How my story begins: I was diagnosed on May 22, 2024. I can remember that day because I was driving home from work and it was very rainy and I didn't want to take the call but I knew I had to.
My doctor was able to catch me before I saw the results and told me that I have cervical cancer. Then, the saga began of finding an oncologist in the long wait. I called to hurry up and wait.
I had my first visit with my oncologist a month after my diagnoses, which was the longest month of my life. I was very alone and didn't know what to do or what to think. It was decided that I would have a radical hysterectomy and then either chemotherapy or radiation afterwards.
Fast-forward to July, when I had my radical hysterectomy. I wish I could say things improved from there, but sadly, they only declined. I have never felt so alone in my life — being only 38 with cervical cancer and having everyone tell me for the longest time that nothing was wrong when I knew there was. That was the hardest part to get through.
In August, I started radiation through October. Then, on October 8, I was able to ring the bell, celebrating that I was cervical cancer-free.
Life before my diagnosis: I am a service coordinator at Bridges for Brain Injury, working in social work. I used to dance 4–5 times a week — ballet, lyrical, and contemporary. Plus, I’m a dog and cat mom. I have 17 nieces and nephews. I had been dealing with SLE (Lupus) since I was five. My life wasn't perfect — whose life is? — but I was happy.
How I felt after diagnosis: After diagnosis, I was very angry at the world around me and the people that I loved because I felt so alone and misunderstood. I did have support, but sometimes our loved ones don't know how to handle hard times and they just want us to be happy. Not understanding that we need to let these emotions run their course.
Today, I still feel alone and lost and wish that I would've done many things differently. Luckily, I found this amazing organization and I am getting hooked up with support groups and many other different activities. I am now going to attend the Cervical Cancer Summit in January.
Telling my family and friends: The first person I called was my mom, and it was probably the hardest thing I had to do because I knew that as soon as I said it out loud, it would be real.
When I got home, the next person I told was my boyfriend’s father, who—besides my boyfriend and my parents — has been one of my biggest supporters. Telling my boyfriend was another really difficult part of this experience because I didn’t want him to worry, and I never want to be a burden to anyone. He took the news hard, but he stood by me the whole time.
My treatment: My radical hysterectomy was July and radiation was August through October. I currently attend pelvic floor PT every other week and mental health therapy and see a psychiatrist. I am now on hormone replacement therapy and currently going through menopause.
How I felt after treatment: After the first day of treatment, I felt happy, but from then on, I haven’t felt like myself. I feel like a shadow of who I once was, and I feel like I need to figure out who I am again.
What was most difficult for me: I’ve had to start my life over many times due to my lupus and various autoimmune conditions, but the most difficult part for me was the isolation and loneliness. Sometimes, you can be in a room full of people who love you and still feel completely alone.
What I did to help myself: My saving grace is reading, and in 2024, I read 115 books. Now, I dance almost every night, try to work out as best I can, and just focus on staying positive. But let’s be real — every day isn’t happy, and every day isn’t perfect. But it’s just one day. It’s not your whole life.
My life after cancer: My life after cancer is filled with lots of dancing, reading books, dates with my boyfriend, and spending time with my animals, including my favorite Basset Hound named Herbert George and my cats Alfalfa, James, Stella, Ann, and Ethel May. Don't forget, I'm the aunt of 17 nieces and nephews — and I don't know what I would do without all of them.
Where I am today: Today, in this current moment: I’m here. I’m alive. I guess I’m doing OK.
What I want other women to know: I want other women to know that they’re not alone, no matter how old they are, and that they just have to find their tribe. Luckily, I have a few good friends, my boyfriend, my parents, and one sister who I speak to regularly to keep me sane. Let’s not forget that mental health is important, so find a counselor and psychiatrist.
How I will try to help others: From here on out, I will do my best to help anybody who needs it and who is confused about any diagnosis that they have about cancer or cervical cancer.
Any additional information you'd like to share: Just find your people, hold them tight, and let them know how much you appreciate them, because there are going to be a lot of ups and downs.