When I first realized something was wrong: I started having bleeding with intercourse. I was on a birth control pill that had stopped my periods for a little over 3 years, so the bleeding was very suspicious. At first, the bleeding was light. But each time I had intercourse, the bleeding became heavier and heavier. As I had a yearly appointment scheduled a month later, I decided that I would address the issue then.
I had been receiving routine Pap smears for years and every one had always been normal. I had tested positive for HPV on two separate occasions, years ago. But because they were not consecutive positive tests, my doctor was not concerned. At my annual, I went in for my Pap but it came back normal. So the doctor did a colposcopy and biopsies, which revealed that there were cancerous cells.
How I felt when I found out: When I received the phone call from my OB/GYN telling me of the biopsy results, we both cried on the phone as she stated she was worried for me. The cancer was aggressive and invasive.
My treatment: I received a radical hysterectomy in January of 2013. Seventeen lymph nodes were removed, and 2 tested positive for cancer. This meant that I would need to start chemotherapy and radiation to try and completely eliminate the cancer. My treatment plan was delayed as I had a few complications post-surgery. I had a massive pelvic infection and blood clot. Treatment finally began in May. I completed 10 rounds of chemo, 3 different medicines, 34 external radiation treatments, and 3 internal HDR radiation treatments.
Why I tell my story: I now tell my story and advocate in the hopes of saving other women from what I endured. I thought I was doing everything I was supposed to be doing for my health. Many women either do not receive regular screenings, or ignore the early warning signs. Many are also misinformed about the HPV vaccine. My hope is to share not only my story, but also valid information to others.
What was most difficult for me: Six months after my treatments ended, just when I thought my life was returning to normal, my husband of almost 15 years left me. We had many struggles, and I think my illness pushed us over the edge. This was more of a devastating blow than being diagnosed. I realized then that I could choose to not advocate, to not share my story, and to suppress all of my feelings and emotions. But then I ask myself what good that would do. I feel like I survived this devastating part of my life for a reason, and I truly believe that reason is to now help save others. I have been given a second chance at life, and I must live it the best way I know how. My life may not be where I originally thought it would be, but everything happens for a reason. I had cancer for a reason, my husband left me for a reason, and I must advocate for a reason.
Support from family and friends: My friends and family held a benefit. Seeing everyone’s love and support for my family and me was amazing. I can never repay those that made that day so special for me. It was held at a state park that has a small lake. There was a hog roast, corn-hole and horseshoe tournaments, raffles, a silent auction, and live music. The whole day went by so fast, but it was one of the most memorable experiences of my life. Having love and support from those around you is key. No one should fight alone. Many of my friends shaved their heads to support me.
Finding hope and giving back: My story was featured on a local news channel in January 2014. It aired several times and helped spread the word of just how important regular screenings are. I was thrilled, and I realized that this was just the beginning of what I needed to be doing. I was alive and cancer free, and I felt a strong urge to help others. A friend mentioned Cervivor to me, so I submitted my story, which was then featured on the Cervivor website. Again, thrilled! I am now a Cervivor Ambassador, earning this title after attending Cervivor School West in San Diego. Finding Cervivor was like finding a missing piece to a puzzle. It has given me a platform to stand on, and shout for all to hear that I had cervical cancer, I fought my personal battle, and now I am moving forward helping anyone I can, in any way I can.
My life today: My life now is challenging in many ways. I am a single mother, I work a full time job, as well as a part time job, and I have chosen to add anything and everything I can do help advocate through Cervivor. To say that I am a busy woman is an understatement. My main focus is raising my boys to know that they have a mother who not only loves them unconditionally, but one that fought a tough battle to save my life so that I could continue to raise them. Attitude is everything. Having cancer opened my eyes to life. I feel that I truly live now. I laugh often, cherish the memories I make, and make it a priority to connect with the loved ones around me.
What I want other women to know: I want other women to know that they are not alone, and that there is support out there. While I was going through diagnosis and treatment, I did not know where to turn. Any questions I had, I directed toward my oncology nurse. While she was wonderful, sometimes there were questions she could not fully answer. I wish I had Cervivor then. I am thankful to be a part of Cervivor now, and my hope is to be there for any woman at any stage of their diagnosis and treatment, as well as becoming a source of valid information to help educate others on HPV and cervical cancer.
Check out Melissa’s blog here.