Pensacola woman shares cervical cancer journey

Elli never expected that an unusual pain would change her life. What began as lower back and leg pain, along with unexplained gynecologic discomfort, was easy to dismiss at first but something didn’t feel right for the 37-year-old. 

“I just knew my body was trying to tell me something,” Elli said.

In March 2020, Elli scheduled the first OB-GYN appointment she could get. That visit led to a referral to Ascension Sacred Heart Cancer Center, where gynecologic oncologist Dr. Stephen DeCesare confirmed she had stage 3 cervical cancer after additional testing. “It finally made everything make sense,” Elli shared.

Despite staying up to date on Pap smears and receiving the HPV vaccine as a child, Elli learned that cervical cancer, most often caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), can still occur. In many cases, cervical cancer develops slowly over years. In Elli’s case, it progressed more quickly than expected.

“I never thought this could happen to me,” she said. “That’s why I tell people now that screenings matter, and so does trusting your instincts.” Looking back, she recognized subtle symptoms, like bloating and weight gain in her midsection, that were easy to explain away.

Because Elli was young and otherwise healthy, surgery was initially considered. However, when imaging revealed the cancer had spread to nearby lymph nodes, her care plan shifted. Elli began chemotherapy and radiation therapy, with radiation oncologist Dr. Veronica Carden overseeing her radiation care.

“Radiation therapy plays a critical role in treating cervical cancer, especially in more advanced stages,” Dr. Carden said. “Our goal is not only to treat the cancer effectively, but to support the patient through every step of what can be a physically and emotionally challenging journey.”

Throughout treatment, Elli felt supported by her care team. “I had complete trust in my doctors,” she said. “I just knew they were doing everything they could for me.” She also credits the nursing staff for helping her through difficult days. “The nurses were angels,” Elli shared. “They got me through some really hard moments.”

Months later, Elli received the news she had been hoping for—her follow-up PET scan showed no evidence of cancer. Today, she continues routine screenings and is approaching her five-year milestone, an important marker in cancer recovery. “I feel better now than I ever have,” she said. “My body is amazing for what it carried me through.”

At Ascension Sacred Heart Cancer Center, care is personal. Patients don’t have to travel far to receive comprehensive cancer treatment supported by a multidisciplinary team. From diagnosis through recovery, oncologists and specialists work together to create personalized care plans centered on each patient’s needs.

To learn more or schedule with Dr. Veronica Carden, click here.
To learn more or schedule with Dr. Stephen DeCesare, click here.