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Bethany’s Story (Cervical Cancer)

Bethany's Story (Cervical Cancer)I always wanted to be like my older sister. She was my everything. My parents got divorced when I was very young so my sister basically raised me since age eight. I was in a very abusive first marriage and wasn’t able to be closer to her or the rest of my family for a couple years. After a year of marriage I left with the strength of my sister behind me in 2001.

I contracted Lyme disease on our honeymoon in Pennsylvania and had just finished several rounds of oral and IV antibiotics. I was treated by a friend of a professor at Baylor University who had to keep the diagnosis a secret since Texas didn’t recognize Lyme disease. Whatever, it didn’t matter as long as I felt better, could walk, and could not hurt. Little did I know that was the beginning of my battle. I found out later that he was cheating on me through the whole marriage and had given me HPV. I was also diagnosed with PCOS at that time. I went through three laparoscopies, two LEEP procedures, Lupron treatment, and multiple compound hormone treatments over the next couple years.

In 2008, when I was 27 and single, I was told I needed a hysterectomy ASAP after being diagnosed with cervical cancer secondary to the HPV. I had the hysterectomy and was diagnosed with endometriosis then. This seemed to be a never ending battle. I married my love in 2009 and he knew I couldn’t conceive but I know he didn’t plan on the rest. He’s military and unfortunately gone for sometime throughout our years married -though he supported me from afar.

I’ve had two really serious Lyme disease relapses since. Once while he was deployed. He left when I was a healthy 140 lbs, and returned when I was 100 lbs of sick. I tried hard not to let it show. My sister died unexpectedly in April 2013 and that was the single most traumatic thing I have ever had to deal with. Now it is 2014 and I was told my PCOS is no longer manageable and the ovaries must be removed. And I also had endometriosis on my bladder and bowels requiring a team of surgeons. This will happen in August. People tell me I’m so strong but I don’t know how else to be. I’ve battled since I was young. I battled LIKE A GIRL. I’ll never stop. I AM STRONG!!!

Bethany
Texas
Submitted 06/20/2014

The informational content of this article 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.

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.

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3 comments

  1. Cheryl

    You ARE very strong and you are still my hero for surviving what you have survived. Love you!

  2. Amanda

    You have been such an inspiration to me especially since my own diagnosis. Knowing your story and how you can be so happy and positive you can be everyday has been a huge blessing to me! I know you have never ending steps, but know you are loved!!

  3. April

    Hi Bethany…I can relate to your experience. First diagnosed with HPV ( still fighting that), then cervical cancer, then hysterectomy. Each year I have surgery for the removal of cancer in vulva area. As if that isn’t enough, I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in May last year….done chemo, surgery and radiation and now breast reconstruction. Some of us just have one battle after another BUT, it makes us stronger. People say the same about me, being so strong, and I agree…we don’t know how else to be 😉 Thank you for sharing your story…FLAG!

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