My Journey Through Endometrial Cancer at 37

Receiving a diagnosis of endometrial cancer at 37 was life-changing. Early detection saved my life, and I want to share my story to offer hope to anyone facing similar challenges. If you notice anything unusual or it’s time for your annual check-up, please see a doctor—your health matters!

Today, I’m sharing my story in hopes it might help someone.

At 37, I was diagnosed with endometrial cancer, even though I had always been healthy before. The news came on a Saturday morning when my doctor called. I cried every day for weeks, overwhelmed by fear and uncertainty.

Being diagnosed with Endometrial cancer at such a young age

Being diagnosed with cancer at such a young age (typically more common around 50) felt like a crushing blow. The hardest part was realizing that my husband and I, who had dreams of starting a family, might never realize that dream.

Genetic testing result

My oncologist recommended genetic testing because being diagnosed with endometrial cancer at 37 is considered quite young, as I mentioned earlier. The results were surprising: I have Lynch syndrome. But what exactly is Lynch syndrome? It’s a genetic condition caused by mutations in certain genes that are passed down from parents to children, increasing the risk of several types of cancer, including endometrial cancer.

Tough love

Two weeks after the diagnosis, my dad gave me some 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 absorbed in my own pain that I forgot my husband was suffering too. We were in this together, and that perspective shift changed everything for me.

That advice empowered me to take control of my mindset

That advice empowered me to take control of my mindset. Instead of focusing on what I couldn’t do, I embraced what I could still accomplish. This mindset shift made me stronger and more resilient.

I now live by the mantra: “What you think, you become.”

To summarize my Endometrial Cancer journey:

I underwent 9 months of treatment with biopsies every 3 months. Each biopsy felt like a terrifying game of life or death. After those 9 months, I heard the miraculous news: the cancer was gone!

I broke down in the bathroom, crying tears of relief. It felt like winning a gold medal or achieving something equally life-changing.

Two years to try for a baby.

My doctor gave me two years to try for a baby. But the biopsies continued every three months, and if the cancer returned, I’d need a hysterectomy. We tried IVF twice at SDFC with Dr. Friedman, and even considered surrogacy. Unfortunately, IVF didn’t work for us, but my best friend had success with Dr. Friedman. She’s an incredible doctor and very sweet. I highly recommend SDFC if you are considering IVF.

As the 2-year mark approached, we made the difficult decision to move forward with a hysterectomy. We chose my health over the dream of having a baby. But just before the surgery, something incredible happened:

I got pregnant naturally!

Our beautiful daughter, Estelle, arrived healthy. Four months later, I underwent a hysterectomy that removed my uterus and ovaries. Thankfully, the doctors found no cancer.

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 do happen! I hope my story brings hope to someone else going through a similar journey. 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!

Despite the challenges, I realized how valuable every moment is. I capture those moments through my photography, and if you’d like to explore my work or book a session, click here to learn more.