Trust Your Instincts: Why You Should Always Insist on Testing When Something Feels Off
In January 2009, Kristin Sine, a healthy 43-year-old, began experiencing persistent pain in her lower left abdomen. Despite her efforts to seek answers, her initial consultations left her feeling frustrated and unheard. Rather than accepting vague explanations, Kristin’s determination to uncover the cause of her discomfort led her down a path that would ultimately reveal a serious health issue.
The Journey Begins: Seeking Answers
Initially, Kristin was referred to a surgeon who suggested she see a pain specialist instead of running diagnostics. Unwilling to wait, she sought out her own solutions. After researching her symptoms, she visited a hernia specialist, who, after conducting tests, discovered a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor. This diagnosis marked a turning point in her health journey.
- Pain in the side prompted further investigation
- Diagnosis of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor confirmed
- Surgery scheduled for tumor removal
Finding the Right Specialists
Following her diagnosis, Kristin was advised to seek treatment at renowned institutions such as MD Anderson or Baylor College of Medicine. Choosing the latter for quicker access, she met with Dr. Charles Brunicardi, then head of the pancreatic center. During her February 2009 consultation, he confirmed her tumor diagnosis and discussed the need for immediate surgery.
Undergoing Surgery: A Critical Step
On April 22, 2009, Kristin underwent surgery, which involved the removal of two-thirds of her pancreas, her spleen, and 14 lymph nodes. The surgery lasted approximately six hours, followed by an extensive recovery period. She spent a total of seven days in the hospital, where she began her path toward recovery.
- Surgery performed on April 22, 2009
- Two-thirds of pancreas and spleen removed
- 14 lymph nodes excised
Ongoing Care and Monitoring
Post-surgery, Kristin continued her journey with follow-ups from Dr. Brunicardi and later transitioned to Dr. Garrett Lynch, an oncologist at Baylor. For the next five years, she underwent regular blood tests and scans to monitor her health. It wasn’t until the five-year milestone that she learned her cancer was classified as stage III.
In 2014, Dr. Lynch retired, and Dr. Brandi Addison took over her care. Remarkably, Kristin avoided chemotherapy and radiation, maintaining a relatively normal lifestyle throughout her treatment.
A Message of Empowerment
Kristin emphasizes the importance of advocating for your health. Her journey underscores the need for patients to trust their instincts and press for thorough evaluations when something feels off. She expresses gratitude for the exceptional care she received and encourages others to seek second opinions if necessary.
- Trust your instincts about your health.
- Don’t hesitate to request tests or a second opinion.
- Prioritize finding skilled medical professionals.
Kristin’s story is a testament to resilience and the power of patient advocacy in the face of serious health challenges.
