Ann Heslin

“Although in remission, cancer still has its place in my life, but I am using it for good. I do not want my life to be defined by cancer. I have endured a lot of pain in the past four years, but I refuse to let it slow me down or make me upset.”

In the spring of 2021, Ann Heslin was diagnosed with HPV-independent vulvar cancer. “I developed a skin condition called lichen sclerosus, which in rare instances can form squamous cell carcinoma,” Ann explains. “I was in enormous pain. It was difficult to walk while trying to work and take care of my mother,” she said. “Unfortunately, it spread into my lymph nodes which resulted in a stage 3b diagnosis.” Ann’s treatment included six weeks of chemotherapy and radiation, at the start of which she entered menopause at just 43 years old. “It was a terrible year,” she recalls, “but I was declared in remission in October 2021.”

For over three years, Ann remained in remission until Christmas Eve of 2024. “I sat down in a chair, and it was painful. I knew in my heart that my cancer had returned,” she says. She had a couple of biopsies, which confirmed that her lichen sclerosus had caused another tumor to form. “I was devastated. Even though I knew that I had done everything possible to prevent this recurrence, I still felt as though I could have done more. Thankfully, I have an amazing family, devoted friends, and an excellent oncology team.”

It is her loved ones whom Ann credits with helping her get through this four-year period which, on top of her cancer journey, also included six bouts with COVID. “My family and friends have been there right alongside me from day one of my diagnosis. I am fortunate to have my mother living with me, and my sister, brother-in-law, and nephew are next door,” she says. “They have been the key to my recovery and have supported me throughout this long journey.”

In March of 2025, Ann underwent surgery, and today she is again in remission. “I learned after this recurrence to give myself the grace and space to heal mentally and physically,” she shares. “Following both diagnoses, I now take much better care of myself. Having cancer is like having a full-time job. There are so many appointments, so many things to remember, and so many ups and downs in the journey. I have navigated the challenges of a diagnosis by simply taking each day as its own.”

Ann’s advice to those going through a cancer diagnosis is “to know that a cancer journey is a marathon. There are going to be great days and challenging days. Don’t be afraid or embarrassed to ask for help. Even though it is extremely difficult to see yourself thriving when you are sitting in a chemo chair or lying on the radiation table, you will get there.” Above all, Ann is sharing her story to help others facing a similar diagnosis: “There is nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed about, since there is a stigma associated with gynecological cancer because many are HPV-related. If you have symptoms, please do not wait to address them with your physician. It might not be anything, but cancer is persistent. Early detection is key.”

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