Cervical Cancer Signs & Symptoms

Today is a big topic, one that is always close to my heart. As some of you know, I was diagnosed with cervical cancer back in 2019, with treatments starting on my 34th birthday. I endured 25 radiation appointments, 5 Chemo appointments, 2 rounds of brachytherapy and a ton of bloodwork, MRIs and CT scans. Going through treatment was like having a FT job when feeling your absolute worst. I don’t wish it on anyone in this world.

A lot of women, mamas, myself included, neglect important appointments when it comes to health. I pushed off pap smears every year, putting my family and other things in life first. I was always putting myself last. In 2018, I started feeling really weak and tired. For a year, I searched trying to find answers and after that year, we finally found answers in 2019. Had I not advocated for myself during the doctors apportionment, my outcome would have been much worse.

I was scheduled to have an IUD removed, the doctor at the time, told me it wasn’t time and to come back in a year and a half. I insisted, since I was there, I would still like to have it removed as I wasn’t feeling well with it in. After giving me a bit of attitude about my decision, she finally agreed. Within 2 minutes of starting, she couldn’t proceed with the removal and was forced to start taking biopsies. The cervical cancer was so large that it was blocking the IUD and removing would be difficult. Could you imagine if I had taken the advice and waited the other year and a half? I’m sure my stage 3 would be stage 4.

So, I’ve put together a bit of info to help others learn about what to look for and help prevent serious treatments.