Cervical Cancer Survivor

In 2001, at the age of 35, I was diagnosed with Stage IV Cervical Cancer and underwent a radical hysterectomy. Many people have questioned me since that time as to whether or not I was receiving regular pap smears, etc. Contrary to what they might think, I went to my doctor regularly, every year, on schedule. Only one time prior had I had an abnormal pap result, which at follow-up came back normal. It wasn't until I switched doctors due to a move that the new doctor discovered something that looked "odd" on my cervix. Why didn't my regular doctor notice this? It's not as though Stage IV happened overnight. There definitely needs to be more awareness surrounding gynelogical cancers. I am a divorced mom of three beautiful children - glad I'm seeing them grow up - hoping other women get the chance to see their children do the same.