I was diagnosed with stage 1 uterine cancer, in particular, a type 1 endometrioid carcinoma. I noticed that I was bleeding, which started in April. It didn’t stop. After a few weeks, I sought medical help, ultimately leading to my diagnosis.

I also experienced other symptoms of cancer, namely abnormal vaginal discharge, persistent pain in the pelvic region, and fatigue.

When I was first diagnosed, I felt surprised, angry, and fearful because I wasn’t expecting it.

I am receiving treatment, as part of which I have undergone a minimally invasive hysterectomy. I also had six rounds of chemotherapy once every three weeks for a total of four months, together with nausea and pain medication and steroids. I had to reduce one of the chemo medicines to 80% during the fifth session, following which I stopped that medication because of neuropathy during the sixth session. I continued with other chemo medications as advised. I also had 25 sessions of direct radiation therapy and three sessions of brachytherapy. At present, I am receiving immunotherapy once every six weeks for another three years. I missed one immunotherapy session since I developed drop foot, and the doctor and neurologist wanted to make sure it wasn’t from the immunotherapy.

I decided on my treatment plan based on the oncologist’s recommendation and a second opinion. After deciding on my treatment plan, I felt optimistic because my MRI and CT scans had been coming back positive. There was no new growth.

The most severe side effect I experienced was hand and foot syndrome, followed by peripheral neuropathy and weight fluctuations. Because of the drop foot, I now require a walker, and I cannot walk outside alone because of a lack of balance. In addition to a walker, I use a brace for walking. I am also waiting on results from a spinal tap for possible reasons for the foot drop.

I continued working after I was diagnosed with cancer because my employer offered some accommodations, and I needed the income to support myself and my loved ones.

After being diagnosed, I faced challenges in my social life and relationships with my loved ones, since I have little to no social life. I also faced challenges in my day-to-day life, since my husband had to quit working to be my caretaker, and in my professional life, since I am still working three days a week. However, changes in my self-esteem/self-image have affected me the most, since I cannot do anything I used to do as a result of low self-esteem. My husband has been helping me get through these challenges; he keeps me positive.

I have not made any plans for the next two years. I plan to wait and see… I don’t have an all clear yet.

Throughout my cancer journey, I feared

• the cancer returning (recurrence)
• not surviving or dying
• undergoing treatment
• being a burden to my loved ones
• not being able to continue with normal life or activities.

I worked to overcome these fears by

• seeking support from family or friends
• focusing on physical recovery and staying active
• educating myself about the cancer and treatment process
• focusing on positive thinking and gratitude.

Today, I feel optimistic because the surgery went well. Radiation and chemo also seem to have worked.

If I had to give practical advice to other cancer patients, I’d say don’t be afraid of chemo or radiation. They don’t hurt. If possible, have a power port inserted. It is much less invasive, and you can have medications for scans put through the port.

Before starting treatment, I wish I had known not to be afraid. I also wish I had known how long it would take to wait between things.

To those currently on their cancer journey, I’d say, after the initial shock, surround yourself with positive people. Find out the treatment plan as soon as possible. Plan for others to drive you to and from treatment. Take a trusted friend or relative with you for oncology meetings so they can take notes for you; your memory will possibly deteriorate, so you need the notes. Losing your hair because of chemotherapy is not the end of the world. There are worse things. When offered help, say YES!