My Name is Rosalind B. Pettiford. On November 2, 2009, I heard the terrifying words: “You have Uterine Cancer.” My only symptom was bleeding on vacation with my then Husband. We drove straight to the Veterans Hospital in Brooklyn on our way home, and Dr. Friedman scheduled me for a Pap smear.
I am very grateful that SHARE decided to start supporting women with
endometrial cancer so that I could join the community and benefit from its resources. In March 2017, I was diagnosed with stage IIIA uterine papillary serous carcinoma (UPSC) completely out of the blue at age 69. My only symptom was post-menopausal vaginal bleeding, and, at the time, I did not even know that it was a symptom of endometrial cancer.
April 28th was the fourth anniversary of the most frightening event of my life. I found myself remembering, in sharp detail waking up hemorrhaging, the ambulance ride to the hospital, the cold delivery of the news that it looked like cancer, blood transfusions, another ambulance ride to a different hospital, more transfusions, and a biopsy that became the surgical removal of a large tumor.
1. Why did you decide to be a SHARE Breast Cancer Helpline volunteer?
I found out about SHARE from a fellow SHARE volunteer that I met at a breast cancer
support group called Bay Area Young Survivors (baysnet.org), a group for those in the
bay area diagnosed with breast cancer before age 45. SHARE sounded like such an
amazing way to help other breast cancer patients/survivors across the country, and I
wanted to give back, as I received so much support from BAYS. I've been with SHARE
for just over 1 year!
2. What do you like most about being a Helpline volunteer?
Sometimes when I get a call, I feel nervous about whether I will be able to provide the
support that the caller needs.
I was diagnosed with endometrial uterine cancer in September of 2015. My symptoms were minor and I only realized they were “symptoms” after I was diagnosed and told what some of the symptoms were...bleeding, bloating and discharge. Heart disease runs in my family so cancer never entered my mind!
In 2013 gynecologist sent me for a hysteroscopy due to some light bleeding.
Why did you decide to be a SHARE Breast Cancer Helpline volunteer?
When I was first diagnosed, I remember feeling completely overwhelmed and scared. Conversations with friends were not helpful. They were lovely and kind, but THEY couldn’t understand what I was going through.
This is part of our "Meet a Volunteer" series, highlighting the incredible ovarian and breast cancer survivors and thrivers who volunteer with SHARE to support other women facing these diseases. If you're interested in becoming a volunteer yourself, click here!
Why did you decide to be a SHARE Breast Cancer Helpline volunteer?
I had some beautiful breast cancer survivors help me through my journey, and I wanted to do the same for other women.
We asked our volunteers how they are coping with the social isolation required of us during the coronavirus pandemic. We hope you find these quotes uplifting and inspiring.
This is part of our "Meet a Volunteer" series, highlighting the incredible ovarian and breast cancer survivors and thrivers who volunteer with SHARE to support other women facing these diseases. If you're interested in becoming a volunteer yourself, click here!
Why did you decide to be a SHARE Breast Cancer Helpline volunteer?
I was a clinical social worker when I was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) and was looking for ways to support myself and to help others.
Here are a few resources could be especially helpful for those affected by cancer in these uncertain times.
