What was your life like before you were diagnosed with cancer?
Life was just beginning. I was newly married (July 2006) and just figuring it out with my husband. We were beginning the conversations of starting a family. We were both happy in our jobs/careers. I was working for the American Cancer Society (ACS) and getting my feet wet in event development but also supporting our programs and services. It was quiet and simple. It was spending the time with family and friends, figuring out what a couple does on an average day, and planning for the future.
How did you find out you had cancer?
I found out through a routine Pap test. However, I will admit I almost didn’t go to this appointment. Two months prior I had a stroke and was dealing with the side effects, medical appointments, and blood work for this unexpected twist in my life. What I know now is that cervical cancer is the reason why I had a stroke. My blood levels were off, and I got a headache, fell in the bathroom, and ended up in the emergency room. It turned out that I had a patent foramen ovale (PFO). After the stroke, I didn’t want to go for my yearly exam. However, my close girlfriend Susie knew I never missed an appointment and pushed me to go and get it done. Wow, I am sure glad I did, or it could have been diagnosed at a much later stage. But it was caught EARLY.
Did your life change immediately after your cancer diagnosis? If so, how?
Absolutely. I was in shock, scared, and in disbelief. Why me? Why now? Why this? I had lots of questions. I didn’t understand any of it, and I worked for the American Cancer Society.
Did you experience side effects? Do you continue to experience side effects?
For my type of early-stage cervical cancer, I was given a few choices for surgery/treatment. All I can say is I wanted it removed. All of it. However, with that decision, I was also losing the ability to have children of my own. I had to struggle with the decision to have a hysterectomy, but with the support of my husband, we made the decision together. By November 2006, I was going in for surgery. To this day, it’s the best decision I’ve made in my life.
Who was there for you after the diagnosis?
I had so much support during and after my diagnosis, and for that, I am thankful. My husband, Todd, was my rock, and my stepson, Brock, was the child I never got to conceive but truly played a role in his growth. My immediate family and close friends (mom, dad, sister, brother, in-laws, and close girlfriends) were there for it all: appointments, surgery, when I was sad, crying, or needing a pep talk. I had people all around me to support me. I am also very thankful for my work family/friends. They reminded me that I wasn’t alone and of all the information and services available, and they gave me strength to get back to work and focus on meaningful cancer-related efforts. They all were a gift to me.
What was helpful for you?
All of this was helpful because they reminded me how to seek information, get the facts, and remain positive. They were there when I wanted to fall apart and when I was ready to jump back in.
Is there anything that stands out to you about your experience with the health care system (positive or negative)?
I am truly blessed by my health care team, especially because I had to work through two different health systems: one for the stroke and another for my cancer. My medical team communicated with each other, they supported me, they listened to me, and they healed me. I am beyond grateful for this collaboration across two academic health systems here in Michigan.
How has your life changed since becoming a cancer survivor?
It’s made me appreciate it all in a different way and through a different lens—the lens of a cancer survivor who is not a mother, but an aunt and a wife of an amazing husband who watched me get to my lowest point but come out ahead. I came out wanting to make an impact, to make a difference, and to use my voice. It positioned me to be a leader in my role at ACS, to be an expert on where to find cancer information and resources, to lean on others, and to not take life for granted.
Do what is good for you and do it at your pace. Don't feel bad or guilty for putting yourself first, and don't miss an appointment.
Did you make any lifestyle changes due to your diagnosis?
For lifestyle, I would say I do more now. I go out when I want, and I stay home when I need to. I am okay with saying no and setting boundaries. I travel, and I live life to the fullest—I don’t want to miss out on anything. I buy more teal and white than I ever did, and I am vocal about getting screened.
What’s next? What are your current goals or priorities?
Next is life. Next is living. In 2018, my husband and I bought a place up north in Bay Port, MI, right on Saginaw Bay-Wild Fowl Bay. We cherish the time, the peace, and each other. We travel, we work out together, we have two black labradors that fill our hearts and keep us busy. My goal, my priority, is to keep myself balanced, happy, healthy, and dedicated to making a difference. I stay engaged in supporting the health and well-being of others and take time to celebrate my survivorship through events, educational opportunities, and sharing my story. I’ve participated in programs and attended webinars that have helped me continue learning and connecting with others. I also had the meaningful experience of having my story expressed through art by a local artist. Most of all, I put myself out there, and I talk about screening.
What’s an insight, note, or tip that you feel is important for other survivors and their loved ones to know or keep in mind?
Lean on others. Find your balance in the mess. Use credible and reliable resources; don’t rely on unverified information you find online. Ask questions. But most importantly, just breathe.
Is there anything else about your cancer survivor or caregiver journey you’d like to share?
I am forever grateful for my husband, Todd, stepson, Brock, extended family, and friends. They were the strength I needed during the most difficult time in my life. I am beyond thankful for their support and love.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Thank you for giving me this opportunity. I hope you can use it and help others know that you can get through the ugliness if you be positive, stay positive, and find your balance through it all.
Image: Jennifer
I came out wanting to make an impact, to make a difference, and to use my voice.
...I don’t want to miss out on anything. I buy more teal and white than I ever did, and I am vocal about getting screened.”