My Cancer Story

I was diagnosed with endometrial/uterine cancer. For a long while, I was experiencing vaginal bleeding. Sometimes the bleeding and clots were so bad that I was afraid to leave home. This began to affect my life more and more. I finally went for a checkup and was told that I had an abnormal Pap test result. I am in my 60s and had never had an abnormal result before.

Recognizing the symptoms and seeking a biopsy

I was sent to an OB-GYN for a biopsy. After the biopsy, I had heavy, uncontrollable bleeding right there in the doctor's office. He told me that he highly suspected cancer. I was in a blur all the way home. I was scared. I wound up in the ER two times within a couple of weeks for the bleeding and pain.

The second time, the doctor ordered an ultrasound, which indicated a mass in my uterus. Shortly thereafter, my results from the biopsy were back. I had seen on my CA-125 test that it was slightly out of the high range. When my doctor walked into my hospital room and said he needed to talk, I knew that he was going to tell me that I had cancer.

Processing the news of a cancer diagnosis

And I did, in fact, have cancer. He said it was a slow-growing cancer and a Group 1. The next step was a referral to an oncologist that specialized in this type of cancer. I needed a complete hysterectomy, and that would also show how far, if at all, it had spread.

My youngest child was with me in the room when I got the diagnosis. I told my other family members shortly afterward. I didn't know how I could tell them. There was no way to do it gently, so I just told them straight out. I met with the oncologist, and a date for surgery was set for a month later. I was uncomfortable waiting that long, but that gave me time to prepare myself.

Surgery, recovery, and life after endometrial cancer

After surgery, I had complications and spent a month between the hospital and a nursing facility. However, the cancer did not spread. I didn't need chemo or radiation. This all happened a little over a year ago. I still need periodic checkups, and I get really nervous about the results.

It was a long road to recovery, but I take better care of myself now and feel that I am definitely in better health than before my diagnosis. I never really took life for granted, but I know that God spared me and I am not the same person I was before. Cancer changed me just like any serious illness can.

Finding a new perspective and spiritual growth

I try not to let the little things bother me, and I feel that I am trying to be a better person. I wasn't a bad person before, but I feel more aware of how I am feeling and acting than before. It's hard to explain, but I am striving to be more healthy and keeping a check on my attitude.

I know that my endometrial cancer can come back, and I might not be so fortunate the next time. I learned to lean on God, and I believe that I have grown closer to Him. I am grateful for what He has done for me and how He has brought me through. Someday, after I retire, I would like to help others facing a serious illness.