A survivor relates her experience

I can still remember where I was, exactly what I was doing when I received that phone call from my doctor informing me that the pap smear test which I had done earlier showed that I have cancer of the Cervix in its earliest stage. It felt as if a death sentence had been pronounced on me. After all – hearing that you have cancer is one of the worst things that can ever happen to you. This is the sort of thing that happens to others – not to you!

Shock is too mild a word for what I felt that evening and I remember thinking over and over that this could not be so. Was I going to die and leave my two sons? To this day, I do not know how I found the strength to comfort my two sons. If only I had done the test years earlier as my sons had been encouraging me.

When I awoke the next morning, the shock of reality hit me and I realised this was one "nightmare" from which I would not awake. From somewhere deep inside came a strange sense of calm and I knew then that with faith certainly this too would pass and I would overcome as I have overcome so many hurdles in the past. From here on, neither my doctor nor I wasted anytime. Further tests showed that the cancer was in its earliest stage and that if dealt with immediately, the chances of my surviving cancer-free would be very good. I underwent a complete hysterectomy followed by radiotherapy.

Through all of this, I had a great deal of support from my family, co-workers and medical staff who looked after me. Today I am deeply thankful to God and to all who helped me to overcome. But most of all I thank my sons who encouraged/nagged me to check on myself and have that pap smear done. You see, the pap smear test, which I did, was truly a test in time as it allowed the doctors to catch the cancer in time and eliminate it!

So many women are afraid to have themselves tested for cancer – they are afraid of what the test may show. But take it from me – as one who has looked cancer squarely in the eye and I live to tell the tale. It is far better to find out in time to have something done which can save your life. Maybe you do not have someone who, (like my sons did for me), literally pushes you to have yourself tested. My hope is that by reading about my experience, you will be encouraged to visit your doctor, clinic or health centre and find out more. Please have that test done in time.
 

Copyright © 2006 Jamaica Cancer Society  ::  All Rights Reserved