Meet Natacha Friedman
The many things I have overcome and achieved thus far in my life have shaped the person I am today. With access to the support of compassionate non-profits like Ann’s Place, I can continue living a full and productive life as a 3-time Cancer Survivor. Despite experiencing tremendous challenges regarding my health from an early age, I have been blessed with the support and courage to thrive in its wake.
At the age of 14 I was diagnosed with “Bilateral Renal Cell Carcinoma” Stage 4 Hypernephroma. During my diagnosis, it was also discovered that I suffered from “Tuberous Sclerosis” also known as TSC. TSC is an extremely rare genetic disorder that causes (mostly) benign tumors to grow in the brain, kidneys, heart, liver lungs, eyes, and skin. In my case, I developed malignant tumors on both of my kidneys. Doctors had to remove my right kidney as well as part of my left. In scientific terms, they performed a right nephrectomy, a left heminephrectomy, and lymph node excision. My team of doctors was nothing short of spectacular. I am alive today because of their incredible efforts and dedication to saving my life.
Beginning in 2000 when I was 31 and continuing until 2006 when I was 36 years old, I suffered excruciating abdominal pain accompanied by excessive bleeding on a daily basis. I was diagnosed with a severe case of endometriosis that left me bed ridden for the entire 5 years. I could not work or exercise, my social life was non-existent and every day I experienced constant pain. Throughout this time period I underwent multiple conservative surgeries and procedures with a series of OB/GYN physicians. Unfortunately nothing provided relief or a solution. Ultimately a family friend and client of my mother’s who witnessed my suffering, convinced us to seek out yet another OB/GYN physician. This new doctor provided a clear turning point in my struggle. I continued to be a patient of his wonderful man until his retirement. He performed thorough examinations and implemented a wide battery of tests. As with other physicians, he recommended surgery. However, this time my new doctor cautioned me that, while in surgery, he may have to make some necessary decisions and take immediate actions in order to provide relief and a solution. We discussed this at length and I unwaveringly agreed to accept whatever decisions and actions he needed to during surgery. I was more than ready to do whatever it took to get back to the joy of living. Once I was on the operating table, my doctor discovered I was in the early stages of uterine, cervical and ovarian cancer. He performed a complete hysterectomy that day. Thankfully I began healing and getting my life back.
With much love and support from family, friends and places like ANN’S PLACE, today I am living a full, happy, productive, and - most importantly - healthful life!
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