Andrea’s Story (Cervical Cancer)

In October of 2018, I was diagnosed with cervical cancer. I ignored it thinking it was no big deal; many women get cervical cancer.

Within 2 months, the cancer had spread to my uterus and ovaries. I didn’t want a hysterectomy at such a young age, so I put myself through the poison treatment of chemo.

I hid my diagnosis from my family and friends. I didn’t want people to treat me differently. I didn’t want the “I’m sorry” or the “pity me” treatment because we had just lost my sister-in-law in 2018 to colon cancer. I felt like the big “C” word was forbidden! For 5 months I did my journey alone. I never asked for help, I worked 70 hrs a week, and I kept a smile on my face. In February I hit rock bottom and had to tell people what was going on with me. I was so sick and mentally burnt out. In April of 2019, I had the hysterectomy. It was just my luck that I suffered many complications that led to emergency surgery in June.

Now I’m in the recovery stage. It’s been a long journey. Fight Like A Girl™ has wonderful posts to keep a smile on my face. Stay strong!

Andrea
New Hampshire
Submitted 07/16/2019

This story is intended to convey a personal experience and, because every person’s experience is unique, should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional healthcare advice.