My name is Maria and about 8 to 9 years ago after going to get a pap smear I was told that my blood cells were white and cancerous. I had never gone for a pap smear in my life and didn’t know that every woman should be getting this done on a regular basis. I’m lucky and glad I had it when I did as I found out I was in stage 3 of cervical cancer.
My partner at the time wasn’t very supportive and neither were my family. I had them telling me I didn’t know how to take care of myself, that I did this to myself and it was my own fault. There were numerous nights where I’d been unable to sleep, constantly crying and emotional, wondering if I was going to get to live the rest of my life. It’s a scary thing. The next phase was also scary. I had to undergo surgery and had to be on medication for quite some time.
Now I’m better I know I’m a very lucky girl and I’m making sure to stay on top on my health regularly.