As a survivor of three primary gynecological cancers in various stages, I am still cognizant that frank discussions about cancer are uncomfortable for most of us, even for me. Although breast cancer has become a popular - even mainstream - topic with international attention in the media through events like the dragon boat festivals, frank discussions about vaginal or vulva cancer are still conversation stoppers.

Vaginal cancer and especially vulvar cancer are being diagnosed in younger and younger women. These supposedly rare cancers are rapidly becoming more prevalent.

In a discussion with my oncologist, I commented that with the odds against one woman getting, let alone surviving, three primary gynecological cancers, I would rather win a lottery.

Her reply?

That I had already won the most important lottery of all... LIFE.

Perhaps there's a reason I've been spared. Perhaps it's to share my story, with its lows and its highs. Perhaps it's to help others along the way.

Perhaps it's to bring gynecological cancer out of the dark and into the light.

My hope is that you'll embrace LIFE, as well as find hope, comfort and information here.

This is my story.

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