Sisterhood of Survivorship
Sharing, Caring, Surviving
Jennifer W's Story
Year Diagnosed: 2011
Type of Cancer: Cervical
It was June 16, 2011...less than 3 months since the the birth of my daughter (Trinity)...when my mom came to visit took one look at me and drove me straight to the hospital. I was pale,lethargic,feverish,weak,dizzy all in all VERY sick. I expected an infection,the doctor however examined me and in less than 2 hours I had an IV,Morphine,and 5 units of blood being pumped into my body. I heard the wordc "cancer" "fungating mass" "extensive pelvic intrusion" and knew that my entire world had just changed. I was so scared and yet I couldnt cry...too much to do now will have time for tears later I told everyone. Treatment began (4 hours away from my home and family and friends and babies thanks to no insurance) within a week of diagnosis. Radiation,chemotherapy, brachytherapy even surgery was thrown at the monster growing inside of me,and while I was never a very religious person I welcomed all the prayers and good luck charms and whatever else people offered in my search for a cure and some peace of mind. I found my sanity and my.strength and my hope in the strangest places....the hospital cafeteria when a little old lady walked up and hugged me and gave me a blanket to keep me warm in the infusion room. In the chemo room when we all traded war stories and I realized that my measly little 6 treatments were nothing compared to the horrific treatment required to kill some of my friends monsters. My phone would ring and my biggest supporters would sing to me and tell me how much tbey loved me. Flowers and cards and stupid texts to keep me occupied..I got thru my.cancer one tiny step at a time and I never did it alone. I posted on FB, I called people, I sent text, I took pictures and walks, I celebrated the littlest things. I fixed my hair (yes with some chemo you can.still keep your hair,but if not I have friends who bought FABULOUS hats and scarves and pretty jewelry for head wraps...as always we can accessorize) I got dressed and I smiled. I laughed and yes I cried too. I listened to music I loved and sang it loudly during scans and tests and blood drawings. So you have cancer? That in itself is scary but never ever let cancer have you.