Nina, United States

I was a healthy 36 year old career woman and mom, religiously keeping my yearly GYN appointments. I never had abnormal paps, or any health issues that would have put me a high risk patient.

Early March, 2020, was my yearly GYN exam, I remember vividly the doctor said you have a polyp I’ll remove. In a mental panic, when she left I asked the nurse “Does that sound right!?” “I’ve never heard of a polyp ever .” The nurse let me know she commonly saw 4-5 removed weekly and 99% benign.

I left my appointment without much concerns. Two days later, the doctor office is calling me and something in my gut knew it was not a good phone call. I didn’t answer. Once I built up the courage to call back, the doctor said “Your Pap smear came back normal, but you have cancer.” “The polyp is cancerous.” She let me know a referral was being sent to the Gynecological Cancer doctor so I wasn’t shocked when they called.

The next 2 weeks was a wild ride, Covid-19 hit CNY, life was shutting down. I had no idea what was next. I am a mom to a kindergartener , my work closed, school closed, and here I attend my appointment limited to patient only for everything.

The best course of treatment was a hysterectomy, it moved fast. Within that week was the testing, pre-admission to hospital stay.

April 6, 2020 was my surgery date, It was a success, the hospital was eerie with Covid-19 not allowing visitors. The grand news was the cancer didn’t spread , no other treatment was needed, and I was 100% after a 6 week recovery. 

I spent the next 5 years under the care of Dr Cunningham, with every exam a success and cancer- free going on 6 years.

Crouse and Dr Cunningham are my survival kit, I am here today for my son and husband , family and friends.

So thankful I kept my routine appointments.