How my story begins: I had been married for 27 years. My family doctor had gone on to become a surgeon 10 years earlier. I was young and healthy so I never really thought about getting established with a new doctor. Especially a gynecologist. I was monogamous and thought all was well.
I began having what I thought were insignificant problems. There would be a little blood after sex but not every time. This went on for nearly two years when I finally decided to see about it. I made an appointment with a local ob/gyn. During the exam he told me I had cancer. He immediately got me connected with an ob/gyn oncologist.
Life before my diagnosis: I had finished getting my nursing degree a couple of years prior and was working my dream job. My two children were grown and I was enjoying being a grandmother for the first time.
How I felt after diagnosis: I felt as though I had done something wrong because I knew cervical cancer could be from an STD. People we knew were wondering which one of us was messing around. It threw us into turmoil. It took a lot of talking, prayer, and faith in each other.
Telling my family and friends: It wasn't easy telling my family. We had lost my mother to lung cancer two years earlier. It opened up some wounds that still felt fresh at the time. My nephew was getting married about the time I started my treatment so I missed his wedding.
My treatment: I began chemo weekly for 5 weeks. I had. external radiation daily five times a week for 6 weeks. I had brachytherapy consisting of 52 hours of internal radiation laying at 30 degrees. Only limited visitors/ family were allowed and all meals were provided on disposable utensils that could be trashed. I didn't eat anyway because the radiation was making me vomit. It was extremely rough.
I had a hysterectomy a month later, then returned to work.
Two months later I developed an abscess so I began hyperbaric therapy daily for a month. That finally did the trick.
How I felt after treatment: I felt grateful for the care I received from my oncologist. The support from my family, friends, and community can never be repayed. I felt I was given another chance.
What was most difficult for me: Learning it wasn't my or my husband's fault. It made us a stronger couple.
What I did to help myself: I prayed more, which helped center me. I started walking for relaxation.
Where I am today: I am 13 years out and still grateful for the care I received. My oncologist will occasionally call to check on me. We usually wind up talking for several hours.
What I want other women to know: I want others to know that treatment, no matter what the stage, can be hard but getting through it is rewarding.
How I will try to help others: My experience has motivated me to encourage women to get their checkups regularly no mater what. I encourage everyone to get health screenings!