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Karen HobbsYoung British woman with cervical cancer
Country:
 Great Britain |
Content:
- Karen Hobbs: A Cervical Cancer Survivor's Unconventional Advice
- Open and Humorous Journey
- Unconventional Recommendations
- "Take as much morphine as they'll let you."
- "Put yourself first and don't worry about exercise or dieting."
- Navigating Post-Surgery Challenges
- Breaking the Stigma
Karen Hobbs: A Cervical Cancer Survivor's Unconventional Advice
Diagnosis and TreatmentKaren Hobbs, a 25-year-old British woman, was diagnosed with cervical cancer in late 2014. After experiencing irregular vaginal bleeding and bleeding after sex, she underwent a smear test and was referred to St George's Hospital in South London, where she received the devastating diagnosis. In December 2014, she underwent a trachelectomy, which removed part of her tumor and uterus.
Open and Humorous Journey
Despite her diagnosis, Hobbs has remained positive and open about her experience. She blogs about the often-taboo topics of sex after trachelectomy, her first post-op toilet experience, and the music she wanted played at her funeral. She has also performed stand-up comedy, sharing the humorous and poignant details of her journey.
"I'm not saying cancer is funny," Hobbs explains, "but I'd be fibbing if I said there weren't some seriously funny moments."
Unconventional Recommendations
To help other cancer patients find joy in their difficult journey, Hobbs has compiled an unconventional list of things to do before surgery, including:
"Drink all the alcohol, eat all the cheese, and eat all the Reese's you can before your surgery."
"Take as much morphine as they'll let you."
"Say yes to anything they offer you in terms of pain relief."Importance of Self-Care
Hobbs emphasizes the importance of self-care during cancer treatment, recommending:
"Have a massive tidy-up of your pubes and everything else down there."
"Put yourself first and don't worry about exercise or dieting."
"Don't sweat the small stuff and don't worry about what other people think."
Navigating Post-Surgery Challenges
Post-surgery, Hobbs faced challenges with bowel movements, which she describes as "horrific." She encourages other patients to be prepared and to seek help if necessary.
Breaking the Stigma
Hobbs hopes that by sharing her story, she can help break the stigma surrounding vaginal health and cancer.
"As a society, we get a bit twitchy about cancer, we get a bit twitchy about vaginas, and when the two come together, it's like, pandemonium," she says.
"I know we're all busy, but when it comes to having a smear, make the appointment and go. Nothing, nothing, nothing is more important than your health. How are you going to have a Tinder date if you're dead?"
