Colorectal Cancer Patient Stories
Deborah Lech
Deborah Lech
I was 51 when I was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2012. My husband, Claus, and I had been married two years as of 2012, and were enjoying our life together with my two daughters and his two daughters and son.
Janet Meyer
Janet Meyer
In 2014, I had my five-year CT scan and follow-up visit with Jeffrey Farma, MD, FACS, my surgical oncologist at Fox Chase Cancer Center. Dr. Farma actually used the words ‘cured’ and ‘cancer free’ to describe my health at that visit. It was a wonderful feeling to be that far out from my initial diagnosis of stage 2-B colon cancer.
James Myrtetus
James Myrtetus
I had already been experiencing intermittent blood in my stool for about six months when I raised my concerns with my primary care doctor. She referred me to a gastrointestinal specialist who ordered a colonoscopy at a community hospital near my home in Bucks County. That colonoscopy at age 50 likely saved my life.
Kathleen Marchek
Kathleen Marchek
One cancer diagnosis is bad enough. Two in the same month is really over the top. But that’s exactly what I faced in August 2009 at the age of 54. I was a teacher at the time and was very involved in an afterschool program called Read to Succeed. Our daughter had just graduated from Penn State in May of 2009 and was planning to move home until she found employment.
Maryanne Kipe
Maryanne Kipe
The Hatboro-Horsham School District staff are like family to Maryanne Kipe and her husband, Craig. Since 1990, Maryanne has managed the front office at the busy Simmons Elementary School while Craig teaches math at the high school. And just like a real family will encourage you to be on top of your healthcare, Karen Kanter, the principal at Simmons, watched Maryanne like a sister. “When Maryanne turned 50 in 2010, I encouraged her to schedule a colonoscopy,” recalled Karen, who admitted Maryanne was reluctant.