Anne Coneys had a dear friend who had ovarian cancer and shared her experiences to educate others. So Anne was familiar with the symptoms when they came on suddenly.
One day she woke up with a bloated stomach. During breakfast, she felt very full after just a few bites and knew something was wrong. She dropped everything she had planned for the day and made an appointment to see her physician.
Within hours of testing, Anne, 59, was diagnosed with stage IIIC ovarian cancer. Within two days, she met with Nimesh Nagarsheth, MD, an Associate Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Within a week, she had surgery at The Mount Sinai Hospital.
Anne then went for chemotherapy at the Women’s Cancer Program at Mount Sinai Chelsea under the guidance of Stephanie Blank, MD, Director of the Women’s Cancer Program and Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science at the Icahn School of Medicine.
Anne decided to receive her treatments at Mount Sinai Chelsea because she wanted a smaller place that offered a more personal experience. Her feeling was confirmed from the moment she met Dr. Blank. “Dr. Blank provided options based on the latest research and on my personal situation. She explained what she felt was the best plan for me, and it allowed me to be part of the process. It’s very important to take an active role in your own treatment.”
Anne says she is very happy she chose Mount Sinai Chelsea. “It’s a calmer, quieter environment. I received excellent personal attention. I felt important,” she says. “The staff became like family to me, and seeing the familiar faces each time I went for treatment gave me great comfort.”
Anne had no early warning signs of the disease, nor did she have a family history of ovarian cancer. But after her diagnosis, she did receive genetic testing and tested positive for Lynch syndrome, which makes her susceptible to ovarian and gastrointestinal cancers. As a result, her family also is undergoing genetic testing. One family member has already tested positive, allowing her to take steps to prevent future illness.
“It’s so important to stay informed and be proactive,” she says. “Mount Sinai gives the patient access to excellent medical care and information throughout treatment.”
Anne completed one course of chemotherapy treatment at Mount Sinai Chelsea and retains her positive outlook.
“Believing you’re going to get better is a major part of the process,” she says. “Stay positive and surround yourself with positive people.”
To her, the motto at the Women’s Cancer Program, ‘Life, with cancer on the side,’ says it all. “At Mount Sinai Chelsea, I was encouraged to enjoy life, not just stress about my cancer.”