- AmandaJ
- Charlotte, NC
- Member Since Sep 2012
Their Diagnoses (1)
-
- Survivor: Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Cervical Cancer
- Patient Info: Finished active treatment more than 5 years ago, Diagnosed: about 15 years ago, Female, Age: 47, Stage IA
- View this journey (5 Experiences)
Their Links
-
AmandaJ shared an experience
Celebration (5 years cancer-free!): Overall, I am satisfied with my decision to not have a second child and am happy to be healthy and here for the one child I do have. It still hurts sometimes that my choice didn't feel like much of a choice at the time. And I still have some anxiety once in a while, waiting for the other shoe to drop, to be told that I have a recurrence or some other bad news. But I also have become an oncology nurse since then. I am so thankful that my cancer was found early, that I was spared chemo or radiation, that I have the opportunity to care for such brave and graceful survivors every day. Cancer gave me a different perspective. I like to think that I took more from my cancer experience than it took from me!
almost 10 years ago -
AmandaJ shared an experience
Decision Point (Get pregnant, or have hysterectomy): Was thinking about having a second child when cancer was discovered. MD said I could have a second child, but should do it quickly and have hysterectomy immediately following because of aggressive growth of cancer at time of discovery. In the end, I couldn't imagine getting pregnant, having a recurrence during pregnancy, and then having to undergo chemo and/or choose between my own health and my unborn child's well-being.
almost 10 years ago -
AmandaJ shared an experience
Loss (Body part/function): Lost ability to have second child. Yes, I'm very lucky to have one, since some people don't even get to do that. But I still sometimes am angry that I never got to live my life according to "the plan."
almost 10 years ago