Word of Cheer

Hi ladies!
Last year I hit the internet looking for anybody that was experiencing what I was going through. At my 6 week post natal check my pap smear came back indicating an adneocarcinoma of the cervix. A cone biopsy later confirmed this. I went through every range of emotion. I was scared, angry, confused......... I underwent a radical abdominal hysterectomy. So basically I had everything removed(ovaries, uterus, cervix, 1/3 vaginal wall, and lymph nodes). I am 28 and this was the worst thing that I had ever experienced in my life. So as I said I went on the internet trying to find out everything that I could about my cancer and then later my menopause. Thank God for this site. At that time though it seemed as if I couldn't find one really good story. I guess I was looking for one that said"I had it and I'm okay". I just had my one year check up and all labs show that I am cancer free. I had a chest xray, blood work, biopsy, and a vault smear, all of which came back normal. If you are going thru this now hang in there because there is a light at the end of the tunnel. My life was forever changed last April, but in some ways that is good. I know longer worry or stress about the little things in life. If the house is messy, oh well!!!!!!! I thank God everyday for blessing me and giving me my second chance. I now celebrate two birthdays every year. My birthday and the day of my surgery. On Friday I will be walking in the local Relay for Life as a team captain and a survivor. Last year I went to the Relay but had to leave after a couple of hours because I was only 3 weeks post surgery. This year I will be there for the whole thing and feel wonderful. It does get better. Hang in there and God bless!

{{Melanie}}

Thanks so much for posting this! It is so wonderful to hear the success stories. I had my surgery just a couple of weeks before you did and just passed my first year anniversary too.

Isn't getting good test results just the best feeling ever. I do know what you mean about changing the way you look at things. I think its hard NOT to change after going through something like this. It really puts things into the proper perspective, doesn't it.

The walk sounds like a wonderful way to celebrate this year. Best to you in your continued good health. Take care and please do visit and update us when you can.

{{hugs}} to you

Vicki

Thanks so much Melanie, for taking the time to come and post. Your post will encourarage all of us going through treatments of some kind right now. Much appreciated. and a big Best of luck with your relay, what a wonderful idea.

Hugs (((Melanie)))))
Thanks for sharing your story with us all. We certainly do love to hear these great success stories, and thankfully there are many, many success stories to be told.
This dreaded disease can be beaten, and we are all living proof of that!!!
Thanks again,
God Bless you, and continued good health!
Maria

Thank you so much for sharing your story with us!! I also think it is great that you will be participating in the walk this year!! Way to go!!! I am happy to hear that you are doing so well and have a new outlook on life!! Life is too short to worry about the small stuff....and it's all small stuff, right?

GREAT STORY MELANIE,
This is a great site for those of us going through a horrible time because we are able to lighten the load by sharing our woes, after all, misery does love company. I guess though what is the best is hearing from people like you....so that when some of us only see darkness, your story helps bring us towards the light again!!!
Thanks sooooooooooo much!!!!
Valentina

That's great Melanie -- I love good news!!

When you mentioned the Relay for Life, I just had to tell you this. I was diagnosed last July 29, 2000. The day after I was diagnosed, my mother came down to stay with me and relayed the message that the next year, my uncles (one is a lung cancer survivor and one is a prostate cancer survivor) wanted me to walk with them in the Relay for Life. I was very depressed and didn't think I would even live to see that day. Well, wouldn't you know that next month, on July 29 (my diagnosis anniversary) is the Relay for Life here in Wisconsin and yes, I will be walking proudly with my uncles!!! How ironic!! God sends us messages in strange ways sometimes...

Love,

Cyndy

Thanks Melanie,

Your post is so encouraging. Thank you for taking the time to write it. I hope I'm like you and never forget what it is like to go through something like this, so that I may help others.