I will never forget Dec. 24, 2014, when the doctor I was referred to from my regular clinic called and said to come in. I was at work. I called my boss and told him I had to go to my doctor because he asked me to come and it was important. My heart rate was high. I smoke cigarettes, and on the way, I smoked like 4. Until I got there, I was scared and still scared when he told me I had cervical cancer, stage 2B. At the time, I didn’t know what 2B meant, and he explained it was very delicate, and that I needed to get treatment. But what it’s making it hard is a reconstruction on my ovaries that I had a year ago. I still wanna have one more kid, and I would love to keep my insides, but radiation may not work.
I been taking some natural medicine too. I’m Dominican, so we believe it helps. I have two kids, 8 and 6. They are my everything. I don’t see them without me. I have told some of my family and friends, but I don’t want them to feel sorry for me. It may be wrong for me to think that, but I’m so confused, sad, stressed, and tired. All my life, I have been fighting to survive and be a good woman, and every time I think I’m there, something happens. To be honest, I just think I should just give up and rest. I’m only 26 years old, and I have a lifetime of things that have happened to me. I’m just tired. To me, it’s more easy to write it here than to say it to my loved ones. They always see me like that strong woman that takes it all, but this time I’m just scared and don’t want my loved ones to go through this with me and see me me down and weak. Sometimes, I just wanna cry so much, but I hold it in and act like nothing is happening when I feel sad, stressed, and alone.
Yohanna
South Carolina
Submitted 01/05/2015
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.
yohanna:
What you have been experiencing for the past 3weeks is normal. Being told you have Cancer is a life altering bombshell. A quote from a plaque in my office sums it up perfectly -“You never know strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have”. You have 2 children that need you to remain in their lives. Take some time for mini pity parties and then move onto what you need to do to get well. You will succeed and be an even better person because of this challenge. Good luck. Stay strong.
What you are feeling is totally normal. I was diagnosed in October of 2014. I am feeling those feelings that you are having. It’s hard for me to express to my family how I feel because I don’t want them to worry. But I have reached out to find support from women who have gone through what we are going through now. See if your doctor, hospital has resources for you to find support.
Hello Yohanna
I understand exactly how you feel, as I had those same feelings. I was diagnosed with cervical cancer August 2014. I was 31yrs old and I have a 5 & 7 year old. I just finished radiation/chemo last week. You will make it through this! You are stronger than you ever imagined!! Take it one day at a time. If you ever need someone to talk to you can always email me: Jns12@sunyorange.edu
I was 27 the first time i was diagnosed with cervical cancer. At firt i was hell bent on doing everything by myself. I didnt want anyone feeling sorry for me. Eventually i realized they didnt feel sorry for me they cared for me and were concerend. If people want to help let them. It helps them to be able to do something for youwhile you are going througjh this difficult time. You will need the rest and help and support to get through this. I am a 2 time cervical cancer survivor. I hope this helps you
Hi, thank you for sharing this. My sister has been diagnosed with cervical cancer the same stage as yours. I am very interested in your story. I wonder how your treatment went. I hope you made a good recovery.