How Misdiagnoses Delayed Amanda’s Stage 3 Cervical Cancer Diagnosis
Amanda was diagnosed with stage 3 cervical cancer at 28. The cancer had spread to her lymph nodes and, later, to her abdomen. She initially experienced heavy periods, severe cramping, and intense premenstrual symptoms, which she attributed to normal menstrual irregularities. Over time, her symptoms worsened—she began experiencing abnormal bleeding, large blood clots, and severe pain in her lower abdomen and left leg. She even experienced loss of mobility in her left leg and, additionally, loss of appetite and extreme fatigue.
Interviewed by: Nikki Murphy
Edited by: Katrina Villareal
Amanda visited the emergency room and walk-in clinics multiple times, but doctors repeatedly misdiagnosed her with ovarian cysts, diverticulosis, or kidney stones. It wasn’t until an ER nurse performed thorough diagnostic testing that a mass was detected through a pelvic ultrasound. Amanda was referred to a gynecologist, who dismissed her concerns. Frustrated and desperate for answers, she traveled four hours to Stanford to see a gynecologic oncologist.
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.
Amanda’s Diagnosis Facts
- Name: Amanda L.
- Age at Diagnosis:
- 28
- Diagnosis:
- Cervical Cancer
- Staging:
- Stage 3
- Symptoms:
- Heavy periods
- Abnormal bleeding
- Large blood clots
- Severe cramping
- Severe abdominal pain
- Pain radiating down the left leg
- Loss of mobility in the left leg
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue
- Treatments:
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy: external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) & brachytherapy
This is not medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider to make informed treatment decisions.
This interview has been edited for clarity and length. The views and opinions expressed in this interview do not necessarily reflect those of The Patient Story. This content does not replace professional medical advice.
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