I was diagnosed with stage 1 uterine cancer, in particular, a type 1 endometrioid adenocarcinoma. I sought medical attention the day I noticed slight bleeding after menopause, which led to my diagnosis.

When I was first diagnosed, I felt surprised, fearful, and sad because the diagnosis was a frightening thing to be told.

I completed treatment and was declared cancer-free in December 2024.

Following biopsy, I first had surgery, including a lymphadenectomy (removal of lymph nodes) and a radical hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (removal of the uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, ovaries and other tissues). I subsequently underwent three sessions of radiation therapy (brachytherapy) over the course of one month, followed by blood-thinning injections. Now, I have regular check-ups.

I decided on my treatment plan based on the doctor’s recommendation, following which, I felt fearful because of the unknown.

As for financing treatment, I received support from the National Health Service (NHS).

The most severe side effect I experienced as a result of treatment was fatigue, because of which I had to rest more. I have felt tired and not as active, work-wise, since.

I did not continue working after I was diagnosed with cancer because I was still sick.

Since being diagnosed, I faced challenges in my day-to-day life and self-esteem/self-image. My day-to-day life was affected the most. I am learning to take one day at a time, rest when I am tired, and be kind to myself.

For me, the most challenging aspects of being a cancer survivor are the physical side effects and the fear of recurrence. I learnt to cope with these challenges by just getting on with it.

I have not made any plans for myself over the next two years. I wish to just take things as they come.

Throughout my cancer journey, I dealt with the fear of the cancer returning (recurrence) and the fear of not surviving or dying. I worked to overcome these fears by seeking support from family or friends and joining a support group to connect with other cancer survivors.

Today, I feel angry, in addition to what I felt at the time of diagnosis, because I am always worried in case the cancer returns elsewhere.

If I had to give practical advice to other cancer patients, I’d say don’t Google things. Join websites that offer help, like MacMillan, and speak to people who have experienced the same diagnosis as you. Take one day at a time and be kind to yourself. If you want something, don’t put it off to a different day; just do what makes you happy. If you want those shoes or a cake, go for it! You deserve a treat.

I’d also say don’t be scared to ask for help. I didn’t know how kind and helpful everyone would be throughout my diagnosis and treatment process. It’s frightening because you don’t know what is in store for you, but people are there to help, so speak to them.