A video diary I recorded the night before my surgery. I have made the proactive choice, to have a hysterectomy due to both cancerous, and pre-cancerous cells that were found on my cervix and additional areas earlier this year. As a result of the surgery, I will not be able to have my own biological children. I made this choice as a preventative measure for my own health, and due to previous medical issues. I was first told of my diagnosis after an abnormal pap smear, and I can not express how critical it is for all women, to get your smear tests, as early as you can, and to keep vigilant with your follow-ups and appointments. Currently, there are few treatments available for cervical cancer issues, and the required age to get the test which determines any abnormal cells, is in my opinion, far too late. Cervical cancer, is still rarely spoken about, but research looks promising, and the word needs to be spread to promote awareness and funds. There is a stigma attached to younger women my age, who choose to have the operation, as opposed to remaining with pre-cancerous, and even cancerous cells in their body. They have no intention or idea of the consequence of their health, so they may retain the chance of having their own biological children. What they don't tell you in the media or in most doctors offices, is that if you choose to have your own biological children, the risks are far greater that they will be impaired in some way because of your abnormalities. This is very dangerous not only to a growing baby, but to your own body. Of course, there are plenty of ways to have a family if that is what you choose, but your own health should be of the utmost importance. For some, without having their own biological children, they feel a tremendous loss and void. For each individual, it is a very personal choice, and I respect each persons decision on how they handle their diagnosis. No matter what, there should be no judgement. I have shared and documented this in an effort to spread the word to lower the age on initial smear screenings in America and around the world so women who may have pre-cancerous cells can get to them early, quick, and save their life. It is such an important issue, and time and preventative treatment could mean the difference between life and death. The more it is talked about, the shame will fade, and women can feel more secure and confident in their own choices within their bodies. The freedom to choose when it comes to your own body is such an empowering thing, and shouldn't be taken lightly. With the pressures of society, and others views on the roles of the modern woman, it's a force which so many find difficulty navigating through. I hope that sharing my choice will inspire someone out there, if only one person, to find their own voice if that time comes to choose, and stand strong. There is no need to feel alone in this, many women fight it daily! From what I have seen, the research for cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, and other cancers that women fight which aren't spoken about as easily right now, is incredibly promising. There are some brilliant minds who are putting in the time and effort to find a cure for a variety of issues. With more support, awareness, and funds, we can get closer to better, faster treatments, and eventually a cure! Your body is a temple, and you should never let society or anyone else impact your decision on how to deal with your own future. Whatever you choose, there are millions of women who are hoping too, that one day soon, the awareness and attention given to other causes, will shine an additional light on this one, and in turn, step that much closer to progress! Jamie Leigh #CervicalCancerAwareness #LowerTheScreeningAgeNow http://youtu.be/y