A Courageous Story from Geelong

A courageous single mother from Geelong, Abbey Jane, 42, is sharing her shocking story to warn other women about the importance of prioritizing their health. Amidst the chaos of daily life with three young children, Abbey found herself overlooking severe warning signs that eventually led to a devastating cancer diagnosis.

Initial Warning Signs

In July 2023, Abbey noticed unusual spotting, something she initially dismissed as an odd occurrence after having a contraceptive implant for three years, which had resulted in missed periods. "I thought I was due for a replacement of the implant," she explained, reflecting on her misjudgment. Despite the persistent bleeding, Abbey brushed it off, attributing it to being a busy single mom and focusing on her children's needs.

A Shocking Diagnosis

However, on returning to her doctor, after several weeks of continuous bleeding, Abbey was shocked to learn she had tested positive for human papillomavirus (HPV)—a prevalent sexually transmitted infection that often remains symptomless. This revelation was only the beginning of a harrowing journey, as she was soon referred to a gynecologist who discovered a cancerous mass on her cervix.

Neglected Screenings

Abbey admitted she hadn’t kept up with essential pap smears or cervical screenings for nearly a decade due to her discomfort with the procedure. "I had some cramps, but I dismissed them as period pains – my priority was my kids," she recalled, emphasizing the false sense of security she felt as a busy parent.

The Emotional Toll

The emotional gravity of the diagnosis hit her hard. "I felt I was in free fall," Abbey shared. "All I could think about was my children and whether I would still be around to care for them." It took two agonizing weeks before she discovered she had stage two cervical cancer, yet there was a glimmer of hope; the cancer had not spread to her lymph nodes.

Facing Treatment

Abbey endured an intense treatment regimen that involved radiation therapy five days a week for five weeks and weekly brachytherapy. She described the toll it took on her: extreme fatigue and nausea left her barely able to care for her kids. "Every little task felt like climbing a mountain," she said, sharing the struggles of balancing her treatment and motherhood.

A Balancing Act

Hoping to shield her children from the full weight of her situation, Abbey struggled to communicate her health challenges. "They were too young to understand, so I kept things light as much as possible," she explained. Nevertheless, she found solace in simple pleasures like watching "Glow Up," a feel-good makeover show on Netflix that provided a much-needed escape from her harsh reality.

Importance of Support

Abbey credits her family as vital in her journey to recovery. "My mum and sister stepped up to look after the kids whenever I had treatment," she said, emphasizing the importance of support systems during tough times.

Raising Awareness

Now on a rigorous screening schedule for the next two years, Abbey hopes to raise awareness about cervical cancer and the critical importance of regular screenings. Statistics reveal that around 800 Australian women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year, with a staggering 70% not keeping up with screening tests.

A Message to Women

"I want to encourage women to take their health seriously," Abbey insists. "Self-checks are now easier than ever, akin to a COVID test. Remember, your health should never be at the bottom of your priority list. If you’re not well, you can’t care for anyone else."

Conclusion

Abbey's powerful message is clear: Don't ignore the signs! Prioritize your health today to safeguard your future and that of your loved ones.