How my story begins: After not being able to birth my son naturally, and many comments about my cervix looking irregular, I continued to bleed sporadically for a year after having my son. Everyone blamed child birth but excruciating pain lead me to the gynecologist, and eventually my diagnosis.
Life before my diagnosis: I was incredibly active -- a dance studio owner, a yoga teacher, a lover of movement. I was recently married with a one-year-old at home, and my entire world turned upside down.
How I felt after diagnosis: I felt hopeless. My body had failed me. I ate all the right things, exercised regularly - it just didn't make sense. As a new mom, I wondered how this would affect my ability to watch my son grow up.
Telling my family and friends: Telling loved ones stung. I had tears in my eyes with every text and call. Eventually, I told my community on social media because telling everyone individually was getting to be too hard.
My treatment: I had 25 rounds of radiation and 5 rounds of chemotherapy over 5 weeks. That was then followed by three rounds of brachytherapy, which lead to severe complications.
How I felt after treatment: After treatment, I was hospitalized for 16 days as a result of an infection caused by the brachytherapy. For the first 5 days, no one could identify what was wrong, until they found an ecoli infection on my fallopian tube.
What was most difficult for me: The hospital stay following treatment was by far the hardest. With no answers, MRI's almost daily, invasive drains, and being isolated during a COVID lockdown, my mental health plummeted. I felt so alone, and had no clear answer as to when I would be released until day 15.
What I did to help myself: I tried my best to continue to move. I did chair yoga when I was too weak to stand. I walked hospital halls to regain my strength and stamina. And I repeated mantras morning and night to help inspire my fight.
My life after cancer: Life has forever changed. Every pain in the body brings on a new worry. Every food I ingest I fear might have cancer causing agents. Every man-made cleaner, fragrance, and product sends me spiraling, wondering if it will spark irregular cell production in my body once again. Treatment caused medically-induced menopause at age 33, which comes with its own interesting symptoms. I will never conceive another child, and am forever thankful for our one and only son.
Where I am today: I feel as though I am back to my old self, although I fear a few years of my life have been shaved off. I am able to keep up with my son, returned to yoga, and fuel my body with healthy, colourful foods.
What I want other women to know: Listen to your body. Don't be afraid to advocate for every pain and irregular feeling. Ask all the questions, even if they feel silly. Reach out to your community. Have them step in - you can return the favour later.
How I will try to help others: I am vocal about my story to inspire others to get checked regularly, and seek medical interventions to prevent cervical cancer. I host fundraisers, donate in lieu of gifts, and am in the process of volunteering at the very hospital that saved my life.
Any additional information you'd like to share: I am happy to connect with anyone who needs an ear or a shoulder. Community is key.