I’M JUST SO stretching from her left ovary over her uterus to her right ovary and appendix. “It’s a known diagnosis, but her case was extreme,” Dr. Schorge said. “We had talked ahead of time, and Jenna’s priority was to fix the problem and not have it return. Given the circumstances and shared decision-making, we did a hysterectomy and also removed her appendix.” Dr. Schorge explained removing the tumor revealed an unrelated cancerous tumor on Jenna’s appendix, meaning the multidisciplinary approach likely saved her from future health problems. After surgery, Jenna recovered in Regional One Health’s newly-renovated oncology unit in the Rout Center, where physical therapists helped her get home sooner than initially expected. “They talked about two months of rehab, but Jenna went home in two weeks. It’s a credit to her – she was very motivated,” Dr. Schorge said. Jenna will have reconstructive surgery to repair her abdominal wall, which was ulcerated due to pressure from the tumor, but other than that won’t need ongoing care. Her amazing result is an example of how Regional One Health and UTHSC are elevating the level of care available in our community. “We have specialists covering all the critical areas, so no matter what diagnosis we reach, we have that person on our team,” Dr. Schorge said. “Jenna’s care exemplifies what we’re pushing for as the experience for every patient in terms of expertise, communication, and ancillary services. It’s a case study of what we’re capable of here.” For Jenna, it’s a chance to return to a rewarding career in real estate and spending time with her beloved dog, family and friends. THANKFUL FOR DR. SCHORGE AND HIS TEAM. THEY MADE A POTENTIALLY TERRIBLE EXPERIENCE A REALLY GOOD EXPERIENCE. I THINK HE’S ONE OF THE BEST!” “I have nieces and a nephew who I’m very close with. We’ve always spent lots of time together, and I spend a lot of time with my friends,” she said. “But before my surgery I was really down. I wasn’t feeling like myself. Normally, I’m very extroverted and I love being around people, but I just wasn’t feeling very social.” “Now, everyone keeps commenting how I’m back to my old self!” As her life gets back on track, Jenna often thinks about something Dr. Schorge told her shortly before she was discharged. “He said, ‘You’re young. Go and live life!’” she recalls. “I can’t stop thinking about that. I’m trying to be more intentional with the people in my life. I was always happy to see them, but now I’m being intentional about spending time with the people I love and having shared experiences.” Regional One Health Foundation 15
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