How I knew something was wrong: I started to have heavy vaginal bleeding after sex. I decided to call my doctor’s office to make an appointment, but my doctor was on vacation. I was going to wait for my doctor to come back, but something was telling me not to. Thank God I didn’t wait!

My first thoughts: I was in shock to say the least, and all I can think of was –how am I going to tell my children??? Then, the doctor handed me some Papers with appointments for the next two months, put his hand on my knee and said “Don’t worry you will not die.” I looked at him and responded with assurance and confidence – “I KNOW!”

My treatment: I had a hysterectomy, which was a 14-hour surgery. My ovaries were moved so radiation would not damage them – unfortunately, this prevention didn’t work.

A few days after my surgery I started radiation and chemotherapy treatments. Monday through Friday I had radiation, and Chemo every Tuesday. This was followed by a few treatments of internal radiation also known as brachytherapy. They also had to insert a stent in my urethra to connect my kidney to my bladder, and a catheter with a urine drainage bag for about a week.

How I felt during my treatment: I felt sick after my third chemo and radiation treatment. I didn’t want to eat or drink anything, because everything made me extremely sick. I was in and out of the hospital because the urologist kept replacing my stent. I remember that I could hardly walk. I didn’t want nor did I have the strength to move from my bed to do anything.

Life after treatment: After treatment, I thought everything would be back to normal, but that was not the case. Cancer changed my life completely – there are so many secondary effects that I have to deal with today. For example:

• I have chemo brain, which means I forget almost everything. My children have to use a forgetful board at home so they can post things they want me to remember. I also can’t remember half of the people I meet.
• I had early menopause–so hot flashes are in full effect all the time, and there are so many other things that I have to deal with.

Being grateful: I have to look at the bright side of things – I’m alive and enjoying life. I am grateful to see my children grow up. I was able to conquer this horrible disease, and have been cancer free.

I wouldn’t change my life for anything in this world, nor do I have any regrets. Cancer helped me to be the woman that I am today and to see things differently. I love and accept myself for who I am, and wake up every day grateful for each day.