So basically she followed the course of treatment recommended by her oncologist and you’re taking issue with this because, according to you, she trusted God. Sounds like she trusted her oncologist, who did not order chemo and radiation because in his professional opinion it wasn’t necessary. A professional opinion…

I’d answer by saying “nothing is impossible.” However seems EXTREMELY unlikely that a pap goes from totally normal to metastatic cervical cancer in just over a year. I’ve never seen or heard of anything even close to that

Yeah, that’s kind of what I thought- cervical cancers not caused by HPV are a statistical asterisk. I also know that pregnancy will accelerate cervical cancer- but is it possible Feek would have gotten negative paps prior to her pregnancy?

It won’t be the only thing they remember, Amanda. My husband died in 2009. He was a writer, a historian, a genealogist, and a storyteller. He was much beloved in his community. He lived for 3 years after his diagnosis. The last year was pretty tough - but that isn’t what people remember. They remember the stories he…

For all intents and purposes ALL cervical cancer is caused by HPV. Would love to know more medically. The vast majority of cervical deaths are women who have NEVER had a pap, not women who a bit late for their pap smear. As was previously noted, cervical cancer is very slow growing, which why the interval between…

I hope you have and maintain all the dignity you want right now.

One thing people don’t think about when they choose not to get prenatal care or screenings is the immediate medical needs of the newborn. With Down Syndrome there are often serious cardiac and respiratory issues at birth. They were very lucky to have an uneventful homebirth in their situation.

Amen. I believe in the miracles that are brought about by vaccines and medical care. With proper funding, Planned Parenthood could be heaven,

I’m sorry. I sincerely hope you recover.

“During the pregnancy, we never did an ultrasound, or saw a doctor, nor would it have made any difference if we had. We trusted that God..”

As someone who has been battling stage IV cancer since May of 2015, I can say it has been really difficult to see the progression of the disease and death of this woman. I have a no sharing policy with my husband and father about my situation, other than the basics. No pictures, blog, long Facebook updates. I’ve also…

I couldn’t agree with you more about urging people to look after themselves! My cervical cancer was caught during a routine pap smear. I opted for a hysterectomy (cervix, pelvic lymph, nodes, and uterus) since my cancer was actually a bit advanced, but it was caught early enough that I didn’t need any other treatment!…

I teach women in their late teens and twenties, and I make it a point to engage them in a discussion about HPV and cervical cancer at least once during the semester. I use myself as an example, having been diagnosed in my early 20's with cervical cancer. I was too old for the HPV vaccine, but not too late to save my…

This. My worst nightmare is to die and leave my children. How comforting it would be to believe we’ll all be together in an afterlife. Sometimes atheism is a harsh mistress.

Oh Christ, that’s what this was.

Agree wholeheartedly. I had my first at 35 and, sure, having “elderly” in my paperwork was a bummer, but I’m glad we followed all guidelines.

I’ve felt really conflicted about this whole story. Like, obviously, it is sad. I have a kid around that age and to leave him motherless is the worst thing I can imagine.

I wondered about this. It seems rare to die from cervical cancer these days if you’re following medical guidelines for regular exams. Also - insane to not see a OB during a late 30s high risk pregnancy.

C. I think the Feeks are of some faith that eschews medical treatments to a degree. Her husband said to People “During the pregnancy, we never did an ultrasound, or saw a doctor, nor would it have made any difference if we had. We trusted that God..

The quote was about her pregnancy. I can appreciate that they would have chosen to have heir child regardless (I can appreciate anyone who decides to terminate for medical reasons, too). But the fact is that the two are linked. If she had been having proper prenatal care, then she would have had a pap smear and known…