Angie's Diagnosis Story

For someone who has generally never had any major health problems, hearing you have cervical cancer is wild. Cancer had always been a distant concept – an uncle's battle, stories of friends of friends – but never anybody in my immediate circle.  And even though my journey turned out to be less severe than others, I didn’t know it at the time.  I was blind-sided, and the initial shock hit hard.

The lead-up to the diagnosis was rough.  I had just moved to a new city when signs began to surface that something might be wrong. Every OBGYN in town had at least a two-month waiting list.  I finally secured an appointment, but the experience was far from reassuring. My worries grew during those visits, as information was minimal and the process felt disconnected.

In between testing, all we could do was endure the waiting.  Like most people, my husband and I sought answers online, which only amplified our anxiety. So, we waited, dreading the worst.

I was at home when I got the call.  ‘It’s cancer.’

Now, with my fears confirmed, the world felt different.  Suddenly, everything became heavy.  A tremendous pressure came bearing down on me.  I was overcome with helplessness.  My mind started racing.  All I could think about was my family and their future without me.  ‘Forty years of life just isn’t long enough.’  It was too much to handle.  All I could do was cry.  My husband wiped the tears from my eyes and said, 'You can't leave me.'

We were referred to an oncologist, but it was weeks before they could see us.  So, yeah, more waiting.

Now that we knew it was cancer, we again went to the internet for answers.  Big mistake.  We found all sorts of different info and had no clue who to believe.  Fear of the unknown was a constant companion until that first oncologist appointment.

Luckily, the doctor was competent, gave clear information, and voiced his plan. I was scheduled for major surgery, and honestly, I felt a wave of relief. I just wanted this ugliness out of me.  Things moved quickly after that. 

The surgery was a success but at the follow-up, I didn't get the 'You're done' I was hoping for.  My tumor was larger than expected, and my risk factors for increased recurrence were high.   They suggested radiation therapy to lower that risk.  So, I had to decide, ‘Do I put my body through the stress of radiation or not?’ Again, I went to the internet for more information. I was terrified of making the wrong choice.

I didn't know anyone who'd been through radiation.

Then, I met a friend of a friend. We clicked, and our stories were similar, just different cancers. Hearing her experience gave me the push I needed. Honestly, I probably wouldn't have chosen radiation without hearing her perspective.

Those 6 weeks of daily radiation were a brutal emotional rollercoaster. Some days, I'd completely break down, utterly useless, drowning in self-pity and guilt. I felt like I was failing everyone by choosing this. Then, there were days I'd feel a surge of defiant strength, a 'screw cancer' kind of energy. I discovered a resilience I didn't know I had, both physically and mentally. Knowing others had it worse amplified my gratitude for my incredible support system. Without my husband, my mom, my in-laws, my sister, my friends, my faith—it would have been unbearable.  Their support was vital to my journey of survival.

After surgery and radiation, you're left with the aftermath—physical scars, lingering effects, and invisible mental scars. You face scans and tests again, hoping for the best. Finally, I can say, ‘I'm cancer-free, and I'm embracing a healthier life.’  I feel very lucky considering a lot of people don’t get to say those words.

This experience changed me.  It sparked a commitment to health and a desire to help others facing similar challenges.  Thinking back to those early days, we were completely lost.  If we’d had access to real stories, and reliable information, the confusion and fear wouldn't have been so overwhelming.

From this realization, Medfix was created. My hope is that we will be a resource for anyone seeking health information, empowering them to make informed decisions. We also want to partner with the best organizations to ensure people are taken care of.

My advice to everyone is to take your health seriously, get regular checkups, and care for yourself.

To those going through a diagnosis, treatment, or the aftermath, stay strong, stay positive, and know you are not alone.