Beth

Beth, 42 Years Old

I probably would have never found at there was a problem if it hadn’t been for a lot of unusual bleeding. I hadn’t had a pap smear in five years. I can cite a number of reasons although none of them are good enough. I have three kids, a full-time job, and basically just despised the idea of pap smears.

So I ended up in my OB’s office the following week because of the bleeding. She did a pap smear so that we could find out if there was a real problem. Well, it turns out that there was a real problem. When I got my pap results back a few days later, I found out that my results were abnormal. I went through with a colposcopy – not the most fun thing in the world mind you. I was a little bit rattled by this time, but not too bad. I had a few friends who had gone through bad pap smears over the years and everything had turned out fine for them.

I returned to my doctor’s office the following week for my colposcopy results. She had me meet with her in her actual office this time instead of the exam room. I should have known that was a bad sign. My OB then informed me that I had Stage IIIB Cervical Cancer. I sat in shock for a minute and then burst into tears. She was really great about it. She came around the desk and just hugged me. After a few minutes, I was ready to talk.

My doctor told me that Stage III is a pretty advanced stage of cancer. But she also told me that women with Cervical Cancer have a really high survival rate. I was told I would need chemotherapy and internal and external radiation.

Going home that day and telling my husband and teenage kids I had cancer was a pretty daunting task. My husband just got up and walked out of the room. My oldest daughter started crying. The other two just sat there. I knew that they would be going through a lot as well.

I have finished all of my treatment now. I am doing pretty well although it hasn’t been long enough for me to know that everything is going to be okay for sure. My doctors are very positive about everything and tell me that my treatment has gone exceptionally well. I am still feeling really tired and have not been able to work as much as I was before my diagnosis. My hair has started growing back, which has me feeling a lot better.

My experience with cancer was rough. However, it was not all bad. It made me realize how wonderful people can be. I dealt with so many wonderful people at the treatment center. They made me feel better when I was going through treatment. They were very open about what I would be going through and answered any of my questions. They were very sympathetic as well.

I did not get as much support at home, but I can understand that a little bit. My husband doesn’t like to talk about anything cancer related. I guess he is in the mindset of if he doesn’t talk about it, then it’s not really a problem. My kids have been acting pretty weird too. But they’re just kids. It’s hard enough having to go through your teens without having to deal with a sick parent.

I feel much stronger. Now that I have gotten past this, I feel certain that I can take on anything.

Lessons Learned from Beth’s Story

· Abnormal vaginal bleeding should be addressed as soon as possible.

· Pap smears should be done regularly to detect any abnormalities. It is never okay to skip a pap smear.