The Tribune

By ALESHA CADET

Tribune Features Reporter

acadet@tribunemedia.net

THE LAST thing 40-year-old Georgina Sturrup expected to hear during a doctor's visit to regulate her heavy menstrual cycle was that she may have cervical cancer.

However, despite the initial terrifying diagnosis and aggressiveness of her condition, Georgina, now 35, has been in remission for three years.

Recognising her faith in God and support from her mother and the Sister Sister Breast Cancer Support Group as significant contributors to her recovery, she had a cautionary word to share with other Bahamians: "Get early and regular check-ups with your doctor."

"I should have gone earlier to check the cause of my heavy bleeding over eight months but I didn't seek medical attention right away. My mom kept telling me, 'Go to the doctor!' and to tell you the truth, I never liked going to the doctor, and it was about the ninth month when I said, this isn't good, so let me just get the bad news - whatever it is - and deal with it. It seemed simple and I thought it would've been easy, but it wasn't," said Georgina.

Recalling the doctor's visit, Georgina said the doctor told her she saw a mass on her cervix. At the time Georgina didn't know what the doctor was talking about so she asked her to explain. Georgina was then told it was 'a mass that can be cancerous.'

"I was terrified because I had two aunts that died from breast cancer. The only thing running through my head was, 'I'm going to die.' I cried, and they sent me to do an emergency biopsy," she said.

The cancer, initially stage 2b, had progressed to stage 3 by the time the results returned, and Georgina was immediately prescribed a strict treatment regimen.

"They had me do chemotherapy and radiation at the same time - some days I'd do one or the other, and some days I'd do both. I wasn't sure what I would do. But I'm a woman of God. I put my trust in him, and he brought me through it. My mom was there for me, and so was the Sister Sister Breast Cancer Support Group - they encouraged me," said Georgina.

Through the ups and downs, Georgina describes her life as "good now" with the love and support of so many who understands her struggle.

"I actually just got done doing a follow up at the hospital. I have had little ups and downs but through it all God has brought me through it. I am back at work, working as a sales clerk at the Lowe's Pharmacy. When I have to do a doctor's appointment they give me the day off like today, so I can do my check-ups regarding medications to keep up with. I just thank God I am alive," she told Tribune Health.

She reflects on the love from her husband, Shannondoah, who stood by her side through it all.

"During my treatment, my husband was always there but as my boyfriend at the time. After the treatment, he told me he'd wanted to propose to me for a long time but because of what I was going through he didn't say anything. This past August made it a year since we have been married and he never left my side, he was always there. He understands and he knows what's happening," said Georgina.

As a member of the Sister Sister Breast Cancer Support Group non-profit organisation that supports the mental, spiritual, and financial needs of cancer patients, Georgina said it was an experience she will never forget, participating in the recent CIBC FirstCaribbean's annual Walk alongside group members.

Initially founded for women diagnosed with breast cancer, the Sister Sister Breast Cancer Support Group currently assists with the needs of all cancer patients, both men and women.

"Going through all of this would've been much harder without the kindness and support of Sister Sister. They're always there for me, even now that I'm done with my treatment. I've been in remission for three years - happily married for one. I went to the United states recently to do my PET scan, and right now, everything is good. If I'd done one earlier, maybe it would've been easier, because the cancer wouldn't have progressed so far. So get regular check-ups. It doesn't matter how young or old you are, because it's better to be safe than sorry," said Georgina.