The Pap Smear That Changed Everything | Lori’s Cervical Cancer Story
Lori, a 40-year-old mother, shares how a routine Pap smear led to a cervical cancer diagnosis and a powerful journey of resilience and advocacy. From missed symptoms to becoming ACTIVATED in her care, Lori’s story is a call to action for early detection and equity in cancer care.
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Transcript:
Looking back, I never imagined how something as routine as a Pap smear would change everything.
I’m Lori. I’m 40 years old and biracial, and I fall into not one, but two groups that face disparities when it comes to cervical cancer outcomes. I’m sharing my story in case it helps someone else who might be putting off a screening or brushing off symptoms that don’t seem like a big deal.
My symptoms started with some abdominal bloating and bleeding between periods. At the time, they didn’t seem that unusual to me, so I just chalked it up to getting older. I hadn’t seen a doctor in a while, my previous one had retired, so I finally made an appointment with someone new and scheduled a checkup along with a Pap smear.
In the weeks leading up to my appointment, I noticed I was feeling more tired than usual, but again, I didn’t think much of it. Then my Pap smear came back abnormal, and my new doctor referred me to a gynecologic oncologist for further testing.
After a biopsy, I was diagnosed with stage IIB cervical cancer. I was stunned. But at the same time, I felt incredibly lucky that I’d made that appointment when I did. I still wonder, what stage would my cancer be at if I’d waited any longer?
My doctor and I discussed treatment options and decided on a combination of chemotherapy, radiation, and brachytherapy. I joined an online support group for patients going through similar experiences, and I was so thankful for my friends from church who helped with meals, rides to treatment, and looking after my 12-year-old daughter. I got through it. My recovery went well and I’m now cancer-free.
I’ll never stop being grateful for the support I had along the way.
Going through this experience has transformed me. I’m committed to raising awareness about the disparities in cervical cancer. Hispanic and Latina women face higher incidence rates, while Black women have a significantly higher mortality rate compared to white women. Even more troubling, women of color, including Hispanic, Black, and Asian women, are grossly underrepresented in clinical trials. This isn’t just a statistic; it’s a critical issue that must change.
My [ACT]IVATION Tips for patients and families facing a cervical cancer diagnosis is:
- First, ask your care team questions to learn about the status of your cervical cancer, treatment options, and what to expect during and after treatment.
- Think about joining a patient support group to offer and receive emotional support.
- And don’t forget to ask about clinical trials that may be a potential treatment option for your cervical cancer.
If my story helps even one person take that first step, making an appointment, asking a question, or advocating for themselves, then sharing it was worth it.