Early Detection of Colorectal Cancer is Crucial for Successful Outcomes
Author: Ralph Johnson
One of the compassionate caregivers employed at Home Helpers gave me a written story by her aunt who was recently diagnosed with colon cancer. With her aunt’s permission, and because March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, I want to share this information and encourage you to get colorectal cancer screenings as recommended by your doctor. Early detection of colon cancer is crucial for successful outcomes.
On New Year’s Day, I experienced what I thought was a virus with abdominal cramping and loss of appetite. Others in my family had similar symptoms, so I assumed that I had a virus. It continued for two weeks or so, sometimes better, depending on what I ate. This all occurred during a period of snowstorms in January 2025.
I stayed with my sister (who has the best room service in town), because we thought we would lose power, and she has a gas fireplace. During this time, we planned and carried out my 83rd birthday party. There was lots of music and dancing and good times. I was still experiencing abdominal pain, but not bad enough to stop the celebration.
On Monday, January 27, I arrived at my sister’s house to hear her say, “Go to the doctor!” I must have looked pretty bad, so I called to make an appointment and got in two hours later.
After blood work and X-rays were completed, it was determined that I didn’t have an intestinal blockage. I went home with some medicine to help with the cramping.
At 8 AM the next morning, I was awakened by a phone call from the doctor’s office. The lady told me to go to the emergency room at the hospital for more blood work. Her answer to my question of why I couldn’t return to the doctor’s office, and she responded, “Your report wouldn’t come back until Wednesday, and there are some irregularities in your blood work.”
So, off I go to the emergency room feeling like I was taking space from really sick or injured people. After another round of blood work, a CT scan, and three hours of waiting, the ER doctor came back to me and said, “You have colon cancer and liver cancer.”
I responded in amazement, “I didn’t expect that. My family has been wanting me to write my autobiography, and I guess I should get started.”
Her reply was, “No, it’s not like that.”
I said, “You just told me I have cancer.”
After having the needle and tubing removed from my arm, I dressed and took the 7-page discharge instructions home with me. Actually, I didn’t go home. I went to my sister’s. After a few minutes of crying, I was able to tell her my story. I asked my sister to call my daughter, as I didn’t feel like I could talk to her about it.
The discharge info was for me to make an appointment immediately with the surgeon at the cancer center. I was able to get in to see the surgeon the following day. Impressed and calmed by him, we scheduled a biopsy of the colon tumor on February 3rd. This went well, but not very much information was shared with my family and me. I was told I should have a liver biopsy and a contrast scan of my torso.
Unfortunately, I am allergic to the contrast used in a contrast scan, which meant I had to take a certain medication 24 hours ahead of the contrast. On Friday, February 14th, I had the scan.
On Friday, February 28th, another radiologist placed a needle in my liver to get a sample of what was growing there.
On March 7th, my daughter and I met with another cancer specialist, and he had access to all of my test results. He told me that I had liver cancer, the same kind as the colon, adenocarcinoma. He said three lesions on the liver could not be removed surgically because it would not leave enough of the vital organ to function. He said the lesion in the colon was not large enough to cause a blockage, so surgery was not planned to remove any lesions on the colon or liver.
A PET scan was scheduled to see if the cancer had metastasized in any other organs or tissues. A port was placed near my right shoulder, so I am ready to begin chemotherapy on the first Monday in April.
The doctor confirmed that the cancer had developed based on genetic markers found in my DNA. My maternal grandmother died from the disease when she was in her mid-50s, and my father and mother had both received colon cancer diagnoses, even though colon cancer was not their cause of death.
Because this cancer is hereditary, I am making it my mission to inform all of my family members and encourage them to be vigilant in their health care and get screened for colorectal cancer due to our family history. I encourage everyone to do so.
The University of Illinois Cancer Center explains that colorectal cancer typically begins with non-cancerous polyps that form in the colon and/or rectum and they develop into cancer over time. If these polyps are found early through routine screenings, they can be removed to prevent them from spreading and becoming cancerous.
Considering colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer among men and women in the United States, colorectal screenings are recommended beginning at age 45, which is five years earlier than the previous recommendation of 50 years old, especially for people at higher risk because more and more younger adults are being diagnosed with the disease.
The most common screening test is colonoscopy, but several tests can detect colorectal cancer.
- Colonoscopy is when a gastroenterologist uses a scope to scan the large intestine to detect colorectal cancer and/or identify polyps that can develop into cancer.
- Sigmoidoscopy is similar to colonoscopy but less invasive as it only looks at the lower part of the colon. A colonoscopy spans the entire large intestine.
- Fecal Occult Blood Test and Fecal Immunochemical Test which detects blood in the stool.
- Stool DNA Test, commonly known as Cologuard, where men and women can submit a stool sample to a lab for analysis. This is not a preventative tool, but it can detect blood in the stool and identify abnormal DNA which can be a sign of cancer.
According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, “Determining which test would be most effective, and how often it should be conducted involves multiple factors including the patient’s age, overall health, family history, and risk factors. Patients should consult with their health care provider to determine which screening method would be most beneficial. Regular screenings are generally recommended for persons between the ages of 45 and 75, but those under 45 who may be at high risk should also consult their medical provider about testing.”
The professional, compassionate caregivers employed at Home Helpers understand the sensitive nature of colorectal cancer and colorectal screenings, and they are highly trained to assist with colonoscopy preps and provide transportation to and from doctor appointments, cancer screenings, and cancer treatments. They are also very skilled in performing a variety of in-home care services to make life easier for aging adults and seniors contending with colorectal and other forms of cancer.
I am happy to offer a FREE Assessment to determine specific needs and create a customized care plan for you or your senior loved one.
Home Helpers® Kankakee & Frankfort is honored to have been ranked among the Activated Insights 2025 Top 100 Leaders in Experience for home care providersand to have received the Best of Home Care® Provider of Choice, the Best of Home Care® Employer of Choice, and the Best of Home Care® Leader in Experience Awards 2025, in addition to the Daily Journal’s Readers’ Choice Award 2025.
Home Helpers® Kankakee & Frankfort proudly serves male and female seniors in Beecher, Bourbonnais, Bradley, Dwight, Frankfort, Kankakee, Manteno, Mokena, New Lenox, Orland Park, Palos Heights, Palos Hills, Tinley Park, Watseka, Wilmington and surrounding areas. Contact me today to learn more about the many services offered through Home Helpers® - We are Making Life Easier℠ for you and yours! 815.427.4238
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