How my story begins: It began in 2012 when I was diagnosed with cervical ectropian (when cells that line the inside of your cervix grow on the outside). That masked my symptoms of cervical cancer. I thought the bleeding after sex was due to that. Fast forward to 2020 when I had two periods one after the other. I got a referral to colposcopy where a biopsy was taken. Two weeks later, on July 29th, I would be told I had cancer.

Life before my diagnosis: I was just plodding along I suppose. I Thought I had all the time in the world. I dedicated my entire adult life to having my four babies. I left a toxic relationship, found somebody new and thought that “this was my happy ending.” Little did I know, life had pain in store.

How I felt after diagnosis: I was diagnosed July 2020. Later found to be stage 3c1. I was in shock. My first thought was “my babies!” Then I cried at the thought of having to leave them.

Telling my family and friends: This was by far the hardest thing I had to do! Harder than getting the diagnosis. As I left the treatment centre I sat in the car for a while watching the world go by. Firstly I rang the father of my children who had them at the time whilst I went to my appointment. I told him he would have to keep them for a few days whilst I got my head around the diagnosis. Then I rang my big brother. He was in disbelief too and we cried. I still cry writing about this as I feel like it brings people I love a lot of pain and that’s been the hardest thing for me!

My treatment: I had 5 cisplatin chemotherapy. 30 external radiation and 4 brachytherapy.

How I felt after treatment: This is the part that got me! I felt like rubbish during treatment and expected to start to feel better afterwards. This wasn’t the case for me. I felt worse and worse. Aches and pains were a new way of life for me.

What was most difficult for me: Definitely telling my family and seeing them for the first time after diagnosis. Seeing the hurt on my eldest daughter's face. I could protect the little ones, but she’s too mature for her own good at 10 and there was no hiding it. Also, I was angry! I was so angry that this disease was hurting people I love.

What I did to help myself: The first week after diagnosis I lost my head. I was crying and saying “I don’t want to die!” I really lost it. Luckily, I pulled myself together really fast and got on with it! I got my head right and everything else followed. The fighter in me just got on with it. That fighter is in every single women and you just have to pull her out! Once you know what you’re dealing with, you can start to form plans and arrangements. It’s awful how you get a diagnosis like that, then left for weeks in the dark to know stage and formulate a plan. That’s one of the lowest points for me. I so desperately wanted to help myself and there was nothing I could do! My life was in the hands of strangers.

My life after cancer: It hasn’t been very long.... I’m still recovering from treatment. Trying to regain some sort of balance and normality to my life.

Where I am today: I’m waiting for follow up scans currently. I’m okay, I keep my headspace right. The mind is a very powerful thing and you can use it to your advantage.

What I want other women to know: I want women in this situation to know that they’re not alone! This is very much a sisterhood of women and we all support each other. Nobody fights this alone!

How I will try to help others: I will keep raising awareness. Cervical cancer isn’t as rare as people think. The screening system can and does fail us, so it’s up to women to be vigilant in regards to what’s normal for them personally. Be proactive in seeking help from a healthcare professional if there are ever any changes.