Having a hysterectomy is one of the last things a generally healthy woman of just 37 thinks about. With a cancer diagnosis and the compassion of one of the few gynecologic oncologists in central Illinois, a Rossville woman faced an unimaginable experience with a team of experts by her side.
Cynthia Vaughn was surprised when she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, often not discovered until late stages due to lack of screening tests and easily ignored symptoms. However, she noticed she could not urinate easily and had it checked out. Doctors discovered through a CA125 tumor marker blood test and a pelvic ultrasound that there was a tumor the size of a cantaloupe on one of her ovaries that was worrisome for cancer.
“Everything happened very quickly,” she said. Vaughn credits Megan Hutchcraft, MD, Gynecologic
Oncology, Carle Cancer Institute, for helping her get through the hysterectomy and surgical staging as well as the six chemotherapy treatments she received.
“I always wanted kids, so this was devastating, but she was there for me and so supportive. She was straightforward in explaining how the chemotherapy drugs would affect me. She guided me through menopause after the hysterectomy,” Vaughn said. “She said, ‘If you need anything, I’m your girl.’”
Dr. Hutchcraft, MD and Georgina Cheng, MD, PhD, are the only two gynecologic oncologists within a substantial portion of central Illinois. Each works with a team of medical, radiation, and surgical oncology specialists under one roof at Carle Health Cancer Institutes in Urbana and Normal.
Dr. Hutchcraft said only about 1 percent of women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer, but those who are, will be diagnosed with advanced disease – often Stage 3. Lack of appetite, abdominal bloating unrelated to food consumed, or pelvic pain are symptoms women can watch for. No matter the stage at the time of diagnosis, Dr. Hutchcraft understands the worry and uncertai
nty.
“It’s scary to get a cancer diagnosis. I always try to talk with patients like I am speaking to my mom or sister,” she said.
Vaughn now sees Dr. Hutchcraft every three months and has her blood tested for any changes. She encourages women to advocate for their health because they know their bodies best. “Do some research before doctor appointments, but be cautious about what you find on a google search.”
Carle Health offers premiere cancer treatment and support services at locations throughout central Illinois. This includes Carle Cancer Institute Urbana, Carle Cancer Institute Normal and Oncology Services at Carle Health Methodist Hospital in Peoria. Learn more
Categories: Culture of Quality, Community
Tags: cancer, Carle Cancer Institute, Carle Cancer Institute Normal, gynecologic oncology, gynecology, Women's Health