CLEVELAND -- Cyndy Sidells had an idea something was wrong, but never imagined she had ovarian cancer, according to Health Reporter Alicia Booth.

"I have to tell you that it's always shocking," said Sidells, an ovarian cancer survivor. "It's just an incredible shocking thing to have happen to you. I didn't panic."

Booth said that Sidells could have gone for her treatment about a mile away from where she works. Instead she decided to take a much longer drive because she knew if she saw a specialist she had a better chance of surviving.

"All I do seven days a week is take care of women with cancer," said University Hospitals' Dr. Vivian Von Gruenigen, who said specialists have had more practice and training.

Booth said Sidells believes expertise saved her life.

"Look at me ... I'm functioning, I'm happy," she said. "I'm able to live my life and enjoy it."

Sidells has been making the hour-plus drive to University Hospital for five years.

"Now, my car just goes there automatically, it's nothing," she said.

If you have any questions about ovarian cancer or need information on how to find a specialist for any kind of cancer, call the University Hospitals hot line at (800) 641-2422.