John Sullivan: A Survivor's Story
When we met with the Buffalo resident recently, he was returning to Roswell Park Cancer Institute for a followup exam. Three years ago, he was operated on for colon cancer and a tumor was removed.
John Sullivan, Colon Cancer Survivor:" A large tumor, as big as a grapefruit. Kind of strange to have something that big inside of you and not know it's there."
Now when John meets with his doctor, Judy Smith, he follows her advice carefully. He wishes he had embraced the advice of another doctor years ago. During a colonoscopy, polys were found and removed. John was told to get regular colonoscopies in the future. But he admits he "kind of let it slide".
Dr. Smith says polyp detection and removal is important.
Dr. Judy Smith, Roswell Park Cancer Institute: "By removing polyps, it prevents the colon cancer from ever developing."
And that can make a difference in the treatment you need.
Dr. Smith: "We may be able to give you less aggressive care, surgery alone. Maybe not needing chemotherapy. Even if you do need chemotherapy, often times surgery if it's needed may be less, as well."
John's convinced a colonoscopy could have helped.
John Sullivan: "If I had done what my doctors told me in the first place, I'd probably never had that operation."
For life after cancer, Dr. Smith has some advice:
"A high fiber, low fat diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables as well as exercise 30 to 60 minutes, 3 to 4 times a week."
And as a 3 year survivor of colon cancer, John's really sold on the imnportance of screening with a colonoscopy.
John Sullivan: "I think this cancer is 90% cureable if caught early. Mine was caught early. I'm lucky."
where can i leave a story i can tell everyone. or do you know a website where i can post one
Posted by kara | 2:48 PM