September 2024
I was diagnosed with cervical cancer in August 2018 and received chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and brachytherapy. I endured treatment-induced menopause as a result. The cancer remained persistent, and I had a radical hysterectomy in 2019.
Moving forward, I returned to work and began to feel like a different person altogether: easily irritated, angry, frustrated, tired, and emotionally and physically exhausted. Brain fog was immense.
I struggled with anxiety, PTSD, and depression. I lost my dad to Covid in 2020; we are such a close family unit. Coming to terms with things and getting my life back on track, I continued to have bowel problems, needing to rush excessively to the toilet, severe lower back pain, and tiredness/fatigue.
I changed jobs and felt like I started again. I met lovely people and other colleagues who also endured cancer and had a better understanding. My new role is slower-paced and a lot more flexible, which allows me to enjoy my time at work.
I fell out with a close school friend as she didn’t understand my changes. I simply couldn’t be the person I was before. My life really did change full circle. My attitude to life changed, how I view things changed, and my personality changed. Unfortunately, as I was moving forward with a “new me”, my friend told me, “It’s not the illness; it’s you who chooses how you treat people.” This was devastating—people don’t get it! I was also compared to others: “Well, such and such didn’t go through that,” etc. Everyone’s journey is different.
I struggle with walking distances and sitting for periods of time. I simply don’t go out like I used to. I feel like cancer and PRD have aged me somewhat and moulded me into a different person. Although I try to lead a “normal” life, I have many restrictions and frustrations. I don’t go out socialising like I used to, shopping is limited, and I spend more time at home.
Finding the PRDA site has allowed me to read other people’s experiences and know I’m not alone. Having a diagnosis allows me to understand my symptoms and chat with others who actually understand. I now have B12 injections for life as part of PRD, as this condition blocks how my body absorbs this vitamin.
I’m waiting to be referred to a PRD specialist for further investigations and feel so grateful to be able to share my story and, most importantly, listen to and support others. I’d like to see more awareness for PRD as it’s not discussed until the later stages.