How can this be?
Pangs of fear and disbelief rippled through Sheena Kae Henrichs' body and soul as she contemplated the unthinkable. Ovarian cancer. At age 19. Impossible.
Henrichs had received the diagnosis almost by happen-stance. After playing in a volleyball tournament for Upper Iowa University, where she was a sophomore, Henrichs developed a hernia. She sought treatment.
"A gynecologist told me they were concerned about some tumors or something strange in there," Henrichs says. The physician recommended she go to the Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Iowa for followup and treatment.
Within a week, Henrichs had undergone surgery for removal of the tumors, along with her right ovary and fallopian tube.
Despite the heartache, it was the beginning of a caring relationship with a team of doctors and nurses who offered first-rate cancer care and more.
Sheena's mother, Sue Henrichs, says there were times when she didn't know if Sheena could handle it anymore. "Then her gynecologic oncologist would pop his head in to talk and her spirits would lift," Sue says. If she had questions or concerns, she'd e-mail him. He was even kind enough to write some college scholarship recommendations for Sheena."
Sheena and her mother, Sue, both say the whole family is grateful to everyone at UI Hospitals and Clinics for the excellent care they provided.
"All the doctors and nurses were excellent," Sheena says. "The hospital is such a big place but they made me feel comfortable and cared for. Everyone was great."
Henrichs, who received chemotherapy in addition to surgery, began her senior year at Upper Iowa University in Fall 2003. She serves as a student athletic trainer and dreams of a happy and healthy future.
Sue Henrichs says, "Things are somewhat back to 'normal' again. This experience has been life-changing for our whole family and especially Sheena. But because of the doctors and nurses at UI Hospitals and Clinics, it was a positive experience. We really appreciate what everyone did to help our daughter."
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