How my story begins: I started experiencing spotting between periods and bleeding after intercourse with my partner. At first, I thought nothing of it, as I had always had a fairly irregular cycle when I was younger and active in sports. I had even seen a doctor about the bleeding after intercourse before and was told it wasn’t a cause for concern — it could just happen. It wasn’t until a routine women's exam prompted further testing that I finally learned the truth: I had stage 1B2 cervical cancer.
Life before my diagnosis: Before my cervical cancer diagnosis, I was a normal, active adult living in Northern Colorado. I loved spending time outdoors, dreamed of one day raising a family, with my long-time and only partner I had before my diagnosis. At the time of my diagnosis, my partner and I had been together for seven years and were planning to start a family after we both finished school.
How I felt after diagnosis: I was shocked and in complete disbelief. I was young, active, and had only ever had one sexual partner in my entire life. I couldn’t believe this was happening to me.
Telling my family and friends: Telling my friends and family was incredibly difficult. I didn’t know how they would react or what perceptions they might have. While I had an amazing support system, reading about HPV made me worry they might form their own judgments or create a narrative about me. Once I did open up, I was surprised by how supportive and understanding everyone was. They even took the time to educate themselves and others about HPV and preventive measures.
My treatment: My first line of treatment in 2017 was chemotherapy with Cisplatin, along with both internal and external radiation. After my first recurrence in 2020, I underwent chemotherapy with Taxol and a maintenance dose of Bevacizumab. For my second recurrence in 2022, I was treated with Tivdak (tisotumab vedotin). In 2024, I completed preventative radiation for active FDG uptake in distant lymph nodes.
How I felt after treatment: I felt exhausted and not like myself. Physically, mentally, and emotionally, I had to adjust to being a different person and living with cancer.
What was most difficult for me: Losing the ability to have children and experiencing the loss of relationships along the way was incredibly difficult. Not everyone can stay strong through the cancer journey with you, and that was a hard lesson to learn.
What I did to help myself: To help myself, I focused on staying connected to my support system and leaned on those who understood and cared for me. I made sure to prioritize self-care, both physically and mentally, by maintaining a routine that included exercise, meditation, and creative outlets. I also sought professional counseling to help me navigate the emotional challenges and stayed informed about my condition, which empowered me to make decisions about my treatment. Finding small moments of joy, even in the midst of my journey, helped me stay grounded and resilient.
My life after cancer: Life after cancer has been a journey of both challenges and growth. While I carry the emotional and physical scars, I’ve learned to embrace a new version of myself. I’ve become more mindful of my health and more grateful for the moments I have. Though my dreams of starting a family have changed, I’ve found other ways to create meaning in my life, including nurturing close relationships and advocating for cancer awareness. My perspective on life is now richer, and I continue to find strength in my resilience, cherishing each day and the lessons that come with it.
Where I am today: Today, I’m in a place of self-discovery and growth. After the end of my long-term relationship, I’ve learned to focus on myself in ways I never did before. It’s been a time of reflection, healing, and finding joy in the simple things. I’m prioritizing my own well-being—mentally, physically, and emotionally—and rediscovering passions and goals that are uniquely mine. While the journey hasn’t been easy, I’ve found strength in embracing this new chapter. We are still closely monitoring my recurrences and facing challenges as they come, but I remain resilient and focused on moving forward.
What I want other women to know: I want others to know that cancer doesn’t define who you are or what you’re capable of. While the journey can be incredibly tough, it’s important to keep fighting, stay connected to your support system, and focus on the things that bring you joy and purpose. Life after cancer may look different, but it can still be meaningful and fulfilling. I also want people to understand the importance of early detection, self-care, and taking care of your mental and emotional well-being. You are stronger than you think, and even in the darkest times, there is always hope.
How I will try to help others: I try to help others by sharing my story and experiences, hoping to offer support and encouragement to those going through similar challenges. I make an effort to raise awareness about cervical cancer and the importance of early detection, and I often speak to others about the emotional and mental aspects of cancer treatment. I also connect with those who are facing their own battles, offering a listening ear or words of comfort. By being open about my journey, I hope to provide a sense of hope and remind others that they are not alone.
Any additional information you'd like to share: An important piece of information I’d like to share is the impact cancer has on both the body and mind. It’s not just about physical treatment but also about mental resilience. There are days when the emotional toll feels overwhelming, and it’s crucial to give yourself permission to feel those emotions. Seeking professional help, whether through therapy or support groups, can make a big difference in coping with the mental challenges. Additionally, I’ve learned that being informed about your diagnosis and treatment options empowers you to make better decisions for yourself. Cancer is a long journey, but it’s one that can be faced with strength, support, and hope.