Discovered she had ovarian cancer during a routine check up
Sought advanced treatment to remove her right ovary
Prognosis for cancer-free survival is "very good"
Went back to college in fall 2010 to become a scientist
Danielle thanks her doctor, saying "I trust him with my life."
Danielle Osorio, ovarian cancer patient
A young woman's cancer treatment
It was late December 2009 and all Danielle Osorio wanted to do was relax and spend time with friends and family during her winter break from college.
A routine gynecologic check-up turned the aspiring scientist’s world upside down when a watermelon-sized tumor was discovered engulfing her right ovary. Danielle had stage I ovarian cancer requiring complex surgery. She did not experience any of the disease’s known symptoms—which include bloating, abdominal pain, urinary urgency/frequency, back pain, menstrual changes, fatigue or constipation.
After finding out about her tumor, Danielle was ready to hold strong and find the very best doctor for the job. "I went home, did my research, and called Dr. Tedjarati the next day," says Danielle. "I felt comfortable with him right from the start."
Sean S. Tedjarati, M.D., M.P.H., Chief of Gynecologic Oncology at Westchester Medical Center, removed Danielle's right ovary and the surrounding tumor. As part of a comprehensive plan of care, Dr. Tedjarati did not remove Danielle's left ovary, uterus or fallopian tubes, which did not show evidence of cancer.
Before chemotherapy, Danielle underwent fertility preservation treatment. With her embryos preserved, Danielle has an "insurance policy" against the possibility of becoming infertile from the effects of chemotherapy on her remaining ovary and its eggs.
"Danielle’s prognosis for cancer-free survival is very good", says Dr. Tedjarati. "I expect that with continued diligent surveillance, she will continue to do well and lead a normal and productive life."
Danielle has been through more turmoil than most will ever experience, but her strength and perseverance combined with the precise and thoughtful care delivered by her team of doctors at Westchester Medical Center, allowed her to return to college in Fall 2010. Danielle says selecting Dr. Tedjarati was like choosing a wedding dress. " You know right away when you found the perfect one. I trusted him with my life."
