Cervical Cancer: Gaining the strength to keep fighting

My name is Joanne Hendrickson and a few years ago, I faced one of the most terrifying moments of my life: a cervical cancer diagnosis. I remember feeling like the world had stopped. The fear was overwhelming—not just for me, but for my family too. I was worried about how my three kids and husband would cope. The uncertainty about the future consumed me.

However, everything changed when I met the incredible breast cancer team at Intermountain Health. From the very first appointment, they made me feel like I wasn’t alone. Because we caught the cancer early, my prognosis was very positive. They explained every step of the journey with patience and compassion, making sure I understood what was happening and what my options were. I wasn’t just a patient to them; I was a person, a mother, a wife. That meant everything to me.

Throughout my treatment, their support was unwavering. From my surgeon to the nurses to the oncologist, they worked together seamlessly. They didn’t just treat my cancer; they treated me as a whole person, helping me overcome my deepest fears. Every time I was afraid, they reassured me, and their confidence gave me the strength to keep fighting.

Today, I’m cancer-free. I couldn’t have gotten through this without the expert care and encouragement from the team at Intermountain. They gave me back my future and my hope, and for that, I will always be grateful.