Be Your Own Advocate

As we begin this new year, Cervivor, Inc. wants to empower you to take control of your health and well-being by being your own advocate. Advocacy comes in many forms, from lobbying on Capitol Hill to raise awareness about cervical cancer to supporting research and education initiatives. While grand, large-scale advocacy efforts are crucial in creating systemic change, it’s essential to remember that not all advocacy has to be big and bold. 

In fact, some of the most powerful forms of advocacy start with small, everyday actions, such as asking questions, seeking second opinions, and ensuring you receive the care and answers you deserve. By being your own advocate, you can take charge of your health, make informed decisions, and inspire others to do the same. We’re inspired by the stories of individuals within our Cervivor community, such as Patty Larson from Minnesota, who embodies the spirit of self-advocacy in her journey into survivorship after cervical cancer. Here is her journey in her own words:

Patty Larson, Cervical Cancer Survivor

“I was diagnosed with 1B2 clear cell adenocarcinoma of the cervix in September 2018. I did two types of treatment followed by two years of maintenance chemotherapy as prevention. I am now 4.5 years with no evidence of disease (NED) and I wake up every single morning feeling very blessed, but there are still some days I am not ok!

I don’t suffer from too many physical side effects. Once in a while, I have neuropathy in my left foot. Taking L-glutamine has really helped keep that at bay. Walking and being active is the real key, though. I am grateful that I am able to get in many steps while working as a part-time hairstylist. Once in a blue moon, I have digestive issues if I eat something too rich and I pay for it later by using the bathroom more than usual.

The biggest thing that just recently hit me is the long-term side effect of weight gain! The chemotherapy damaged my thyroid pretty badly, so I take a prescription thyroid medication. The struggle is real and lately, it is starting to affect my self-image. While I feel good physically for the most part, my endocrinologist does not listen to me. I have asked her to change my dose but because my bloodwork falls in the normal range, she said I am fine. 

But I don’t feel fine! I am gaining weight for no other reason; now, I weigh about what I did when I was pregnant. I am active between work and working out and I also have good eating habits. I recently brought up these issues and feelings with my oncologist. She listened better and has referred me to a weight management center! I am so happy! 

My biggest piece of advice for cancer patients and survivors is to advocate for your health and keep doing it until you finally find that person who will listen to you. Never stop trying and never stop fighting, even on your bad days.”

Empowering a Community of Advocates

As we reflect on the power of individual advocacy, we invite you to join the Cervivor community in sharing your own story of resilience and determination. By sharing your written narrative on our website, you can help inspire others to take control of their health and become their own advocates.

We also encourage healthcare providers, organizations, and individuals to partner with us in sharing crucial resources for education and support. Together, we can create a ripple effect of empowerment, ensuring that every person affected by cervical cancer has access to the care and information they deserve. 

Whether through sharing your story, volunteering, or simply spreading the word about our mission, every action counts, and every voice matters. Join us in amplifying the message of self-advocacy and helping to create a world where no one faces cervical cancer alone.

Patty Larson lives in Minnesota. She is a self-employed hairstylist who works part-time. Her clients and team were a big part of staying positive during cancer treatment. Patty is excited to get involved with cervical cancer advocacy. 

What Our Medical Teams Told Us

We asked our I’m A Cervivor! community, “What was the best advice your doctor or medical team gave you?” Our community didn’t disappoint and they provided some fantastic responses. We’re thrilled to be sharing them here for Medical Team Monday.

I think the best advice I got was just to be prepared for the fact that once I went back to work, a lot of people were going to assume that I was fine and could work at full speed. That prepared me to be ready to set some boundaries. It turned out to be really true. Honestly, I even felt the betrayal by certain women that I thought for sure would understand that this had been a big deal physically. ~ Laurie

Best advice from my OB was to take the misoprostol orally not vaginally. Tastes AWFUL but she was right, it works better. Also, she told me she was happy I lost the crappy husband. “You deserve someone who will be there for you not when you need him to but for all the times when you don’t need him to.” ~ Sarah

“Learn as much as you can about your illness” – he pretty much empowered me to take charge. ~ Maria

“Rachel, drink the damn scotch.” ~ Rachel

We’ve all been through so much and we desperately want our doctors and medical teams to hear us. That includes listening to our concerns, helping us navigate through all the unknowns (we are not the experts), and ultimately be that credible resource. Communication is so important to everyone involved and it starts by meeting us where we’re at, building and leading with empathy and compassion, which in turn is improving our quality of life overall.

“Breathe, smile, do not give up on yourself.” “You are stronger than you think!” “Don’t be afraid to ask us anything.” haha I’ve made them wish they never said that last part. We’re like family now lol. ~ Re’gina

You got this. Just breathe and let’s move forward. I’ll give you meds when you feel it’s too much. (I love him for that!) ~ Karla

Our medical teams are our heroes, and, in a way, we can be theirs as well. By telling our stories, both medical and survivor, we can shape the narrative of how cancer is treated. It’s not just cancer, there is a person attached to that diagnosis. Together we can create a powerful partnership and make a difference.