(I posted this in my myspace blog and wanted to share here too). I will update more after things go back to normal at home…)
Sometimes I still can’t believe it but it’s true, but 4 years ago today I had surgery for cervical cancer and have been cancer free ever since! I am very fortunate to have such great doctors and even though 2004 was a tough year, I made it through with the support doctors, family and friends. For the women who read this PLEASE be sure to get check ups on an annual basis, regardless of what you may hear or read, had I not gone annually I may not have been so lucky since the cancer appeared a year after a perfectly normal exam. Had I listened to the media and only gone every other year because of my history of healthy exams they wouldn’t have been able to catch the cancer in the beginning stages and things could have been worse. And for any guys who decide to read this, please pass the info on to the women in your lives.
Cervical Cancer is not genetic and can be treated when caught in time. There are so many treatments available that there is no need for women to continue to die from this. For more information on about cervical cancer click here.
Sorry if I got too heavy there for a minute, but it’s not something I talk about very often and it’s times like today that I realize how lucky I am. The good news is that the cancer has not come back and I have been totally fine since AND I only have1 year left of having to go in for 3 month follow-up visits. Ladies, I’m sure you can imagine my joy. Those who know me personally are probably aware of the other complications that I had after the initial surgery, and the good news is that my leg has pretty much been back to normal since ’05. I’ve been back in my 4″ heels for a few years and after a 4 year break from dancing I finally started taking classes again! This time around it’s Hula and Flamenco although I am contemplating going back to Belly Dance again soon.



6 comments
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March 12th, 2008 at 7:46 pm
elizabethysmom
Wow, I was just thinking how great it was that I wasn’t going to have to have my “lady exam” until next year b/c I had one last January. I think I’ll make an appointment. Congrats on your health!!!!
March 13th, 2008 at 6:50 am
Jo's Trust
Hello
I came across your blog and was sorry to hear that you had cervical cancer. I help a UK registered charity called Jo’s Trust who operate a support forum and medical panel at www.jotrust.co.uk specifically for people affected by pre-cancer and cervical cancer.
You would be very welcome to join; we have a lot of members from all over the world who support each other through their various stages of diagnosis.
Please contact me or take a look at our website if you would like to know more. We hope that you have made a full recovery.
Best wishes
Jo’s Trust - Fighting cervical cancer
March 13th, 2008 at 10:50 am
Zanna
Funny how much kinship we have… I am currently clinging to my size 6-sometimes 8 body by a thread! I had a kidney transplant and struggled with my weight all my life. Ultimately illness brought me to my size 6! I had cervical dysplasia too… Anyway, congrats on the blog and the weight loss, it’s tough to get there and to stay there! I take steroids which I use as a convenient excuse to overeat but frankly, I’m a binger from way back. Take care, I am going to enjoy reading along.
March 13th, 2008 at 8:27 pm
colette
Swizz,
I too had cervical CA and its been 15 years now for me!! I still get check ups 2 times a year though and always will.
I am glad to hear your 4 years out and there has been no return!!!
Take care and good luck girly!!
(((HUGS))))
March 15th, 2008 at 9:04 pm
bonita
Definitely a milestone to celebrate.
Hope life gets back to normal 4 u soon…
March 21st, 2008 at 12:22 pm
C
Congrats on hitting the 4 year mark! Also, your advice is really good about going in for annual exams. I went in this last year and my gyno still tried to talk me out of doing it because of the new research, while I was already in the room and ready for the exam.