How my story begins: I hadn’t had a Pap test since 2011, the year is now 2020. So when I noticed a persistent discharge that didn’t go away for months, even after several rounds of antibiotics, I knew something wasn’t right. I decided it was finally time to get checked. When my doctor recommended a biopsy, I knew in my heart that I was preparing for a battle.
Life before my diagnosis: I was a hardworking, devoted single mother of two. Helping others came naturally to me, and life, while demanding, was full of purpose and love.
How I felt after diagnosis: When the doctor confirmed it was cervical cancer, I immediately went into survival mode. I was ready to fight; but nothing could have truly prepared me for what lay ahead.
Telling my family and friends: Sharing the news was, without a doubt, one of the hardest parts. Having lost both of my parents to cancer, telling my siblings that their baby sister was now facing the same disease was devastating.
Some of my loved ones were in denial, others prematurely began mourning, and a few stood ready to fight beside me.
Because treatment wasn’t available in my home country, St. Lucia, I had to migrate to the United States. This meant leaving behind my two children, my daughter, just 9 years old, and my 18-year-old son. That separation was incredibly painful.
My treatment: I underwent 32 rounds of external radiation, 6 rounds of brachytherapy, and 6 cycles of chemotherapy (Cisplatin).
During treatment, I also completed genetic testing, which confirmed I carry the BRCA1 gene mutation. This led to a laparoscopic surgery to remove my ovaries and fallopian tubes, followed by an additional 4 rounds of chemotherapy with Taxol and Carboplatin.
How I felt after treatment: I fell into a deep depression. I missed my children terribly, couldn’t sleep, and lost all sense of taste. I didn’t want to see or talk to anyone. The world was in lockdown due to COVID-19; I lost loved ones, and eventually, I contracted the virus myself. It felt like a never-ending storm.
Healing was a slow and layered process. Coming to terms with what my body endured is ongoing. New side effects from treatment appear when I least expect them.
I recently had a preventative double mastectomy due to my BRCA1 gene mutation. At first, I wasn’t sure how I would feel emotionally. But I’ve embraced the new me and chosen to use this experience as yet another opportunity to educate and empower other women. My scars now represent strength, survival, and a renewed sense of purpose.
What was most difficult for me: Accepting that cancer will always be a part of my life, from long-lasting side effects to the lingering fear of recurrence, has been one of the most difficult realities to face.
What I did to help myself: I made a conscious effort to stay strong. I journaled. I joined every support group I could find. I started being kinder to my body. I found purpose in advocacy, using my voice, my story, and my experience to educate and uplift others.
My life after cancer: Healing is a very slow process. Coming to terms with all that my body went through will take some time.
Where I am today: Today, I stand as a proud Cervivor School graduate, a Cervivor Ambassador, and the Cervivor Caribbean Liaison. I continue to advocate for awareness, education, and access, especially for women in underserved regions like my home country. My journey has shaped me, but it hasn’t broken me.
What I want other women to know: You are not alone. No matter where you are in your journey—whether in fear, grief, healing, or hope, there is a community that understands and stands with you.
How I will try to help others: I will continue sharing my story to educate women about HPV, the importance of regular screenings, and the power of early detection. Awareness saves lives, and I am committed to doing my part, loudly, proudly, and unapologetically.