October 28, 2011-Tamika Felder
I once had cervical cancer survivor Tamika Felder on one of my very first shows. We discussed the then new cervical cancer guidelines, but she didn't get a chance to share her story. Now she does. A 10 year survivor and founder of Tamika and Friends, Tamika shares her story, talks about the stigma attached to cervical cancer and HPV, and discusses sex after cancer. If you haven't had a chance to see Tamika talk live like I did at the OMG summit in NYC, then here is your chance to find out more about this amazing young woman.
I got the shock of my life: a diagnosis of cervical cancer. This was devastating, to say the least. Cervical cancer came in and changed everything. Here I was, twenty-five years old, working in Washington, DC as a successful television producer, and having the time of my life. In an instant, without warning, that all 
changed. Instead of thinking about my next interview I was thinking about the end of my life, with my hopes, wishes and dreams not yet fulfilled. At this early stage in my life, I could only think, “This is it?”
I fell into a deep depression and retreated from most of my friends. How could they understand this when I didn’t even understand what was happening?
I started treatment late that summer. I had chemo once a week and radiation treatments five days a week. Wednesdays I would start my chemo at 7 a.m. and finish up with a zap of radiation in the afternoon – I referred to it as my afternoon cocktail. Compared to others I know, I had it easy, but at the time it sure didn’t feel like it. From squeezing into plastic molds holding me in place during radiation, to the tattoos the radiation left behind, to the many residents, techs, and docs constantly looking at my coochie – this was not easy!
By the grace of God, my loving mother, wonderful medical team and supportive friends, I finished my treatment. I had survived!
About Mel Majoros:
Mel Majoros, currently in remission, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007. On a lucky break after her cancer surgery she was offered a job as a producer on a local talk sports show in Michigan where she advocates about cancer and other health related topics. During that time she started blogging and her blog www.Thecancerwarrior.blogspot.com has been named one of the top ten breast cancer blogs by blogs.com. She brings a unique perspective to being a survivor, always keeping a positive attitude and an athletes mentality for dealing with cancer and survivorship. Prior to working in radio Mel was a 10 year veteran of the television industry working on such shows as Walker, Texas Ranger and Crossing Jordan.
