was not so brutal when I was able to talk with other survivors.