A Survivor’s Story

    I had been having some stomach pains, but I could hold my breath for a few seconds, sit up straight, and they would go away.  However, it got to the point where that didn't help and I was having to miss work.  My family began to notice it and when I had to call in sick to work, they knew it was more serious than a stomach cramp or ache.  I went to my primary physician, Dr. Phil Padgett, and he began a series of tests.  I had a CT Scan and ultra sound.  After reviewing the CT Scan, he said my colon looked a little "odd" and wanted me to have a colonoscopy.  After the colonoscopy, we discovered I had a tumor.  We met with a surgeon who, after looking at xrays, thought he would be able to remove it laprascopically, but if not, he may have to remove part of my colon.  On July 17, 2008, I had half of my colon removed and had a colon resection.   My surgeon was able to remove all of the tumor and I did not have to undergo further treatment.  In fact, I was back at work in 10 days!  I was only 48 years old at the time of my diagnosis, and my gastroenterologist recommended further genetic testing for my childrens sake.  Fortunately for them, it was an isolated case, but the Dr did recommend, and they will have to have their first colonoscopy at the age of 38 yrs old.  While I was diagnosed before the recommended age of 50 for your first colonoscopy, please make sure you have a colonoscopy to catch it early, just in case!  You never know and early detection is the key! 

    I have been cancer free for 5 years now.  Unfortunately, cancer has taken several family members before their time and we have survivors in our family as well, besides me.  The Relay for Life is just one of the ways to help fund cancer research.  We, my family, have been involved with Central's Relay for Life for 3 years now, because it is a cause we feel strongly about.  Please consider joining a team, creating a team, or just go to the website and you can make a donation online.  Our teams is made of family members, and we are of Italian descent and good ol' rednecks!  Hence, the team name, Redneck Mafia.  We have our own team shirts & enjoy spending the time together and working to raise funds for the American Cancer Society.  So, again, please check it out at www.relayforlife.org/centralla and we have a facebook page!   Thank you letting me share my story.