Survivor Stories
WELCOME to the NCCC Survivor section
Below in this Cancer Survivor section are the very personal stories from women battling cervical cancer and an "archive section" with a few of the past years' stories too. You may also submit your personal story on how you are battling issues related to your cervical cancer or persistent HPV disease.
While this section focuses in on cervical cancer survivors, there will also be comments from women that are battling persistent HPV precancerous lesions and cancer survivors' family members and friends too. As Mrs. Randi Kaye, the co-founder of the NCCC stated; "No one person is a statistic." Each person has their own personal battle. Each of us can focus in on HOPE and define HOPE within the context of our unique experiences.
The women in this section are the true heroes in the cervical cancer battle.
**Click here to add your story**
Posted By : Always Hope In Perris
Posted On : Mar 11 , 2010
I would be reaching my 3rd in remission on April 9th. I was diagnosed with Cervical Cancer Stage 3B in September 2006. After Chemotherapy, radiation and \"almost\" three years of being cancer free.... I get a call from my Gyn yesterday to schedule a Colpo because my Pap results came back abnormal (LSIL; Mild Sysplasia and High Risk HPV)
I\'m not sure what to think other than \"Here we go again\". I\'m terrified again. I keep researching on the internet to find something that tells me it\'s not Cancer. Im scheduled for my Colpo at the end of this month and I cannot focus on anything else. The weird part of this....I work for an Oncology Dept at a Hospital. I sitting here typing while my desk is holding someone elses Cancer notes. I love my job and get satisfaction that I can make a difference in their lives with what I do, but when it comes to my health, my life, my cance....I\'m a wreck. I\'m afraid to talk to my coworkers about it because they will just panic and start asking the million questions again.
Has anyone gone through this? Had my results after three years of remission?
Posted By : Kita
Posted On : Mar 08 , 2010
Well, I have finally exhausted all other options and in 4 days I will be having a hysterectomy....so far without needing any treatment. Wish me luck!!!
Posted By : Jane
Posted On : Feb 28 , 2010
I had been visiting this site since 2 years back when I was diagnose of 3b cervical cancer. I\'ve been inspired by a lot of your stories and I felt I awe it to all those people to tell my story. Just like most of you I\'ve been through a lot Chemo, radiation after radiation and just recently I just had surgery but I never lost hope. Truly if we entrust everything to God, you have nothing to fear or worry about. I believe the almighty Father knows what is best for us and will give what we ask for, all we need to do is have faith in him. My faith in him have kept me strong for 2 years and I believe by the grace of God,you and I will survive all these. I\'m back to work and keep praying that the hope and healing that the Good Lord layed upon me will be done to all of you. All I can say is everything happens for a reason. It could be a life style check to remind us to take care of ourselves, it could also be for us to be a living testimony of the great love & the miraculous healing power of God & a lot more. My prayers for all. Nothing is Impossible to those who have faith in Him, just believe.
Posted By : Brenda
Posted On : Feb 24 , 2010
This is in response to a question from \"I\". Because my cancer was adenocarcinoma which is related to glands (this type is usually in the ovaries) and because I was 54 years old at the time, my oncologist removed my ovaries. I\'m really glad he did. That\'s just one less concern because I KNOW it won\'t show up there some day! Luckily, I didn\'t experience the terrible hot flashes and mood swings. I attribute that to some natural vitamins by Shaklee called Menopause Balance. I took them before and after my surgery. These vitamins contain black cohosh, dong quay, licorice, etc. I hope this helps. Best wishes, I!!
Posted By : l
Posted On : Feb 23 , 2010
To Debie and Brenda,
Debbie - can i ask - why were your ovaries removed? Brenda - can i ask - did you have yours removed? I am confused as to when doctors decide that ovarian removal is necessary versus not - did either of your doctors explain?
Posted By : Brenda
Posted On : Feb 19 , 2010
This is to Debbi. I was 54 when I was diagnosed with Stage 1B cervical cancer. I had a radical hysterectomy. My doctor removed 15 lymph nodes. Only one node had metastasized. The tumor board recommended simultaneous chemo and radiation treatments. It was no picnic, but that was almost 4 years ago, and I am doing great. In fact, when I reached the 2-year mark, my oncologist said I had only a 5% chance of reoccurence. If your doctor recommends radiation, be prepared for some side effects such as fatigue and diarrhea. I\'m so thankful I had excellent medical care and the love and support of my family and friends. I will keep you in my prayers. Please post updates so I can cheer on your complete recovery!
