How my story begins: I went in for a routine check-up, and there it was. I never had pain, and the ob-gyn knew right away. She sent the pap test away and the biopsy away, and sure enough, but the good news was that she caught it quickly.

Life before my diagnosis: My life was perfect before the diagnosis. My husband and I had just purchased our dream home in NC, and he just days from retiring.

How I felt after diagnosis: I was sad, but I knew we had caught it quickly, and my husband retired so that he would be able to take me to the treatments.

Telling my family and friends: I just called my Mom and she handled the rest.

My treatment: I had 26 external radiation treatments and six internal treatments. The chemo was cisplatin.

How I felt after treatment: I felt tired.

What was most difficult for me: The dilator was strange. I just figure life after cancer would be less weird.

What I did to help myself: Stay positive!

My life after cancer: Five years have passed, and now I have what is called the 'drinking straw effect' due to radiation damage. I am on a low-residue diet, and all is well.

Where I am today: I stay positive!

How I will try to help others: I will encourage everyone to keep their medical appointments.