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Overcoming the Fear of Cancer: Heidi’s Story

Heidi story blog

At the first sign of symptoms of GYN trouble, many women fear the worst. That fear can stop some people in their tracks, keeping them from seeking help from a medical professional. Just the idea of hearing the word “cancer” can cause some women to continue suffering with pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, or extreme bloating unnecessarily. Additionally, some physicians may not have enough experience with identifying what is cancer and what isn’t. That can also create a layer of unnecessary fear. For women who are worried about what their GYN symptoms could mean, it’s important to find the most skilled medical professional possible.

Overcoming the fear of cancer
Heidi, diagnosed with fibroids that were potentially cancerous, made a bold move to be her own advocate. Her tenacity in her research led her to CIGC & kept her from having a more invasive robotic procedure.

Diagnostics and medical treatment have come a long way, but THE most important part of the equation is having an advanced trained GYN surgical specialist. This is the person who has the experience to know what to look for and the skills to treat it effectively. When you put yourself in the care of a GYN surgical specialist, he or she should instill a level of confidence that helps you overcome fear and move towards comprehensive a plan of action for treatment.

Overcoming the fear of cancer can be a tall hurdle. While some conditions may indicate a higher risk for GYN cancers, it’s most important to get evaluated by a specialist to be certain of your diagnosis, and ensure that your treatment will be the highest quality. For many patients, minimally invasive GYN surgery may be the only treatment necessary, as you will learn from Heidi.

OVERCOMING THE FEAR OF CANCER: HEIDI’S STORY

Heidi had been told by two separate doctors, one from a major medical university that she had fibroids that were potentially cancerous, and she would need a complete hysterectomy with a robot and power morcellator. She would also need to bring a copy of a living will with her to the procedure.  Almost immediately after the first consultation, she saw a news report that cautioned women against robotic surgery with a power morcellator due to its risk of spreading cancer throughout the pelvic cavity. When the doctor at the second opinion said the same thing, Heidi was galvanized into acting on her own behalf. Fear can stall, but it can also be a great motivator.

“I decided I didn’t want (robotic surgery with a power morcellator),” said Heidi. “I just felt like I had to be my own advocate. So I searched the Internet and happened upon a new type of hysterectomy called DualPortGYN. Something so drastically different than what I had been told I had to have.”

TODAY’S GYN SURGERY MEANS LESS PAIN, FASTER RECOVERY, WITH BETTER RESULTS

Outpatient procedures with DualPortGYN are safer than standard laparoscopy.
DualPortGYN procedures use 2 tiny 5MM incisions at the belly button and the bikini line. Surgeons are able to map the entire pelvic cavity and control blood loss through this advanced laparoscopic technique.

DualPortGYN is a technique performed by the surgical specialists at The Center for Innovative GYN Care. Using 2 tiny 5mm incisions, one at the belly button, and another at the bikini line, DualPortGYN procedures are done safely and quickly in an outpatient setting. DualPortGYN also uses retroperitoneal dissection, a technique that helps the surgeon see the entire pelvic cavity to avoid injury to surrounding vital structures.

This means that each procedure is set up to ensure a patient’s safety first. After mapping out the pelvic structures and minimizing blood loss with uterine artery ligation, most procedures can be performed very efficiently.

“What I read about DualPort laparoscopy was exactly what I’d hoped to find. The doctor can remove the uterus and fibroids intact without using a power morcellator. It was outpatient surgery, it took about 45 minutes. It didn’t involve blood loss, blood clots, or a living will.”

“I still can’t understand why every doctor doesn’t switch to this kind of procedure, because it’s so much better for women,” said Heidi. “Dr. MacKoul was so nice when I went back for my 2 week check-up, he told me that there was no cancer, and I just said ‘I’m so relieved.’ I would recommend this procedure to ANY woman who needs a hysterectomy for any reason. It’s safer, quicker, better in every way.”

GYN SURGICAL AND ONCOLOGY SPECIALISTS AT CIGC

Dr. Paul MacKoul and Dr. Natalya Danilyants are fellowship trained GYN surgical specialists. Dr. MacKoul also specializes in GYN oncology and Dr. Danilyants specializes in retroperitoneal dissection, the technique used to make DualPortGYN and LAAM procedures faster and safter than other laparoscopic procedures. To learn more about the CIGC surgical specialists, Heidi and DualPortGYN, watch our videos then contact us to book a consultation.


CIGC Travel Map US

Destination Surgery: Travel to The Center for Innovative GYN Care for the most revolutionary GYN surgical techniques that return you to YOU faster.

The CIGC Travel Program provides detailed information on where to stay, what to expect, and detailed information on follow-up care by a visiting nurse.