8 years ago today, I was going in for a colon resection to remove the colon cancer that was found by Dr Boyle from Red Bank Gastroenterology
at my colonoscopy at 50. This was the 2nd time Dr Boyle saved my life.
The first time was back in 1987 when diagnosed with celiac disease, an
allergy to gluten.
Tom Battista
left Va Tech early for his spring break to be with me. While I was in
the surgery prep room, Tom joked about me texting to keep my mind
otherwise occupied on getting the cancer out of me ASAP (photo).
At the
time, my fight against cancer was foremost in my brain, I did not
realize that March 1st is the start of Colorectal Cancer Awareness
Month.
Other things that I learned at the time:
1. That Colorectal Cancer is the #2 leading cause of cancer deaths in the US
2. That 1
in 20 people are diagnosed with colon cancer, and I was that 1 in 20.
Today, this is now 1 in 23 for men and 1 in 25 for woman. We are making
progress!
3. That it is one of the most preventable cancers
4. That 1 in 3 people between the age of 50 and 75 are behind on their screenings, and I was not that 1 in 3
5. That Red Bank Gastro had a team in the Colorectal Cancer Alliance's Jersey Shore #UndyRunWalk
in Long Branch in July, but I was unable to participate that 1st year
due to chemo whipping my butt. But I have participated every year since
with family and friends. Please join me on July 25th at Undy RunWalk at the Jersey Shore!
My motto at the time, that I had cancer, it never had me!
As I had no
symptoms when diagnosed with stage 3 from surgery, I advocate with the
Colorectal Cancer Alliance, and Red Bank Gastroenterology. I obtain
proclamations from #ColtsNeck, and #MonmouthCounty
to raise awareness about March being Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.
(photos). Dress in Blue Day is Friday, March 6th. At the Colts Neck
reading, I was joined by a fellow survivor, Mario Geneve and at the
Monmouth County Freeholder meeting, I was joined by Nurse Bonnie Woodward and Dr Howard Hampel from Red Bank Gastroenterology.
Did I
motivate you to get screened yet? I hope so, as I did everything right
at the time by being screened at 50. The new guideline calls for
screening at 45, and maybe if I had at that time, my cancer would have
only been a precancerous polyp as it is a slow growing cancer. I had my
cancer for 5 to 10 years at the time of diagnosis. Had I not gone for a
colonoscopy when I did, my cancer would have likely caused a blockage
landing me in the ER.
I leave with 4 very important words: #BeSeenGetScreened!
