My Cancer Story: One Year Checkup!

At my post-op visit following surgery for endometrial cancer in July, 2014, my oncologist explained that for the next few years, I would visit her at UNC Hospital and then six months later, my gynecologist. So at the one year mark, it was the gynecologist’s turn. Love Dr. Freid! I wrote here about his kindness when he called with my diagnosis last June.

Although it can manifest itself other ways, endometrial cancer tends to return as vaginal cancer. Yikes! Talk about a creepy thought…

As I sat in the waiting room of Chapel Hill OBGYN, my cancer visits and tests flashed into my mind, but I mostly thought happy thoughts. Surgery behind me and with a good prognosis, it’s fun to watch the pregnant women come and go. Been there, done that.

Dr. Freid’s nurse asked me a bundle of questions. Then she instructed me to put on the gown and walked out the door. The gown felt crisper than most and its styling a bit more chic. Fast photo op! In the shot above, note Dr. Freid’s framed ice hockey articles. In the photo below, see  the girl parts chart. An interesting contrast for a gynecologist’s examining room.

In came Dr. Freid with his nurse and a medical student in tow. Dr. Fried’s joke-telling took longer than the exam. “Looks good,” he said.

Five minutes later, back in my street clothes and seated in his office, we talked  about the roller coaster I’ve experienced since the surgery.

“I hit you over the head when I called with the diagnosis,” Dr. Freid said. “I told you that you probably didn’t have cancer, and you did.”(An ultrasound had revealed fibroids, which he suspected were the cause of the spotting. The D and C was just a precaution). He leaned forward in his black leather chair. “I’d be shocked if you didn’t have some emotional moments.”

When I left, I thanked him, again, for saving my life, twice. (Dr. Freid nailed me on my blood pressure during my first visit, and that’s now under control.)

Then I did what I always do. I went to the mall across the street. I grabbed samples from Southern Season, a gourmet food store, and debated if I should get Chick-Fil-A for lunch or something a bit more nutritious.

As I made the decision, I walked with spring in my step. Happy One Year Cancer Anniversary to me!

P.S. If you’re scheduled for a hysterectomy, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I’d be glad to share my experience, which went well. My email is on the right.