On December 3rd2021, my life was changed…my life and world were changed.

 

My name is Donna, and this was my journey.

 

I have always taken care of myself, ate healthy and exercised. Cancer does not run in my family, so to be diagnosed with cancer was a surprise.

 

It all started a year before; I went to my primary care doctor complaining about constipation and gas and was advised to take over the counter medication for this issue. Not once did she say let’s run some test or check blood work. When this did not work, she suggested I see a gastroenterologist.  He also did not have an answer, nor did he even run any tests?

 I looked healthy.  He then told me I had IBS with constipation and gave me medication to help with the constipation, but it did not work. 

 

After two more weeks of constipation, I could not take the pain anymore.  My wife said enough!  We are not waiting for an obstruction or intestinal rupture to occur; we are going to the ER now!

I call my doctor to inform him, he said the ER would run a c-scan/MRI and we would get more information. While I waited in the ER I was just hoping for some relief, then the nurse came over to my bed and told my wife and myself that I had cancer, and they would set up an appointment to see Dr. Menderes at Smilow.  

 

A myriad of emotions hit us all at once. We went in for the appointment and where both very scared.  She and her staff spent a great deal of time explaining the diagnosis and treatment plan. We both felt she gave us the best opportunity to beat cancer, they gave us hope.

 

The surgery was slated a week later, and it was very intense. Not only did I have a full hysterectomy, but she also had to remove parts of my colon and resect, remove part of my lower diaphragm, remove my appendix and de-bunk my abdomen.

 

Dr. Menderes spent a great deal of time with my wife after surgery to explain everything that she did to helped ease her mind. We both were extremely lucky and blessed to have her as my surgeon.

 

After surgery the next step was chemotherapy. The staff in the infusion center made this process easy, even when I had an allergic reaction to the medication. We joked non-stop about my dancing legs and found a way to treat me and reduce the reaction. I was their dancing, Queen! Laughter was and still is the best medicine when facing the stress of cancer.

 

Dr Menderes left Yale to accept a position in Florida, but before she left, she made sure that Dr Ratner would take me on as her patient. Again, I struck GOLD!! Two amazing doctors now in my life!

 

 

Dr. Ratner has been informative, supportive, and kind. I feel she will always be with me on this adventure. The team of doctors, nurses and medical staff are very uplifting and great to work with. They see me….. and work with me to combat my fears and point me in the direction of enjoying life!

 

This past February my wife and I went on cruise and are planning a cross-country trip in our motor home! Alaska here we come! We live now enjoying each day, trying not to stress the small stuff.  Trust me there are still days I question why, but with the support of my faith, family, and friends I move on from negative thoughts and enjoy the ride.

 

My advice:  First, YOU must be your best advocate.  You know your body best. Ask questions and get fact-based answers. Seek the best expert doctors and staff that care a treat everyone as the most important patient when they are with you. The Yale Smilow Cancer Hospital and Care Center is all that and more.

 

Second, find someone you can talk to about your fears and your dreams. Live each day to the fullest. I still go in every three months to be tested and I am working on staying cancer free in body and mind.

 

Be positive, surround yourself with like-minded positive people and live life!

 

Donna