In 2008, during a regular routine exam, my doctor of 20 years informed me she thought she had felt a tumor. She sent me to the gynecologist for a biopsy. The gynecologist decided not to do the biopsy because given my age and the location of the tumor, it’s almost never cancer.
I had a big upcoming trip to Mexico and asked if I could put off the surgery so that I could go to Mexico. The trip was already paid for… I was told yes and so I went to Mexico and had a great time.
I came home a week later and went back to work. At the time, I worked 10 hours a day, four days a week and I started my 10 hour workday that following Monday. By the end of my shift, I drove home and took myself to the emergency room. I was feeling absolutely terrible.
The ER doctor prescribed me some antibiotics and said that I had some type of infection and sent me on my way. The next day (Tuesday) I worked my 10 hour shift and once again had to drive myself to the ER. They were surprised to see me and see how sick I was, but sent me home again.
Feeling defeated by the lack of answers, I went to work again the next day ( Wednesday ) and then back to the ER. Finally I asked if there was correlation between my tumor and what’s happening? Was it something that happened in Mexico? Nobody really had any concrete answers.
The following week, I had my partial hysterectomy. They removed my uterus, but not my tubes and ovaries. The week after that, I was told that my uterus was sent off to pathology where it was tested and found to be positive for cancer. I was then told that the symptoms I had experienced the previous week, that had me so many days at the ER, were classic for a tumor.
My white blood cell count was certainly low and I was told that was another symptom of cancer. I had to wait more than six weeks for my incision to heal enough to be able to be cut open again; this time to remove my tubes and ovaries.
Two surgeries later, and with a heart full of gratitude, I can say that I am happily cancer free today. I continue to have yearly exams and will for the rest of my life. It is a small price to pay and my heart is full of gratitude.
God has made a way for me every day. Even though I don’t have children, I have lots of fur babies in an amazing husband. My life is truly blessed and full.
Michelle Ashley