Dedicated to Paola Gehrig
I was re-diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer last April by my oncologist Dr. Gehrig at UNC’s Women Hospital. I did not realize at that time just what kind of journey I was getting ready to experience, but Dr. Gehrig was there throughout it all.
I had surgery on May 22 and had numerous tumors removed as well as a medically necessitated hysterectomy. This by far was the hardest thing for me being that I was 33 at the time, with no children of my own. She took my parents aside who were there for me throughout the surgery and explained everything in detail on what was found, what they did, and what I’d be facing next with Chemotherapy.
Chemo was something so new and totally frightening to me. I had no idea what I was going into, and didn’t know how it would effect me. I just knew that it was going to knock me down hard and make me sicker then I had ever been before.
Dr. Gehrig never made this a disease I was battling alone. She would tell me “We’ll do this”, or “We’ll get through this.” She’s always been honest with me, giving me all the information I needed and wanted so that I could fight this fight. I completed 15 treatments and I got through it all with the support of God, my family, & Dr. Gehrig.
My hair is growing back now and I’ve been in remission since August 2009. My journey has taught me so much about myself and about life and though I hope cancer won’t invade my body again, I am prepared for it and know that I’m in great hands. I can and will get through whatever comes my way. I couldn’t have asked for a better oncologist, and I thank God for her knowledge and caring manner and for helping me to deal with the many challenges I faced and still face in the days ahead.
I also want to commend the staff at the N.C. Women’s Hospital who took care of me during and after surgery, during and after chemo and who still take care of me on my follow-ups. The nurses are absolutely amazing and after spending so much time with them during chemo and recovery, they all became a part of me.