Dr. Vinay Malviya,

Upon returning from vacation, I had begun to have vaginal bleeding. I had an examine by my Gynecologist who ordered an ultrasound and Cat Scan. I was and am currently being treated for Lung Cancer. My Oncologists at the time also received my Cat Scan results. I was notified by my Oncologists that I had a large pelvic tumor. Due to my previous history of ovarian cancer, my Gynecologist referred me to a Gynecologist Oncologist at Karmanos Cancer Institute. After that consultation, I sought a second opinion. At that time, I worked in Endoscopy as a registered nurse and my Gastroenterologist recommended Dr. Malviya. My Oncologists at that time also recommended Dr. Malviya as an option. 

I had heard of his exceptional surgical skills and based upon my physicians’ recommendations I made an appointment to see him. At my first appointment, we had a conversation in his examination room about my ovarian cancer history & findings of the Cat Scan report. I was extremely nervous & scared because this could be cancer. Before he examined me, I asked him if he would wait until my husband arrived to comfort me during that process and he did. After, the vaginal examination, he asked if I had a biopsy and I told him I did through a vaginal exam at Karmanos, but it was inconclusive. He replied, "you need a core biopsy that would be done under anesthesia." He immediately arranged for me to have the biopsy done. The biopsy was done the next day and after completion, he informed my husband that it was indeed ovarian cancer. 

I had a return visit to his office to discuss the biopsy results and his recommendations. He recommended surgery to remove the tumor and discussed possible findings during the surgery that could lead to a colostomy and or a urostomy due to the location of the tumor, and if said tumor had invaded those relevant organs. He informed me he would communicate his recommendations and treatment following surgery to my Oncologist. 

I returned to see my Oncologists because I didn't want the surgery to leave me with the possibility of two ostomies. I refused Dr. Malviya recommendation to have surgery because I first wanted to try chemotherapy to see if the tumor would shrink before surgery and thereby hopefully avoiding the possibility of having an ostomy, period. My Oncologists communicated my wishes to Dr. Malviya. 

The plan was for me to have three chemo treatments and then have surgery. However, chemo is harsh; after the second treatment, I had a Ca-125 test in which the results were higher than the previous Ca-125, indicating the chemotherapy was not effective. As a result of these findings the plan changed, and I went ahead with surgery as Dr. Malviya had initially recommended. 

I specifically chose to stay with Dr. Malviya due to his surgical approach; his skills to remove the tumor, lymph nodes, implants; and his ability to remove as much as possible for my survival. I know the best chances of survival from cancer is the surgical removal of all the tumors, offending lymph nodes, etc. if possible. 

I was placed in ICU after surgery, not due to any complications, but because he wanted me to be closely monitored after the major surgery. I woke up with a colostomy but not a urostomy because he was able to meticulously excise the tumor off my bladder! However, I had a Foley catheter which was expected. I didn't have any post-surgical complications. 

I was saved from severe emotional, mental, and psychological distress from having an altered body image related to having two ostomies. I did have a colostomy, but I was able to cope with the altered body image because he told me it could be reversed; and it was by him.  

After my release from the hospital, I continued to be under his care post-operative and had scheduled follow-up office visits. I had no complications. 

I was placed on oral medication but my Ca-125 began to rise and continued to rise. The reasons being unknown, Dr. Malviya searched for the reason. He ordered a Cat Scan. I had a lesion in my spleen. The lesion had been there for about five years slightly growing each year but being reported as a hemangioma on Cat Scans and on Pet Scans there wasn't any report of FDG activity within the lesion. However, Dr. Malviya suspected the lesion to be malignant due to the rise in the Ca-125. Dr. Malviya discussed the findings of the Cat Scan results with me and recommended surgery: a splenectomy. I followed his recommendation and had my spleen removed, and the pathology of the spleen lesion revealed ovarian cancer. Another important intervention in my survival.  I didn't have any post-operative complications.  

While under Dr. Malviya care, I continued to work full-time except for post-surgical recovery and chemotherapy treatment/effects of chemotherapy. I had a good quality of life without disability and currently still do. My husband and I are very appreciative, grateful, and thankful to Dr. Malviya for his expertise, support, service and my care!