My Story as a Colon Cancer Survivor: Rev. Lisle H. Davis
Almost eight years ago, I felt a pain in the area of my appendix and believing myself to be in the best of physical shape, I ignored it.
Three weeks later, it got worse forcing me to see my primary doctor at the Veterans Affairs hospital on Long Island, NY. After a series of tests, they decided that my inflamed and infected appendix, almost to the point of rupturing, needed to be removed immediately.
The pathology revealed an aggressive growth of malignant cancer cells that had spread into my surrounding organs including my colon. After my first surgery, I immediately began weekly chemotherapy treatments that lasted for about 10 weeks. At that time they discovered that the 5FU chemo solution was not effective or aggressive enough to destroy the ‘bad’ cells which had began a wild and uncontrollable progression into other surrounding organs resulting in the urgent need for a more dangerous colorectal procedure. I remained cancer free for about three years. In August 2002 I was again diagnosed with cancer and was admitted to William Beaumont Army Medical Center where I underwent major gastric and pancreatic surgery.
By this time you’re probably thinking, three strikes and you’re out, well I thought the same thing, how much can one body take before it gives out. I’m not sure what the answer would be in your case but I know, through the Grace of God, I’m here to tell you my story and what it means to survive three hits of the big ‘C’, and what lessons I’ve learned from this experience.
First, I urge everyone to get tested, especially Hispanics and African Americans over 40, as the incidence of cancer is greater among these groups. Screening and early detection of cancer helps to save lives and reduce the likelihood of major surgery.
Second, contact the local American Cancer Society (544-4425) and get all the basic information about cancer.
And last, that call could prove to be the one that saves your life or that of a loved one. It worked for me and I’m sure it’ll work for you.