KUALA LUMPUR: A woman has come to terms with her fate after being forced to undergo a hysterectomy following a stage 1A uterine cancer diagnosis four years ago.
Despite still being single, Siti Maisara Mohd Sukardi, 35, had to make that decision for a better quality of life because the cancer cells posed a risk of spreading and becoming more serious.
Sharing her story, Siti Maisara, affectionately known as Sara, said she never imagined that the cramps and abdominal pain she experienced for over five hours, resulting in the passage of blood clots, followed by seven months of bleeding, were signs of uterine cancer.
According to her, the doctor's examination in 2020 was like a "life sentence" when she was advised to have her uterus removed to prevent the cancer from spreading further.
"At the time, my abdomen looked like that of a pregnant woman, and initially, the hospital suspected the cancer was at stage four. However, for uterine cancer, patients need to have that part removed to accurately determine the actual stage.
"Although my cancer was diagnosed at stage 1A, where the cancer cells are not too aggressive and do not require chemotherapy, it is still a cancer that poses a risk of spreading and is serious. Moreover, my symptoms were quite severe with bleeding for seven months.
"So, there was no other way but to try to save myself, and I believe in Allah's decree because I am confident this trial was given to me because I can overcome it. So, I rose from despair to continue living," she said.
The third child among six siblings said losing the most precious organ as a woman was not easy because she felt her life had no meaning, especially since she would no longer have the opportunity to have her own children.
"It took me two weeks to come to terms with my fate, and luckily, my family and friends always provided support.
"I also went through a difficult episode when my boyfriend left me because of this deficiency.
"I am grateful that even though I lost my uterus, Alhamdulillah (I thank God), I am still given the gift of life and live well. Even though the cancer cells are gone, I still take medication," she said, working as a personal assistant, insurance agent, model, and part-time singer.
Having shared her story on TikTok, Siti Maisarah said, as a uterine cancer survivor, she wants to raise awareness of the disease among women so they remain vigilant by undergoing annual check-ups.
She said it also gives her the courage to stay positive, and sharing her story is also considered therapy for her, as she has gone through phases of depression and high stress after the hysterectomy.
"I am happy when many women want to get information about this disease. Some even thought uterine cancer only occurs in older married women, but actually, it can affect young single women too.
"I once shared a ward with a 12-year-old uterine cancer patient who had to undergo a hysterectomy.
"The girl seemed so strong, which made me want to be strong like her.
"So, I want those in similar situations to stay strong and undergo treatment and check-ups with doctors so the disease can be treated well," she said.
According to Siti Maisara, her life is now happy, and even more fulfilling since she has also found a man who accepts her shortcomings, and his family also accepts her as she is.
