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Looking back, the symptoms of my uterine cancer seem a little more obvious to me now. I¡¯d had heavy and irregular periods my whole adult life because of endometriosis and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). But when the bleeding started getting worse a few years ago, I attributed it to getting older. I explained away the increased bloating and abdominal pain as menstrual cramps.

But when I woke up one Saturday morning in late December 2017 with excruciating abdominal pain, I knew something more serious was going on. I went to a local emergency room, where doctors performed a CT scan. That revealed a large mass on my right ovary and about a liter of fluid in my abdominal cavity. I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

Second opinion at MD Anderson yields different diagnosis

The ER doctors performed surgery right away to drain the fluid and remove my diseased ovary. I stayed in the hospital for a week. After I got out, I followed up with the oncologist at his office, but I felt I wasn¡¯t getting the attention I deserved.

My family urged me to get a second opinion at MD Anderson. I didn¡¯t want to at first. I live near Dallas ¡ª about a five-hour drive from Houston ¡ª and wanted to stay closer to home. But after thinking it over and praying about it, I agreed.

I called and got an appointment less than a week later with gynecologic oncologist . She conducted her own scans and tests. Then she asked a group of gynecologic oncologists at MD Anderson to review my case. After some discussion, they came to a consensus and changed my diagnosis to stage III uterine cancer.

My uterine cancer treatment

Dr. Onstad recommended we treat the uterine cancer with a total hysterectomy, followed by a combination of radiation therapy and two different chemotherapy regimens.

I felt an instant connection with Dr. Onstad, so I was very comfortable with her advice. She took the time to get to know me and my family, so I knew I was at the right place with the right doctor.

MD Anderson is my ¡®happy place¡¯

Dr. Onstad performed my radical hysterectomy on Feb. 6, 2018. I took a few weeks to recover, then had six weeks of radiation along with a chemotherapy drug called cisplatin. After completing those treatments, I took two other chemotherapy drugs called paclitaxel and carboplatin. I finished that combination in July. I¡¯ve been cancer-free since November 2018.

I will forever be grateful to MD Anderson, Dr. Onstad and my radiation oncologist, . Dr. Onstad saved my life. If it hadn¡¯t been for her, I would¡¯ve been treated for the wrong type of cancer.

In retrospect, I wish I¡¯d paid more attention to my body and complained more. You can¡¯t assume everything¡¯s OK just because it¡¯s explainable. Go with your gut. Follow your instincts. And find a doctor that makes you feel comfortable asking questions.

I still consider MD Anderson my happy place today, because no matter what the scans show, I know it¡¯s where I¡¯m supposed to be. And I feel very safe and secure there, because I know I¡¯m getting the best cancer care on the planet.

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