There is a lot of discussion about breast cancer, but very little is said about the women's cancer I endured. I have been told that not many women live to tell their story after they encounter uterine cancer, as it can be hard to detect.
My journey began in June of 2006. I was 56 years old and diagnosed with third stage uterine cancer. There was no pain, but a small amount of vaginal bleeding. I had been through menopause for five years. At first I thought I had been handed a death sentence and then the reality of a fight from my life began to set in. With the support of my immediate family (husband, daughter and son) I built up the courage to deal with it head-on. Surgery for a total hysterectomy, plus removal of lymph nodes, was performed by specialists in the field. After a lengthy operation, I underwent 5 weeks of external radiation and 2 weeks of internal radiation. The process seemed slow, but I was told that I had a 95% chance of full recovery. It was at this time that I realized how lucky I had been to have the wonderful team of professionals, volunteers, friends and family to help me through my darkest days. Their enthusiasm helped me keep a positive attitude in managing my road to recovery. There have been bumps in the road along the way, but I was determined to make the best of my new lease-on-life. Presently, I am eight years cancer free and counting. Although I cannot work, I do fatigue easily and there are a few other health issues, I am still alive to enjoy the better things in life.
If I were asked what advice I would give to someone who was newly diagnosed with cancer, I would tell them to stay positive and live each day as though it was their last. Negativity breeds negativity. It is all about attitude and the will to live life the way YOU want to! You WILL get through it one day at a time. I did!
Thunder Bay, Canada