How my story begins: I was a single mom of one son working full time.

I had never had an abnormal Pap test so I was pushed to the 3 years for my next test. My year 3 test came back abnormal. I then had a colposcopy which showed cancer. I immediately went into fight mode.

How I felt after diagnosis: I was referred to the leading cancer center in our area. After meeting with the doctor, who was a jerk, I went into compete shock. I could not speak or stop crying for three days. At that point, my sister contacted our primary care doctor and we went for a 2nd opinion at a treatment facility across town, which turned out to be the blessing I needed.

Telling my family and friends: My Mom and sister were with me for the diagnosis. They handled telling most of our family and fielded all the questions. Telling my son was hard; the only question he asked was, "are you going to die?" I told him no, my prognosis was really good. I told friends slowly via text, email, etc. asking that they not call me on the phone, that I would contact them when I was ready.

My treatment: My diagnosis was on 4/11/14 and we did not let grass grow under our feet. My chemo started on 5/5/14. After 7 chemo treatments, which was 8 hours every Monday, 25 external radiation and 5 internal treatments, I was declared cancer free.

How I felt after treatment: The main complaint after treatment was how tired I was. My body would definitely tell me when I had done too much.

What was most difficult for me: I did not feel anything was too difficult. My attitude was I can do anything for 6 six weeks.

My life after cancer: Life after cancer has changed me, I no longer have anxiety. I like to tell people that the chemo killed it, but I truly believe it just changed my perspective on life - stop sweating the small stuff. It really does not matter. I do have some memory issue, chemo brain I guess, but I do not claim it. I have learned to write everything down. The calendar with reminders in my phone is my life saver.

Where I am today: I am still cancer free. I did develop diverticulitis and had to have my sigmoid and descending colon removed. They believe I devloped it so early due to radiation weakening my colon and diverticulitis running in my family. I have one more surgery to go and I'll be back together again.

What I want other women to know: Women need to know to trust what your body tells you. Seek a 2nd opinion if you are uncomfortable with the first. Never settle for a doctor you do not like, even if they say he/she is the best. Find the "best" one for you! Never give up and stay positive - attitude is everything. Allow yourself to be sad and angry, but only for a few days.