During a pelvic exam, the gynecologic oncologist immediately recognized the presence of cancer. Subsequently, a biopsy confirmed that Amanda had stage 3 cervical cancer. As a result, she was admitted to the hospital for 11 days, during which she received a kidney stent to address blockages caused by the tumor and a port placement for chemotherapy treatments.

Amanda underwent an aggressive cervical cancer treatment plan that included chemotherapy, external beam radiation therapy, and brachytherapy, a targeted internal radiation procedure. The combination of chemo and radiation left her exhausted, nauseous, and unable to eat much; however, she was thankful that she did not lose her hair. Moreover, brachytherapy was especially difficult. It required a spinal epidural, followed by the insertion of metal rods into her cervix to deliver direct radiation. The sessions were painful and left her fatigued and nauseous.

Doctors declared Amanda in remission three months after treatment. However, at her six-month scan, doctors discovered that the cancer had returned. Feeling utterly devastated, she nevertheless underwent another round of chemotherapy and radiation. Fortunately, nine months later, she was once again in remission.

Amanda’s cancer left her unable to have more children, which was an emotional loss. As an only child, she had hoped to give her daughter a sibling. Her experience, as a result, also reshaped her perspective on healthcare—she learned the importance of self-advocacy and, consequently, now urges women to stay proactive about their gynecological health. Through sharing her story on TikTok, she has helped educate others on the importance of routine check-ups and pap smears. Amanda hopes that, as a result, her experience encourages other women to listen to their bodies and, more importantly, push for answers when something feels wrong.