Early Detection with the Help of a Friend

In today’s Warrior Wednesday feature, Michelle talks about how her daughter’s service dog was the catalyst to catching her Ovarian Cancer diagnosis early.

“About 10 years ago I had an uterine ablation. I was told if my fibroids ever started growing there would be some spotting. At the end of July 2017, I did start spotting along with swelling feet and needing to urinate often. Not one to go to the doctor I just self diagnosed and decided the fibroids were growing and possibly a urinary infection. So I started taking cranberry pills and used my essential oils. Things seemed to improve but I still had some abdominal pain. I visited my daughter several times in August and each time I was there her service dog, Koda, would sniff the right side of my abdomen. Knowing that dogs can be trained for sensing seizures, blood sugar problems and many other medical conditions, I decided I better go to my gynecologist and see if anything was wrong. I went on September 5th. She sent me for an ultrasound and ct scan then to the Stephenson Cancer Center. By September 26th I was having surgery. I had a total hysterectomy but the cancer was confined to the right ovary. Exactly where Koda would sniff! The diagnosis was stage 1C1. I am fortunate to only need 3 chemo treatments. I have completed 2 so only 1 more to go. I thank God for the care I have received, support from family and friends but especially for giving me the sense to respond to Koda’s persistent behavior. ” 

Michelle’s story is a great reminder of the importance of following up on symptoms.  Thank you for sharing it with us.  Keep fighting like a girl!