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I'm based in sunny San Diego California. I’m originally from Japan and I’ve been on this incredible journey as a photographer since 2015.
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Happy Gynecological Cancer Awareness Month!
Early detection is key! If you notice anything unusual or it’s time for your annual check-up, please see a doctor.
Today, I’m sharing my story in hopes it might help someone.
At 37, I was diagnosed with endometrial cancer. Before that, I had always been healthy.
I’ll never forget that Saturday morning when my doctor called with the news. I cried every day for couple of weeks.
I felt completely lost, lying in bed, unable to stop the tears. Being diagnosed with cancer so young (typically more common around age 50) was overwhelming. The weight of it all hit even harder knowing my husband and I had dreams of starting a family.
2 weeks after the diagnosis, my dad gave me tough love. He said,
“Stop crying for your husband. Who would want to come home if his wife is always in tears?”
At first, I thought he was being harsh, but he was right. I had been so caught up in my own pain that I forgot my husband was suffering, too. We were in this together.
That advice changed my perspective. I realized my happiness was in my own hands.
It all came down to my mindset. Instead of focusing on what I couldn’t do, I decided to embrace what I still could. That shift in thinking made me stronger.
I now live by the mantra, “What you think, you become.”
To summarize my journey:
I went through 9 months of treatment, with biopsies every 3 months. Each biopsy felt like a game of life or death like a terrifying roulette.
After those 9 long months, I received the miraculous news: the cancer was gone!
I broke down in the bathroom, crying tears of relief. It felt like I had just won a gold medal or something equally life-changing.
My doctor gave me two years to try for a baby. Of course, I still had to face the terrifying roulette of biopsies every three months. If the cancer returned, I’d have to undergo a hysterectomy. During that time, we tried IVF twice, and even considered surrogacy, but nothing worked.
As the 2 year mark approached, we made the difficult decision to move forward with the hysterectomy.
We chose my health over the dream of having a baby. And then, just before the surgery, something incredible happened.
I got pregnant naturally!
Our beautiful daughter, Estelle, was born healthy. 4 months later, I had my hysterectomy, removing both my uterus and ovaries. Thankfully, no cancer was found.
My endometrial cancer journey was finally over! I won’t be able to have another baby, but I am deeply grateful for where I am today and for the strength this experience gave me.
Miracles happen! I hope my journey can bring hope and light to someone else. Remember, you are never alone in this. There’s always a glimmer of hope, even in the toughest times.
Stay strong, and keep believing in your own strength and the power of miracles!
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Email | hello@yukaschad.com
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#1142 4240 Kearny Mesa Rd STE 120
San Diego, CA 92111
Serving San Diego, Orange County and LA.
© COPYRIGHT YUKA SCHAD PHOTOGRAPHY 2024
© COPYRIGHT YUKA SCHAD PHOTOGRAPHY 2024
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