A Whiff of Cancer

I owe my life to my husband. Only two years after we were married, I began to experience changes in my period, including changes in odor, increasing menstrual pain & clot enlargement. I thought I was fine; I was in love, a mom to two kids & new stepmom to two more. At 31 years old, I was energetic, purposeful & healthy. One day, my hubby came into the restroom as I prepared to shower. He sniffed & said, "something's not right". I dismissed him, because come on...What does a man know about a woman's cycle? Undeterred, my husband went behind my back and researched OB/GYNs. He made an appointment without me knowing, then called me at work and demanded I go! Hmph! The nerve! I resentfully went to an OB/GYN for the first time in three years.

My PAP came back abnormal. A second PAP followed...Then an ultrasound. A biopsy. The abnormal cells on my cervix were precancerous. I looked at that GYN as he recommended that he could possibly just take the cervix, but if there was something inside the uterus, cutting could cause complications. I was terrified. I opted for a hysterectomy. Only two months after that first appointment, my uterus and cervix were removed.

Pathology of the organ revealed that there were cancerous cells in my uterus which were only a scant millimeter from being released into my abdomen. The cancer was particularly fast-growing. Had my hubby not made that appointment, I would have been Stage 4 and terminal within 6 months. I've since learned from oncologists that cancer does, indeed, often have an odor. Had it not been for my husband and his knowing cancer symptoms, I would not seen a doctor. I would have gone terminal. I would have died. God bless that man I love...He's my hero.