My name is Chantel Stuart, I’m 38 years old and I have been battling cancer since March 27, 2017. My symptoms came on like a freight train and within 2 weeks I was at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN and I was diagnosed with Cervical Adenocarcinoma stage 2B. The second day I was there I went in for exploratory surgery to determine the extent of the cancer. My team of doctors developed a treatment plan within the next few days and I began treatment the week after.
I moved to Rochester for nearly 2 months because I had to be closely monitored as I had daily radiation treatments and weekly chemotherapy. My Mom came with and was my caretaker while my husband stayed home to keep life as normal as possible for our three children. At my 100 day check up after my initial treatment I found out that the cancer had metastasized to my lungs and it has been a constant battle ever since. I have been in remission with no evidence of disease twice but it only lasted for about 90 days each. The feeling of being cancer free is the greatest feeling in the world. I have been on a total of 9 different types of chemotherapy and tried several alternative therapies to keep my body healthy so I can keep fighting. At my last check up at Mayo I was told if my current chemotherapy stops working they weren’t really sure they had anything else to offer me. It was incredibly disheartening and I felt like I was being given up on. It’s been a few weeks since my last appointment and I am currently waiting to be seen at MD Anderson in Texas for a second opinion. I am hopeful that my miracle is still out there.
I am married to my husband, Kevin and our 3 children are Bailey (13), Bryce (11) and Halle (7). I am a cosmetologist and the owner of Bliss Salon in Pomeroy. When I am feeling up to it I still enjoy being at the Salon and working with my clients. As a family we enjoy camping, fishing and living on our farm.
Cancer has taught me so much over the last 5 years. It has made me humble and I’ve learned to appreciate each day and not look too far into the future. If you look too far ahead, it can steal your joy that is right in front of you.
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