In early 2012, Stephanie Madsen from Littleton, Colorado, at just 25 years old, envisioned a bright future. Newly married, she dreamed of moving, buying a home, and starting a family. Life seemed perfect until a cancer diagnosis abruptly shifted her dreams into a fight for survival. “It was so tough, I felt like we had lost our freedom to plan our lives,” Stephanie recalls, reflecting on the initial shock of her diagnosis.
Stephanie was diagnosed with large-cell neuroendocrine cancer of the cervix. After nearly a year of seeking answers for her health issues, the diagnosis, though devastating, brought a sense of clarity. The aggressive nature of the cancer required immediate and intense treatment, including chemotherapy, radiation, and a hysterectomy. “Hearing I had cancer was tough, but hearing that I was going to have a hysterectomy at twenty-five was even tougher,” she admits, grappling with the impact on her future family plans. While surrogacy and adoption were considered, Stephanie found strength in her faith to navigate these challenging decisions.
Stephanie Madsen, a cervical cancer survivor, wearing a purple shirt and smiling after completing chemotherapy treatments, highlighting her blog Derailing My Diagnosis.
Throughout her cancer journey, Stephanie’s unwavering faith became her anchor. “I can’t imagine not having my faith in a situation like this. God is my rock, and I know when I’m weak, He’ll be my strength,” she shares. This profound faith enabled her to transform her diagnosis into a positive battle, focusing on strength and resilience. Embracing her role as a “soldier” in this fight, Stephanie approached her treatment with determination and hope.
Stephanie received her chemotherapy and radiation treatments at HCA HealthONE Rocky Mountain Gynecologic Oncology at Swedish. She found immense comfort in the caring environment, noting, “The nurses and doctors really get to know you and develop a true friendship with you. For me during this experience to come into treatment and know who you’re going to be seeing and know that they truly care is so comforting.” This sentiment was echoed by Dr. Mary Jo Schmitz, who emphasized the clinic’s commitment to patient comfort and care, treating each patient like family.
Seeking an outlet and a way to connect with others, Stephanie started blogging at Derailing My Diagnosis. Her blog became a platform to break the silence and taboo surrounding cancer. “Cancer for me was really taboo. I never knew the details of it. I wanted people to lose the taboo with cancer, so my blog is a way to open that door,” Stephanie explains. She openly shared her experiences, even lighter moments like shaving her head preemptively before hair loss from chemo, finding it “liberating” and a way to regain control amidst her diagnosis.
Journey Updates: Milestones and Recurrence
By July 2012, Stephanie was nearing the end of her initial treatment cycle. She expressed immense excitement about completing treatments, recognizing her inner strength and courage discovered throughout the ordeal. After six months of aggressive treatment, Stephanie looked forward to “kicking cancer in the butt!” and embracing the future.
August 8, 2012, marked a significant milestone – Stephanie’s last day of treatment. Celebrating the end of this chapter, she remained grounded, acknowledging that the battle continues until full remission. Stephanie and her husband Matt planned a celebratory trip, initially considering Hawaii but opting for Disneyland, symbolizing joy and a new beginning. The experience profoundly impacted Stephanie, highlighting her resilience and increasing her awareness of others’ hidden struggles. Her advice to those undergoing treatment: “gut it out, there will be days that are tough, but keep a positive attitude…the end is near!”
In 2014, Stephanie faced another challenge. Discovering that the initial treatments had affected their ability to conceive, Stephanie and Matt began considering adoption. Amidst these plans, Stephanie experienced stomach pain and discovered a concerning lump. Her fears were confirmed when doctors found a large tumor, signaling cancer recurrence. This news hit harder than the first diagnosis. “This time I knew what it was, and I knew it wasn’t going away,” she confessed.
Dr. Mary Jo Schmitz, who had been with Stephanie since her first diagnosis, performed the emergency surgery. The surgery was successful in removing the tumor, which thankfully hadn’t spread. Stephanie expressed immense trust in Dr. Schmitz, feeling in the “best hands.” Following surgery, Stephanie resumed chemotherapy. Despite the ongoing battle, her spirit remained unbroken. “It’s a constant battle, but I’m confident that I will be cured again. I believe my story can help a lot of people,” Stephanie affirmed. She found purpose in her journey, believing that her experiences, including the recurrence, provided a deeper understanding of cancer, strengthening her resolve as a fighter who would not give up.
Stay Inspired by Stephanie’s Journey: Stay Up to Date with Stephanie on Her Blog
