How my story begins: In 2010, I was working at a restaurant as a trainer. I never went to see doctors as I didn't have insurance. I was having a lot of bleeding and never thought of cervical cancer or knew anyone who was diagnosed with it. Eventually the company I worked for closed all of its Illinois restaurants. That was in May 2010. Finally in July, I broke down and went to the county clinic because the bleeding and the clots were too much. The doctor took one look and without any tests said "you have cancer." She made a few calls and arranged an appointment the next day for me at the county woman's clinic.

I went to that doctor, and she took a biopsy. I was left there on a stretcher when they could not stop the bleeding - and then they moved me to the nearest hospital. The next week, I was called in for the results and was told 100% it was cervical cancer. I did not having insurance, but they were wonderful with filling out forms for the Illinois Breast & Cervical Cancer Program. My next step was to go to the county office for a meeting and for my forms to be sent out for approval.

In the meantime, while waiting for approval I nearly bled to death. No oncologist would see me until I had my card from the State. Finally, I had my card and was able to see a gyn/onc. I was immediately hospitalized and given blood transfusions, a CT scan and emergency high dose radiation to help stop the bleeding.

I was diagnosed stage IIB andenocarcinoma. The tumor was too large for a hysterectomy, so radiation and chemo it was. I did the usual 25 radiation with weekly cisplatin chemo. I opted for the 3 day hospital stay for bracytherapy. At the time of staging for my cervical cancer, I was also diagnosed with thyroid cancer.

After healing from the treatment of cervical cancer and then the thyroid cancer in May 2011, a routine chest X-Ray showed a lung nodule on the right lung. So, a CT scan, then a biopsy and... cancer spread to my lung.

In June 2011, a lung wedge resection was done. In July 2011, I started 6 cycles of cisplatin/taxol. That was a rough 6 months. Finally, I was declared NED December 2011.

Life before my diagnosis: Life was normal. I went to work everyday. I have an elderly mom and an older sister who lived with me. I had a lot of energy!

How I felt after diagnosis: I think I took my diagnosis well. I never asked "why me?". I rolled along with the punches and made the best of it. My faith keeps me strong and positive.

Telling my family and friends: I am extremely lucky that I have an amazing family and group of friends who supported me every step of the way and continue to do so today.

My treatment: My treatment was: radiation 5 days a week for 5 weeks with weekly Cisplatin chemo. A hospital stay for bracheytherapy. After recurrence, surgery and 6 cycles of cisplatin/taxol.

How I felt after treatment: I was exhausted after treatment and continue to be exhausted every day.

What was most difficult for me: The most difficult thing for me was watching my mother worry about me. She is elderly and I have been the caregiver for her. Being on the other side was difficult.

What I did to help myself: I tried to make everyday as normal as possible. I spent a lot of time writing and found online support groups.

My life after cancer: For the most part, my life after cancer is the same as it was before. My mom is still here with me and will be 86 this coming birthday. Now, I try to make the best of each day and I never take a day, an hour, or minute for granted.

Where I am today: Where am I today?! Well, I was just diagnosed in August 2019 with another recurrence to my lung. I had my 2nd wedge resection done on October 15th. All my doctors decided that chemo at the moment would not be necessary since it has been 8 years since my last recurrence. They did say my cancer will continue to come back and at sometime I will need treatment. They tested my tumor and said when the time comes, I will be a candidate for immunotherapy.

What I want other women to know: Cervical cancer is not a death sentence, and it can be prevented. I hate the stigma that comes with cervical cancer and the lack of funding for education.

How I will try to help others: I tell my story to whoever will listen! Knowledge is power!