How my story begins: I don't have an interesting story. I went on my regular check up. In Slovenia we have them on 3 years, but it was one year after my last check up - and from there everything just happened so fast.

Life before my diagnosis: I am a mom of a teenager and married to my teen love. I was just getting my life back after the death of my stepdad, who died of a same cancer as my dad had 20 years prior. I was getting back in shape after gaining 20kg from the stress. My health had dropped, but I was happy. I was training for my first half marathon - which I proudly finished, quite tired, but I did it!

How I felt after diagnosis: It wasn't a shock as we have a lot of cancer in the family. My first thoughts were my son and my mom. I didn't want to put them through this this again. It was so scary. But as i had some experiences with people managing cancer, I didn't panic. I knew all the facts. In truth, I didn't have much time to think. The diagnosis was before Christmas and my first operation was on January 7th.

Telling my family and friends: Telling everyone was hard. Especially because of our family history with cancer. But everyone was so supportive. I stayed positive the whole time, even as I headed into the surgery where they were going to take my cervix out.

My treatment: The first surgery didn't go so well. The cancer had already spread on to my uterus. I was scared for the first time, mainly because the doctors didn't tell me much. Problems occurred after a month when I was scheduled for my next surgery, but my body didn't heal after the first. The doctor didn't want to wait, but he had to. He said my cancer was highly invasive. My next operation happened on March 8. I only realized that they took out my reproductive organ on "International Women's Day" a year later. At first I was just happy it was over. I had hysterectomy with tubes removed. Happily, all the lymphs and edges were clean.

How I felt after treatment: After the operation I was just happy it is over, but still scared. My recovery was not easy as it didn't heal as it should. It was as if my body was too tired from everything that was happening years before. My last stitches came off after 10 weeks instead of just 4, so I had some complications with my insurance...

What was most difficult for me: The most difficult was recovery, as I was used to training and running. I used to be a rhythmic gymnast, a dancer and a runner. I was a successful mom and was respected at my work. My husband left me the first night I was home from my treatment in the health center. That was 3 months after my surgery, and I was left alone.

What I did to help myself: I soon realized that his leaving was the best thing that has happened to me. I had time to think only for my self and my son. I had my friends. I got back to work in July, where they gave me a special project and honored me a year after for my good work. I started training again a year after the surgery. I found a person to spend my life with. As it happens, it is a woman - as both surgeries left me with some painful scars so I can no longer enjoy sex with men. So with my positive thinking, I got my luck and my life back.

My life after cancer: As this all happened in 2018, I don't have much to tell yet. They did get to ruin my summer 2019 though. In April 2019 I had a check up and the doctor said I needed another surgery. Two more tests in June and September were as bad as the first. The operation was to be in October...but when i came in for my last check up, everything was gone. Apparently I'd had some severe infection and so all the test were positive. Thankfully some strong antibiotics helped. It did crash my immune system again. So at this moment I am still struggling with every cold and flu that come by :)
I believe spring and summer will get me back on track.

Where I am today: As I said before, I am getting on slowly. I didn't get chemo, but it still took quite a toll physically and last year mentally. Still I am loving every minute of every day.

What I want other women to know: I want everyone to know that it is not shameful to have HPV. It is more important not to skip doctors appointments. As with any cancer, it is better to find it early and in the beginning. I want to say to everyone that they are beautiful as they are. To all the breast cancer/uterus cancer/cervical cancer/ovarian cancer patients - you are all beautiful women!

How I will try to help others: As soon as I could, I started telling girls and women not to miss their check ups. It is sadly common for a woman to skip their health appointments. And HPV is still a taboo in Slovenia.