Carol

My name is Carol. I work for the State of New York, Office for People with Developmental Disabilities. I am a member of CSEA Local 447. I am a Stage III Cervical Cancer Survivor.

When I was diagnosed, both my children were in grade school. I was in my 30s when the female GYN Doctor I was seeing refused to give me a referral for a mammogram; she said I was too young for that test. I did some research and finally found a doctor who gave me the referral that I needed. However, he had to run numerous tests as he did not know my medical history. On my next appointment with him, my husband Gregory was with me. We thought I was just going to pick up my referral; we were shocked to find out the results of my tests. The office had sent me a mailgram, which I did not receive in time. A biopsy was done, followed by an exploratory surgery. The doctors were amazed to find that the cancer was just sitting in one area. It was decided that my only option was to have a complete hysterectomy. I was asked by concerned friends and family, why don’t you have a partial hysterectomy done. Again this was not an option for me, without intervention, Cervical Cancer Stage III can go to Stage IV. Other women may have had partial hysterectomy, but maybe their situation was not as serious as mine.

I was glad when Tamika and Friends became known to CSEA. Cervical Cancer was not being recognized as other cancers were. Since then I have encouraged my family and friends to stay on top of their test results with their doctors, and to have all necessary tests done to detect cervical cancer. I now tell others of my story along with giving out materials from Tamika and Friends. My husband and I will never forget that day when the doctor gave us the test results. Today, I am more aware of how women get cervical cancer. My daughter Tawana is now 28 years old and my son Corey is now 22 years old. My daughter Tawana has given me a grandson, Thomas, who is now 9 years old. I have a lot to give God thanks for and to Dr. Friedman who did not hesitate to attend to my medical needs. I am now 56 years old and proud to be a part of Tamika and Friends.