Posted By : Jen
Posted On : Feb 19 , 2010
Can someone please tell me what to expect during the leep procedure? I am freakin a bit because of the needles!
Posted By : Debbi
Posted On : Feb 18 , 2010
HI, my name is Debbi and am 44. I was diagnosed with 1b1 cervical cancer and just had a radical hysterectomy/lymph nodes and ovaries taken out. The surgery went well for me
I did end up with a colon infection while in the hospital. My recovery is going well. Everyday I get a little stronger. My husband has been great through all of this. We did go to the doctor yesterday to get the path report. The doctor said it was good news. The took out 20 lymph nodes and all came back good except for one. The was a very small bit of cancer on it. The doctor is really on the fence about whether to do radiation-I am going to one of the best drs at the University of Madision. He states there is a cancer board that will be discussing my case today for further input. We meet with my radiologist tomorrow. I am not sure what to do. the more I read everyones story I feel that i should have the radiation.
But the dr feels it was so small he is redally on the fence. I would love anyone\'s input. It is really awesome to hear the courageous stories of all you women. Thanks for sharing them.
Posted By : Justine
Posted On : Feb 18 , 2010
Hi, I am writing PREDOMINANTLY to tell the women on this forum if you have been getting frustrated or getting the run around with your Dr\'s concerning pain in the abdomen, nausea, bleeding after sex, in between periods, etc. ASK FOR A PELVIC ULTRASOUND. A pelvic ultrasound will check the general health of your reproductive system.
After experiencing nausea, pain in the abdomen and RH back pain for only a month after my 39th birthday, I took myself off to hospital. I was told the back pain was due to kidney failure of my right kidney and I was mistakenly diagnosed as having a kidney stone. They found \"something else\" quite by accident on the CT scan which was a \"lesion ovarian in origin\" and that I should follow it up. I asked the Dr at hospital if this had anything to do with my kidney problems and I was promptly told \"No\" with a shake of the head.
I followed it up when I left hospital and was told by my GP that I now needed to get a pelvic ultrasound. I was told by the sonographer that my ovaries seemed fine and healthy but my cervix \"looks strange, it looks... thickened\". I was then referred to a gynaecologist who couldn\'t even examine me as it was too painful and I bled over his carpet. He said he needed to have a look inside properly and booked me into hospital for a hysteroscopy and cystoscopy procedure.
A tumour was found and suddenly, I was diagnosed with Stage III advanced Cervical Cancer that had grown to the point it had broken through the cervix wall and was pressing on my ureta (the tube that transports urine from the kidney to the bladder). This was what was causing the obstruction and giving me the kidney failure I was experiencing. Not only that, a PET scan found the cancer had spread to my liver and 2 lymph nodes under my right shoulder blade, albeit they are microscopic spots.
But importantly: I HAD NO PREVIOUS SYMPTOMS - NOTHING! - until I was already a Stage III. I\'d just had a pap smear only a month before I got sick and it came back negative!! My tumour had sneakily grown higher up in the cervix and could not be detected by the brush of the speculum. I\'d just finished college, started working everyday, pounding it out at the gym 4/5 times a week not knowing I had early Stages I/II Cerv cancer!!
But the good news is: I am going well regardless of late stage diagnosis - the main tumour has completely responded to treatment (chemoradiation) and has disappeared and I will be starting chemo in 4 wks time for the miniscule spots of the spread which the PET scan picked up very early.
Posted By : l
Posted On : Feb 16 , 2010
this message is for Kita.
I just wanted to tell you that a total hysterectomy means that they only take out your uterus - not your ovaries - so you would not go into menopause and you would not need to take hormones. A radical (or modified radical) hysterectomy means that they take your uterus and some of the tissues in your pelvice wall and vagina (modified they take less). WHether they do a total or a radical depends how advanced cancer is. Removal of the ovaries is called an oophorectomy and this is what causes you to go into menopause. I believe it is the case that they dont usually do them for cervical cancer unless the cancer is pretty advanced. I know it is scary but having a hysterectomy is not so bad and you get use to it intellectually and emotionally. Make sure they keep checking the vaginal wall, but try not to worry and good luck to you...
