Trusting her intuition: Mum's cancer caught after doctors blamed "stress and hormones"

Intuition Over Medical Advice

A mother-of-three, Hollie Pardue, trusted her gut feeling when doctors dismissed her symptoms as "stress and hormones" after giving birth to her third child. Despite medical advice to "go for some walks," Hollie pushed for further tests.

Advocating for Yourself

Hollie emphasizes the importance of advocating for one's health, even when medical professionals suggest otherwise. Her persistence led to a colposcopy and a diagnosis of cervical cancer, despite a previous smear test showing no concerns.

An Unexpected Diagnosis

Initially believed to be stage 1B, further scans revealed that Hollie's cancer had spread to her lymph nodes, resulting in a stage 3C1 diagnosis. She underwent intensive treatment, including chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and is waiting for updates on her progress.

Long-Term Effects

At only 31 years old, Hollie faces early menopause and infertility as a result of her cancer treatment. Despite the physical and emotional challenges, she remains positive and aims to raise awareness about her experience.

From Intuition to Advocacy

Hollie's story serves as a reminder to trust one's instincts and be proactive about health concerns. By sharing her journey, she hopes to empower others to listen to their bodies and seek proper medical attention when needed.