My Journey: From Cancer Patient to Advocate

Today, I am both a survivor and a disabled cancer patient, living each day with the aftermath of an aggressive, experimental treatment that saved my life—but changed it forever.

In late 2002, I was diagnosed with Stage 2B cervical cancer—just a step away from Stage 3. Things moved quickly. I began chemotherapy and radiation in December, and my treatments continued until May 2003. My chemotherapy sessions required me to stay in the hospital every other week, while radiation treatments became part of my daily routine, even during the brief periods I was able to rest at home. The treatment was intense, but it saved my life.

Unfortunately, the very thing that saved me also left me disabled. I developed severe nerve damage from the treatment, which resulted in chronic, debilitating pain in my pelvic area, lower back, legs, and feet. I now live with foot drop and wear AFO braces to help me walk, though mobility remains a challenge. My legs are also affected by widespread numbness, another lingering effect of the nerve damage.

Despite the physical toll, I fought to rebuild my life. I leaned on my college education and passion for writing to create something meaningful. In 2012, I launched Princess Crystal Says, offering freelance writing services and maintaining a personal blog. I began writing about a range of topics—my personal journey, self-care, pet care, addiction and recovery, social issues, relationships, and more.

Through my pain, I found strength. I began to refer to this strength as being Dragon Strong—a kind of inner fire that refuses to die, no matter how tough life becomes.

During my own cancer treatment, I had the privilege of meeting many other women who were also battling cancer. I quickly realized that many of them didn’t have visitors. It broke my heart. I would talk with them about their journeys and share mine, and it inspired me to do more. I spoke to nurses about finding a way to visit and support them, because no one should face cancer alone.

In 2007, I created a nonprofit organization and support community—similar in style to Facebook—where patients and survivors could find connection and comfort. For years, we offered support, even mailing monthly greeting cards to our members. But by 2012, it became financially impossible for me to keep the organization going. Living on SSI and unable to work, I couldn’t afford the website costs, greeting card program, or the steep $9,000 required to apply for 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. Disbanding the organization and closing the support community broke my heart. Many of the members added me on Facebook to stay in touch, and I remain connected to many of them to this day.

Now, I’m dreaming again. I recently created a new Facebook group dedicated to cancer patients and survivors—a safe, supportive space to share your story and find peer encouragement. It’s just beginning, but my hope is to grow this community into something truly meaningful—where no one feels alone in their journey.

If you’re walking this path, I see you. If you’re hurting, I hear you. If you’re surviving, I stand with you.

We are Dragon Strong.

Copyright 2025

Crystal Amon