When I knew something was wrong: I had watery discharge with a little blood, so I went to a nearby women’s clinic. The doctor there said I had a uterine fibroid. He cut it out and then one week later, he told me it was cervical cancer.

Next steps: I went to a bigger hospital that week. The doctor there said that my cancer was stage IB and I would need to have surgery. I was 38 at that time, and had never married and had no boyfriend.

Treatment: I had to undergo a total hysterectomy and removed 32 lymph nodes and one ovary last year. Fortunately, there were no sign of remaining cancer cells, so I could leave without any further treatment.

What was the hardest time for me: My mother is in a nursing home, so I had to go thorough all the diagnoses and follow-up tests by myself. That was the hardest time.

My recovery: I live on my own, so it was so hard to go home so soon after hospitalization. Things I found difficult were going to the grocery, making meals for myself, and at that time, walking the stairs to my apartment (I lived in the 4th story of a building without an elevator!). Six months after my surgery, the building’s owner was rebuilding so I had to move. I don’t know how I managed to do all these things!

My life today: Happily now, I am settled, and totally fine! I gratefully welcomed my 40th birthday. I was so astonished at the diagnosis. I had been getting routine Pap tests, but I skipped just one and then I was diagnosed.

I do not want any other woman to have this kind of hardship. Sometimes, women said I got this because I was a slut, sleeping with so many men and so many times, that was a big blow. I want to get rid of the stigma surrounding this disease.

I hope one day, no women suffer from cervical cancer.