January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month!
To bring attention to Cervical Cancer Awareness Month (January), we wanted to share the journey of one of our amazing cancer survivors,
Kimberly Dyer. Please read her story and share with someone who is needing hope today!
My Cervical Cancer Journey – Kimberly Dyer
My Primary Care Doctor said that since I was getting older, I needed to start addressing some of my annual testing, such as a mammogram, pap smear and regular checkups. I made an appointment to have the pap smear done. I had noticed when I was sitting and leaned forward, I had a sharp pain in my lower right side, the exact same spot my dog licked. Fortunately, my husband had Tuesday off and came to the appointment with me. My doctor told me “Well, you have Cervical Cancer, we’re going to do a complete hysterectomy on Friday”. I was totally devastated!!
No one in my family had ever had cancer, what was I supposed to do now???? I had no time to process what I had been told and was given no time to ask questions. I thought it was a death sentence. I immediately went and told my Mom. She was so supportive. I called a family meeting and told my family everything that I knew. There was a lot of tears and fear, we were all devastated and in shock. What was going to happen to me????
The Thursday before my surgery I received a phone call telling me that I wasn’t going to have surgery, I was referred to Dr. Gold at Oklahoma Cancer Specialist and Research Institute. Because the spot was so large and had gone into the lymph nodes, I would be given chemotherapy and radiation, both internal and external. During my treatments my husband prepared fresh, healthy meals for me daily. I slept a lot (with my dogs never far from my side) and tried to keep moving, which was very difficult. My Mom would take me to radiation every day and to my chemotherapy appointments on Monday’s. There were many times when she would literally have to push me out the door, I didn’t want to go. The treatments were so hard on my body. The fatigue was terrible and I would scream in pain when I used the restroom because it felt like glass. I also was part of a clinical trial, which I hope and pray eradicated my cancer forever and will help those in the future.
It was all worth it though. Almost 5 years later I am here to share my story. I’m here to talk, be a support person for and to do whatever I can to help others who are walking in my footsteps. I was told not to join a support group or go online during my treatments, but I know now that having someone to talk to is so important during your cancer journey. Don’t be afraid to reach out!!!