A few months ago I had been experiencing some constant pelvic pain, at first I tried to brush it off but after a few weeks I started to become concerned. I went to an immediate care center, and not much could be done. I then decided to reach out and make an appointment with my gynecologist. The plan was just to do a regular Pap smear, but in the middle of the exam he claimed to see something of concern. We ended up doing a biopsy that day. He said it should take a few days to get results.

09/02/2021— The day my life changed. I had just gotten my hair done, I decided to go to the mall afterwards. I was in the fitting room, I had just tried on a few things and I picked up my phone. I saw that I had a missed called and voicemail. I left the dressing room and sat on a table displaying shorts, I knew what this was about. My stomach dropped when I heard— we want to see you first thing in the morning. I remember the doctor saying I’d be able to see the results in my chart. I’m not one to wait so I immediately opened my chart and there it was— invasive squamous cell carcinoma. I bursted into tears and ran out of the mall. From there it was an intense waiting game. Waiting to find out the staging was mentally one of the hardest parts. I got recommended an incredible Gynecologist Oncologist along with a top notch Radiologist Oncologist. The first initial staging without a PET scan was Stage 2B, this was based off the exam only. Cervical cancer can spread just about anywhere unfortunately. The PET scan results showed a tumor the size of a grapefruit, a lower abdominal lymph node being involved, and a small 8mm lesion popped up on my ischial tuberosity (sit bone). My Gynecologist Oncologist informed me that would be an incredibly rare place for the cancer to metastasize to. My radiologist oncologist wanted to see if it was possible to do a CT guided bone biopsy, they were able to. Let me tell you, taking a piece of bone out of your left ass cheek isn’t very fun. Unfortunately the biopsy came back positive. When you have bone Mets you’re automatically considered stage 4. With Cervical Cancer that puts me at stage 4b which is technically considered incurable. My radiologist oncologist informed me that I was on the very low end of stage 4 and that it drops my chances of survival to 50 percent. As much as it’s debilitating to hear that your life has the same odds as flipping a coin, these odds are much higher than what’s given to most individuals with Stage 4b Cervical Cancer.

My treatment plan is as follows- 5 weeks that consist of Cisplatin ( Low dose Chemo) 1 day a week ( total of 5), External radiation 5 days a week ( total of 25), 5 brachytherapy (internal radiation) sessions within a span of 2 and a half weeks, and 2 high dose radiation treatments to the ischial tuberosity.

I’m currently on what should’ve been my 4th week of treatment but I’ve had some complications and wasn’t able to do Chemo last week. I’ve been experiencing fevers on and off all week which is considered a medical emergency when going through treatment. We’re trying to find out what’s causing them. I’ve also been in quite a bit of pain with cramps similar to those of contractions. Hoping this week goes smooth.

I had every intention of working throughout this process but unfortunately I’ve been unable to. Chemo is one hell of a beast I wouldn’t wish on anyone. I’ve never felt as sick as I have throughout this process. I’ve suffered from severe nausea, cramps that are out of this world, headaches, body aches, neuropathy, fevers, a constant feeling of something being stuck in my throat and chest, outer body experiences, etc.

Jasper and my incredible support system keep me going but I won’t lie, this is the hardest thing I’ve ever had to endure. No one, especially at the age of 29, should ever have to go through this.

Making this go fund me hasn’t been easy, I’m not one to ask for help ever. But if you can help, I would be so incredibly grateful. Not being able to work has really taken a toll on me mentally and financially so anything would be so appreciated.

Thank you for taking the time to read this, I hope in a few months I can claim to be in remission.

Love you guys,

Teresa