Shortly after coming house from commemorating my 50th birthday with a trip in Mexico with my partner, Rob, I established a fever, stomach discomfort and bloating with queasiness.
It was March, 2020, the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, so I understood there was a possibility I had contracted the infection. I likewise idea I may have selected up something in Mexico, or that I had food poisoning. The stomach discomfort was coming in waves and was considerable, so I was really unpleasant.
The discomfort, fever and bloating were serious adequate that I might inform something was incorrect sufficient to warrant examination. However, I can see how simple it might haveactually been to merely chalk up the signs to travel and not lookfor care.
Instead, I listened to my body. I went to the Emergency Department at AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center, where the group did a CT scan and discovered a blood embolism in my spleen and some swelling in my intestinaltracts, so they confessed me to the medicalfacility.
As my diagnostic results came in throughout and after my hospitalization, absolutelynothing might describe why I had established the blood embolisms. Then in May and June 2020, I had 2 episodes of postmenopausal bleeding. This was uncommon.
My hematologist and medical oncologist, Loreta Garretson, M.D., and my gynecologist, desired me to have a transvaginal ultrasound. I had a history of an ovarian cyst that determined 3 to 4 cm, which is a typical event in a lady and can be totally benign.
Nothing else was out of the standard otherthan that the cyst had grown somewhat to 4 to 5 cm. Dr. Garretson desired me to repeat this test in 6 weeks, which I did in August 2020.
My follow-up care revealed no factor for the blood embolism or my uncommon signs, however through my training in oncology, I was mindful cancer puts individuals at increased danger for embolisms.
When my hematology workup was basically unfavorable, Dr. Garretson and I had our suspicions that something was developing—she desired to stay watchful and to discover the underlying cause of these problems.
She viewed me with a gut sensation that came to fulfillment.
On a Saturday after my 2nd transvaginal ultrasound, I looked on my medical portal and saw the words “suspicious for neoplasm” in regard to my right ovary. That was my preliminary “oh, no” minute.
I was at house with Rob at the time and I checkout it to him. We both sat speechless for a while as we collected our ideas. “Dr. Garretson’s gut was .” I stated to Rob.
Shock came veryfirst, followed by some anger. Then worry turned into action as I began my procedure of consultation preparation.
I made an visit with my gynecologic oncologic cosmeticsurgeon, Robin Wilson-Smith, M.D., with whom I had worked as an oncology breast nurse navigator for clients. I understood she would take care of this f