Living with Cervical Cancer

by Joni Alvarez

I always thought that cancer would happen further down the road, at a more “appropriate” time in my life. Getting cancer my 40s? I thought that only happens to people you hear or read about. I wasn’t supposed to be one of those people.

Out of the blue, I started feeling extremely fatigued and developed constant stomach cramps and headaches. I had no idea that what I thought were physical nuisances were symptoms of cancer. I finally gave in and saw my gynecologist. Six weeks after my initial symptoms, an ultrasound and biopsy were performed, and I was diagnosed with Stage IIB cervical cancer, which meant the cancer had spread into the tissues next to my cervix.

For me, the words "You need a biopsy" were more shocking and devastating than "You have cancer." In the four long days between biopsy and diagnosis, I mentally prepared myself to fight and do whatever my doctors said I had to do to survive. When I finally heard the diagnosis, I was prepared for the battle.

One morning I had a free and normal life. The next morning my arm was attached to an IV and pole that would become a frequent companion over the next few months. My life suddenly included machines, medicines and terminology that I’d never heard of and never expected to be part of my everyday existence.

Part one of my treatment was six weekly cycles of Monday morning chemotherapy treatments and Monday through Friday radiation treatments. I’d sleep all weekend then start the weekly routine again.