I was diagnosed with stage 1 uterine cancer, in particular, an endometrioid adenocarcinoma. I was bleeding for a few days while having been on HRT for four years. This prompted me to seek medical help, ultimately leading to my diagnosis.

When I was first diagnosed, I felt sad and surprised. I was on HRT and thought that it would have prevented me from getting cancer, but I was wrong, and I was shocked when I found out.

I am currently receiving treatment.

As part of treatment, I have had a minimally invasive radical hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (removal of uterus, cervix, tubes, ovaries, and other tissues). I have also undergone one session of radiotherapy. I’ve only just begun treatment as I’m healing from surgery. I am also waiting on test results to see if I need chemotherapy.

I decided on my treatment plan based on the doctor’s recommendation. After deciding on my treatment plan, I felt fearful. I don’t know if this type of cancer will return, and I feel like I can’t plan my life anymore at the moment.

As for financing treatment, my treatment is subsidized.

The most severe side effects I experienced were nausea and vomiting, followed by weight fluctuations. Because of the nausea, I experienced a loss of appetite, and my bowel function was nonexistent. I managed these side effects by walking more, improving my nutritional intake, and taking prescribed medication, including suppositories.

I have continued working since being diagnosed with cancer because I need the income to support myself and my loved ones.

After being diagnosed, I faced challenges in my day-to-day life. I am a foster carer, so my husband has taken time off work to help. We have savings to help us out.

I haven’t made any plans for the next two years yet; it’s been difficult, and we have had to cancel our next holiday.

Throughout my cancer journey, I dealt with the fear of the cancer returning, undergoing treatment, changes in my appearance and body image, and the impact on my family and relationships. I worked to overcome these fears by focusing on physical recovery and staying active, and through positive thinking and gratitude.

I’ve tried to stay positive about my life, but it’s hard when you don’t know what the future holds. I have a beautiful family, and they keep me going every day.

Today, I feel angry, fearful, and sad because I had high-grade cells, so I will have to be checked for several years to come in case the cancer comes back elsewhere.

If I had to give practical advice to other cancer patients, I’d say just take it one day at a time.