Warning: This article contains discussion of cancer which some readers may find distressing.
YouTuber Jessica Pettway has passed away at the age of 36 after receiving a diagnosis of stage three cervical cancer.
The beauty influencer took to social media in July 2023 to reveal her cancer diagnosis, explaining she'd initially been 'misdiagnosed'.
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Jessica's sister has since revealed the mom-of-two had passed away earlier this month.
The YouTuber's post to Instagram sharing her diagnosis with followers saw her upload two photographs of herself, the first being the influencer's 'favorite,' bringing her 'so much joy to see how far [she's] come' after receiving the 'devastating news' a few months back that she had 'stage three cancer'.
She continued: "I don't even know where to begin, but I want to share why I've been gone for so long, in hopes that at least one person is encouraged by my story. So here it goes..."
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Jessica explained that she was experiencing 'intense vaginal bleeding' in June 2022 and was 'literally bleeding out'.
She went to other women for advice and many said they'd had similar experiences, so she thought it may be 'normal' and 'accepted' her symptoms of 'extreme fatigue, weakness and just not feeling like [herself]'.
However, on July 1 2022 at 4:00am, Jessica's husband found her in the bathroom 'unresponsive' and 'not breathing'.
Her post continues: "I had literally passed away. He called on Jesus to bring me back and I came back. I was rushed to the hospital, where they told me that the extreme blood loss was due to 'fibroids.'
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"My Gyno made it seem like it was so normal and common. I didn't think much of it, however I was passing clots the size of a placenta, which was really alarming.
"They kept me overnight and released me the next day.
"Fast forward to July 22nd, I was hospitalized again for the same thing. Again, the medical professionals treated it like it was not that alarming since it was just a 'fibroid'."
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While the bleeding 'eventually stopped,' Jessica then began to experience 'labor-like pains' and her life ultimately became 'so limited'.
And in December that year, the continuous bleeding returned and she was hospitalized again. She was told she couldn't get surgery to remove the 'fibroid' because of her lack of blood supply and had to 'receive 10 blood transfusions' during her stay.
It was only then she says she was recommended to have a biopsy, which resulted in her stage three cancer diagnosis being made, the YouTuber noting in another post that she 'was misdiagnosed all this time'.
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Continuing her post in the comments, Jessica said: "Do I still have days where I feel down, sure. But I'm quickly reminded that my healing was paid for on the cross.
"We won't get to pick our storms, but we can choose how we go through them. And the believer has an advantage, because we don't go through it alone. Jesus is there with us, using our storm for His glory.
"So no matter what you are faced with, always remember that all things work together for the good of those who love God (Romans 8:28). Every testimony begins with a test. And God is still beautifying mine.
"So no matter how big or small your sickness is, remember that God has already provided healing for you. Believe it, receive it, live it and rest in it. God Bless you all."
And fans of the YouTuber have flocked to her post to pay their respects since her sister revealed she's passed away.
One user said: "Fly high, angel."
"Rest well, beautiful! I pray that God is wrapping His arms around you in heaven," another added.
And a third commented: "DEVASTATING NEWS… This beautiful soul was wrongly diagnosed with fibroids for so long. THIS RIGHT HERE is why I won’t stop educating and empowering women to stop normalizing heavy bleeding, and pain and supporting us in knowing all our options and getting the best care."
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact the American Cancer Society on 1-800-227-2345 or via their live chat feature, available 24/7 every day of the year.
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact The Compassionate Friends on (877) 969-0010.
Topics: Cancer, Health, Social Media, YouTube, Instagram
Poppy Bilderbeck