I was diagnosed in early February 2020 with Neuroendocrine Large Cell Cervical Cancer at the age of 44. My primary doctor told me it was extremely rare and that she had to Google it. I knew it was very serious when she told me that an appointment had already been scheduled for the following day to meet one of Kaiser’s leading Gyno Oncologists in CA.

Dr. Noah Rodriguez was pivotal in my survival. He got me immediately scheduled for scans, more tests, and even surgery. He was very honest with me about my cancer AND that he would do everything possible to give me the best fighting chance. I had a radical hysterectomy on the day of the Great CA Shutdown due to COVID; Dr. Rodriguez made sure my surgery was not canceled when all others were. After recovering from surgery, I completed four very strong rounds of Chemo (Cisplatin and Etoposide), even though I was staged at just 1B. I didn’t realize at the time, but they followed the protocol of the late Dr. Michael Frumovitz at MD Anderson. Getting treatment during 2020 felt like an out-of-body experience, and it was at times very lonely. My husband, Alex, was not allowed to come with me for my port surgery or on chemo infusion days.

My one-year post-treatment SCAN showed NED (No Evidence of Disease). We celebrated by moving to Galveston, Texas, where we had purchased a beach condo back in January 2020. We both wanted a slower pace of life and a little more space! Shortly after we settled into our new house in Galveston County, I reached out to MD Anderson and was amazed to learn about Dr. Michael Frumovitz and his research into our rare cancer. Dr. F, as we all called him, recognized the protocol Dr. Rodriguez followed. Dr. F also told me about a group of women with the same cancer who had come together to support one another.

I connected with the “Sisters” on their Facebook page, and right away they welcomed me with so much love and compassion. For the first time, someone truly understood what I was going through and feeling. This connection meant the world to me and still does. Our annual gathering is incredibly special; the bond we share is so strong that words cannot fully capture it. When we come together, something very powerful happens: HOPE. I recently celebrated 6 years cancer-free, but the journey is ongoing. Cancer survivorship brings celebration and joy, but also permanent side effects from treatments, early menopause, anxiety, and PTSD. Lifted Through Hope supports our connections, partners with hospitals on research, and most importantly, gives us a voice and hope. To celebrate my survivorship and honor my sisters, I place a butterfly on my backyard fence for every year I am here!

I am so grateful to my husband, Alex (who is the most amazing hubby ever), along with my friends and family who were there every step of the way for me. I feel truly blessed to be a part of this special group of women who give each other strength and hope.

Big hugs.