My name is Kellie, I am a 29 year old wife and mother and I have just had a full hysterectomy. This is my story…
In late February 2015, the day before I was due to be a bridesmaid, I woke up suffering from horrendous stomach cramping and bleeding. I knew something wasn’t right. I pushed it aside and went on with my bridesmaid duties until the Monday. I booked in to see the doctor and get a Pap test that was about due anyway.
Before long it had come back with possible high grade abnormalities and I was referred to the only local gynaecologist for a colposcopy and biopsy. It was about a 2 1/2 month wait to see the gynaecologist. I just tried to get on with life and ignore what I now know were symptoms of cervical cancer.
I had my biopsy late April and was booked to receive results a few weeks later. A few days after my biopsy, I got a call asking me to come in the following day. I knew that it wasn’t going to be great news but told my husband I’d be right to go by myself as I was sure it would be nothing major. Looking back I wish I had taken him.
I very nervously drove in and was told I had Cin111 and cervical adenocarcinoma. I was shocked at first but also felt very blessed that I already had two beautiful girls. My friends and family were amazing. One of the hardest parts of the whole experience was having to tell them that I had cancer! My husband was beyond amazing, he really was my rock.
On June 11 most of my cervix was removed. I had already been informed that I would need a hysterectomy but they wanted to start with my cervix to determine the right treatment plan. After the operation I was plagued with infections, pain and severe bleeding for over a month. I spent more time in hospital than out. I became a regular. After a few more exploratory surgeries and more hospital and doctor trips than in my entire life, on October 29th 2015 my body was finally ready to have a full abdominal hysterectomy. I am 5 weeks post-op and although the surgery and recovery have been quite brutal, I am forever grateful that it was caught early and no other treatment is needed. Hearing that at the post-op appointment brought such a feeling of relief.
I am ready to jump headfirst into 2016!
If you are reading this because you are beginning your cancer journey my advice is to trust your instincts, find something to keep your mind busy for all those times of waiting, cry when you need to but remember that as hard as these days are life can still be wonderful.