Early symptoms of cancer are often misinterpreted as digestive issues, intolerance of foods, like dairy or gluten, or stress. As a working mother, Janet Meyer looks back and recognizes there were small signs along the way: not feeling quite right, fatigue and constipation, but it was not until intense stomach pain one night accompanied by other symptoms that led her see a doctor. “The symptoms were never severe until that one night in August 2009,” Janet recalls.

Janet was referred to her local hospital for a CT scan. She was told it was possibly colitis and was referred to a gastroenterologist who performed a colonoscopy. “I told him the pain had been increasing in the interim,” says Janet, who was 48.  Results of the test revealed a cancerous tumor, which took both Janet and her doctor by surprise. “I asked the doctor how sure he was that it was cancer and he responded 99 percent sure. It was a surreal experience.” Janet was diagnosed with Stage III-B colon cancer.

“I was referred by the GI doctor to a local surgeon,” recalls Janet, who immediately recognized the need to go to a cancer specialist. “While he answered all of my questions and appeared to be more than competent to perform the surgery, I just had this nagging feeling that I wanted to go someplace where ‘cancer’ was their main focus. I always believed that for a substantial health issue I would travel to Philadelphia and go to a hospital where they have more knowledge with that diagnosis. A few co-workers had good experiences with Fox Chase Cancer Center, so I went on the Internet and researched Philadelphia hospitals and decided on Fox Chase.”

“I called Fox Chase and was given the name of Jeffrey Farma, MD," add Janet, who was impressed with the ease of access at Fox Chase. "I was more than satisfied with his credentials and resume,” she adds.

"Dr. Farma made me feel comfortable."

“During my first appointment, I felt further assured that Dr. Farma was the right doctor for me.  He made me feel comfortable in a very uncomfortable and scary situation,” Janet explains. “I liked that he was easy to talk to and had a positive attitude.”

Dr. Farma performed a laparoscopic right hemicolectomy to remove the right colon. After recovery, Janet’s medical oncologist (name?) started her on a six month course of chemotherapy (where?)
“Since my surgery, I have had two colonoscopies, both with clean results. My next one is scheduled for approximately September, 2016,” Janet said.

Janet and her husband, Dave, were married in 1986 and have two beautiful daughters, Kerry and Shannon, who turned 24 and 21 in 2014, respectively. They also have a Chesapeake Bay retriever named Baylee.  “I especially enjoy the beach, riding bikes and reading.  I also enjoy spending time with family and friends,” she shares.

She has been a legal secretary for more than 30 years. “Upon retirement in a few years, I hope to fill my time volunteering for a nearby organization or hospital,” says Janet, who reports feeling fantastic since treatment.

 "Dr. Farma is an extremely talented surgeon and I am forever grateful to him."

"In 2014, I had my five-year CT scan and follow-up visit with Dr. Farma,” explains Janet. “Dr. Farma actually used the words ‘cured’ and ‘cancer-free.’  It's a wonderful feeling to be this far out from my initial diagnosis.  I only wish more cancer patients were able to experience such a positive result. Dr. Farma is an extremely talented surgeon and I am forever grateful to him.”

“Dr. Farma did a wonderful job with my laparoscopic surgery and complete removal of the tumor,” Janet continued. You can’t even tell now that I ever even had surgery.  I also have nothing but praise for the nursing staff and every other staff member I came across during my stay at Fox Chase.  As I recently told Dr. Farma, I am a firm believer that you have to be a ‘special’ person to work with cancer patients – the care and compassion they exhibit is extraordinary.”

Thinking back to her experience, she is certain that Fox Chase was the right choice. “I can honestly say that as frightening as having cancer may be, Fox Chase was the right place for me.  Although it was very emotional the first day I stepped foot in Fox Chase and realized that every patient is a cancer patient (whereas at other hospitals it is a mix of patients), it was also very reassuring.  Fox Chase is a cancer hospital – exactly where I needed to be.”

- See more at: http://staging.fccc.edu/whyChoose/testimonials/gastrointestinal/colon/me...