I was scheduled for a colonoscopy, but they wanted a CT first and discovered something suspicious.

I also experienced a number of other symptoms. Amongst those that caused the most discomfort were persistent pain in the pelvic region, unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite and fatigue. I also experienced severe nausea and vomiting, as well as extreme, prolonged and heavy vaginal bleeding and constipation.

When I was first diagnosed, I felt fearful and sad. I was petrified of the unknown for me.

I was not working when I was diagnosed with cancer.

I received curative treatment for my cancer. I started my treatment with 6 rounds of chemotherapy, Taxol and carboplatin, over 6 months, followed by a radical hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. I subsequently underwent 25 sessions of radiotherapy over the course of one month and was prescribed tramadol pain medication for 36 months. The treatments worked, and I am currently cancer-free.

I decided on my treatment plan based on the doctor’s recommendation. After deciding on my treatment plan, I was fearful because of the unknown.

As for financing treatment, I am receiving financial aid from the Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital.

The most severe side effect I experienced was fatigue, followed by nausea and vomiting and hair loss. I couldn't do much of anything because of the fatigue. I also did not expect how terribly sick my first treatment was going to make me.

Throughout my cancer journey, I dealt with the fear of the cancer returning, of undergoing treatment and of not being able to continue with normal life and activities. I worked to overcome these fears by seeking support from family or friends and joining a support group and connecting with other cancer survivors.

Today, I feel neutral because although I have completed all my treatments, I still do not feel the greatest.

If I had to give practical advice to other cancer patients, I’d say just live each day and do the best you can!