I was diagnosed with stage 1 uterine cancer after I sought medical help for vaginal bleeding and bloating that lasted a few days. The polyps in my uterus also felt heavy as time went on.

When I was first diagnosed, I felt angry, sad, and surprised because my first specialist failed to diagnose me for over six months, and failed to conduct a pipelle biopsy.

I have completed treatment. I was declared cancer-free in February 2025.

My first surgeon did investigative surgery. Though she found polyps, she still thought that I didn’t have cancer. The lab report revealed otherwise, indicating stage 1B uterine cancer. I was then transferred to the public system for a laparoscopic hysterectomy, during which I had no ovaries or lymph nodes removed. The doctors offered radiation treatment, but after doing my own research, I turned it down.

I decided on my treatment plan based on my own research. After deciding on my treatment plan, I felt optimistic because I felt like my second surgeon listened to me, and she let me direct how I wanted the operation to go after I did my research.

As for financing treatment, my treatment is subsidized, and the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) funds my physiotherapist, osteopath and urologist appointments.

The most severe side effect I experienced was an overactive bladder, especially at night. As a result, I have to have only decaffeinated drinks and can barely drink anything after dinner. I have also managed this side effect through

• increased exercise frequency, with four pilates classes a week and a lot of walking
• improved nutrition, which involves avoiding tomatoes, onions, and alcohol
• prescribed medication, in particular, Ovestin vaginal cream
• transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) twice a week.

I continued working after I was diagnosed with cancer because it was a good distraction, and it was good to feel useful.

After being diagnosed, I faced challenges in my social life and relationships with my loved ones, and my self-esteem/self-image. My self-esteem/self-image was affected the most, because I felt broken after losing my uterus. I worked on overcoming these challenges through self-care. The surgeon was very good at complimenting me on my appearance, too.

For me, the most challenging aspect of cancer survivorship has been the ongoing medical check-ups. I had a poor examination by a registrar, but after telling my surgeon, she took over all my examinations. I want people to know that life after cancer can be just as good, better even, in that you have survived a major life-changing experience.

Over the next two years, my future plans involve continuing self-care through exercise, pilates, massages, nutrition, supplements, and visits to the osteopath.

Throughout my cancer journey, I dealt with the fear of undergoing treatment. I worked to overcome this fear through the following:

• Seeking support from family and friends
• Engaging in mindfulness or relaxation techniques
• Focusing on physical recovery and staying active
• Educating myself about the cancer and treatment process
• Engaging in spiritual or religious practices
• Focusing on positive thinking and gratitude

Today, I feel optimistic because I am cancer-free and have been discharged.

If I had to give practical advice to other cancer patients, I’d say cut back on sugar and exercise. Do your own research and make sure that you trust your surgeon and that you are listened to. I wish I had known that the pipelle biopsy should be done straight away, after vaginal bleeding, to rule out cancer.

I’d also say never give up. Talk to the people you trust. Get a second or even a third opinion, and do your own research and be involved in the process. It will make you feel more in control.