Diana

Location: Virginia

Cancerversary: September 2019

Age at diagnosis: 34

Diagnosis: Squamous cell carcinoma

Stage of cancer: III

How my story begins: I had so much going on personally that I kept postponing my gyn follow up and I finally made an appointment almost a year later. When I saw my gynecologist he scheduled me for a LEEP and then referred me to an oncologist. I always had abnormal periods but this time I was having pelvic pain. I had a consultation with my oncologist and he performed a colposcopy and a few days later I had a follow up and was diagnosed with stage I cervical cancer. He recommended surgery at that time.

Life before my diagnosis: I was living my best life. Decided to take a leap of faith and moved to Virginia in 2016. I faced many obstacles but always managed to remain positive and keep a smile on my face. I was working in the healthcare field and I was building new friendships and adjusting to life in a new state.

How I felt after diagnosis: At first I couldn't process what I was told. I didn’t understand anything. I went to my visits alone at first and I wasn’t capturing that I had full blown cancer and this was serious.

Telling my family and friends: I only told my family and they were my support system and they never left my side. They were positive, especially my mother, who pushed me everyday to be the best version of myself. I told my friends after I finished my treatments and some friends were supportive and understanding and other friendships I lost but I I also gained some amazing friends.

My treatment: I had a radical trachelectomy done I then had a second opinion in New York which upon review a positive right pelvic node was found so I decided to do my treatments there. I had five doses of chemo (Cisplatin) and 25 rounds of external radiation and four rounds of brachytherapy.

How I felt after treatment: At first I felt okay. I felt relieved but after a week or two reality hit and I felt lost, confused and tired. I didn’t know what to do next. I didn’t know how to control my emotions and accept that life has changed for me. I was mentally exhausted and still am.

What was most difficult for me: Accepting that things will never be the same for me. Accepting and understanding that cancer took away so much from me especially my fertility.

What I did to help myself: I pray everyday, remain faithful, grateful and try to live in the present. I also have decided to go to therapy and open up about my feelings.

My life after cancer: Life after cancer hasn’t been easy.

When I finished my treatments my doctors were happy and told me to go live my life. But how do you expect me to live my life when things have changed for me? Cancer has left a scar in my body, mind and soul that many around me can’t understand. Everyday I push to be the best I can be and I try not to be too hard on myself because life can be challenging sometimes but I remain faithful and prayed up.

Where I am today: Today I’m accepting the new me. I’m working on everything I always said I wanted to do or try. I’m back in school finishing up my degree. I’m also back in the healthcare field enjoying working with patients. Most importantly I’m working on myself.

What I want other women to know: To always take care of yourself before you take care of others. It’s not selfish, it’s okay to let your loved ones know that you need to take care of yourself before you can attend to them.

"You can’t pour out of an empty cup.”

How I will try to help others: I will try to help others by sharing my story. Encouraging families to vaccinate their children. Reminding my loved ones to never miss their screenings. Lastly to spread awareness.