Every June, we come together to recognize Uterine Cancer Awareness Month, a time to raise our voices, educate our communities, and honor those impacted by the most common gynecologic cancer in the United States. Uterine cancer, which primarily affects the lining of the uterus, is often overlooked in broader cancer conversations—yet its impact is profound.
This month serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of early detection, research, and support. By sharing stories, facts, and resources, we aim to break the silence surrounding uterine cancer and empower individuals to advocate for their health. Whether you’re a survivor, caregiver, healthcare provider, or ally, your voice matters. To start this month off we hear from survivor, Sandy, as she shares her story with our Teal Diva family.
MY DIAGNOSIS
On November 4, 2022, I received a phone call from my OBGYN, and I heard the words “I am so sorry, but you have cancer”. I’m not sure I even heard the rest of the conversation….something about a hysterectomy, possible chemo, radiation, and so forth. I couldn’t breathe. I had been in her office the day before for my annual OBGYN appointment. Earlier in the year, I had some “on and off” post-menopausal bleeding, but nothing had shown up on a vaginal ultrasound, so she had told me to keep an eye on it, and that we would address any continued spotting in November at my annual checkup. On November 3, at my annual appointment, I told my doctor that I had continued to have some spotting, but not a lot. She did a biopsy that same day. On November 4, I received her phone call with the results. Hearing the words “you have cancer” changes you. It brings out a fighter that you didn’t know existed. I have always considered myself a girly girl. I found out that girly girls know how to fight too!
MY SUPPORT TEAM
A good fighter never fights the fight alone. I am no stranger to the value of a support team. In 2017, at the age of 52, my husband passed away suddenly and unexpectedly from a brief illness. My support team showed up and showed out. My cancer diagnosis was no different. “They” are the very best!! My faith is strong, so my team starts first and foremost with my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I spent a lot of time praying, journaling, reading scripture, and leaning on Him. When I was worried, I read Psalm 121. When all I could think about was cancer, I leaned on Philippians 4:8, and on and on. My family (new husband, Jack; kids; siblings), extended family members, my church, and my friends, all played a role in my cancer journey. They prayed for me, encouraged me, and provided all the support that a girl could ask for. Jack was my main caregiver during my chemo and radiation treatments. He was a trooper. We had only been married 11 short months when I received my diagnosis, not exactly what we thought newlywed life would look like. He took me to each chemo appointment; sat with me for hours during my treatment sessions; took me to purchase my first wig (I was very angry that day); shaved my head when I decided that I, not cancer, was going to be in control of when I lost my hair; changed my ice packs to help prevent neuropathy; carried me to bed when the bone pain from chemo was at its worst; and the list goes on. I could not have gotten through this without him. I thank God for him, and the rest of my support team, every day! Cancer is ugly, but the support and love you feel from others is absolutely beautiful!
WHAT DOES A UTERINE CANCER DIAGNOSIS MEAN?
From a medical standpoint, a uterine cancer diagnosis typically means a hysterectomy and possibly chemo and/or radiation treatments. I received all three. At the age of 58, and being post-menopausal, having a hysterectomy was the part of my treatment that I was the least concerned with. However, I did recognize that there are probably younger women who receive a uterine cancer diagnosis, and having a hysterectomy would be much more emotional for them. My heart goes out to those women. After surgery came the chemo and radiation treatments. Chemo is no “walk in the park”, but I did it! It is something that you can get through….it takes hard work and a good support team….but YOU CAN DO THIS!!! And while radiation was a daily commitment, after chemo, I did not find it as challenging. All in all, you do what you have to do to get well and heal. And you lean on, and trust, your healthcare team to help you through it! My healthcare team was/is amazing! From an emotional/mental standpoint, a uterine cancer diagnosis means you have to “dig deep”….tap into your strengths, and where/when you are weak, tap into the strengths of your support team!
MY HEALTHCARE TEAM AND THEIR SUPPORT
My doctors and nurses are the best! From the day I was diagnosed, they took such great care of me. They not only took care of me from a physical standpoint, but they were also sensitive to the side effects of treatment…..loss of my hair, etc. I remember when my doctor had to tell me that I would lose my hair. He pulled his seat up next to me and was so gentle with how he delivered the message. From my oncologist, my oncology nurses, my chemo nurses, the lab workers that drew my blood before every treatment, to the ladies that sat at the front desk with their smiling faces every time I walked in for a treatment…THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!! It is your faithfulness and commitment to your job that helps women like me get through this very tough journey.
HOW HAS BEING DIAGNOSED CHANGED MY OUTLOOK ON LIFE:
I could talk for days here, but I will sum it up with a saying that I use a lot now: “Use the good china, drink the good wine, and wear the new clothes. It’s not that I think my time left here is short, but hearing the words “you have cancer” certainly helps you understand that ALL TIME is precious! Embrace ALL of it! Love hard, and love “all-in”! All of these certainly sound like cliches, but they work!
ADVICE I WOULD GIVE SOMEONE NEWLY DIAGNOSED WITH UTERINE CANCER
First and foremost, YOU CAN DO THIS!! Find a healthcare team that you trust and lean on them to walk you through the “treatment plan”. Ask all your questions. They want you to be informed, and they want to encourage you!
Embrace your support team…LET THEM HELP YOU! Sometimes it is difficult to ask for or to receive help. Allowing them to help you, actually helps them….they can do something in a situation in which they don’t know what to do or how to help. It helps them through the journey as well.
If you are a prayer, then pray, pray, pray. It is my faith and my daily chats with the Lord that gave me the most comfort.
HOW I HAVE FOUND COMMUNITY WITH A CANCER DIAGNOSIS
When you first receive a cancer diagnosis, you feel somewhat alone, or at least I did. My healthcare team gave me a sense of community in that they understood the journey ahead. They met me where I was. They talked me through the treatment plan. They talked me through the side effects. They let me ask all of my questions, and they answered them all.
I found community in others who had received similar diagnoses. I had several people reach out to me who had been diagnosed with uterine (and other) cancers. One, I had known for years and was not even aware of her diagnosis. Once you share a similar battle, you are connected in a way that is hard to describe. You feel as if you have someone to talk to who understands exactly what you are going through. I have also found this community in the Teal Diva organization. I have participated in the Teal Diva 5k for 3 years in a row. It is empowering to be surrounded by a group of women who have battled (are still battling) a cancer diagnosis. This is an event that I will continue to support as long as I am able.
