How my story begins: I started having small amounts of bleeding in between periods and after sex. This went on for a few weeks before I thought I should really go see a doctor. Before I knew it I was diagnosed stage 2 node positive cervical cancer.
Life before my diagnosis: Happy, married, loving being a mum and enjoying all the things that go with being a healthy 34 year old!
How I felt after diagnosis: I was fairly positive as I usually am! I took some time before I went ahead with treatment.
My treatment: I was offered radical radiotherapy with 'complimentary' chemotherapy over a five week period. Followed by brachytherepy. I went through the menopause at 35 which was not too cool! But the treatment was a sucess, which was fab!
How I felt after treatment: I felt whacked; it took me a while to get back to my active self but I did. I began to enjoy feeling good again and was told to get on with life. I had regular scans every three months.
What was most difficult for me: It's hard to help kids to understand what is happening, quite often this is the hardest part for me. You always want to protect your children but sometimes you can't. Honesty is the best policy and I hope it will make them stronger.
What I did to help myself: I try to stay happy and positive; a positive attitude is a winning attitude!
My life after cancer: Sadly my story doesn't end there and at my year scan a teeny nodule was found in my lung. I was told I would be rescanned after five months and when they did, the nodule had grown by 2cm and spread to a node in my windpipe. I was re-diagnosed stage 4 incurable. I'm currently undergoing intensive pallative chemotherapy to, hopefully, prolong my life.
Where I am today: Today I am happy! I'm happy that I am where I am because if I wasn't I don't think I would see life how I do, and it's amazing! Cancer has taken so much from me, but I have gained so much more! More love, more confidence, more compassion, more grace, more humbling, more positivity, more clarity ♡
What I want other women to know: We know our bodies best girls, keep checking and look after yourself.. and look after others! Girl power is STRONG!!
How I will try to help others: I want to spread the word, get things checked out even if it seems small or a waste of time. Its not! Check in on people, sometimes people might need help and not want to ask. Don't be afraid, you are so much stronger than you think you are ♡