Archive | March, 2015

Living Life With a Colostomy, With Tony Pace

By Lee Silverstein on March 27, 2015 in Podcast

Stage 4 Colon Cancer survivor, Tony Pace, made a life-changing and brave decision after completing a very difficult journey through his treatment.

After bladder reconstruction surgery, a partial colectomy, a partial hepatectomy, followed by chemotherapy, he made the decision to have a permanent colostomy.

During his quarterly colonoscopies, his doctor would remove between 6 – 8 polyps. This continued for over a year and a half. Tony was concerned about both the risk of a tear each time polyps were removed, and the risk that a potentially cancerous polyp may be overlooked. These were chances that Tony no longer wanted to take; hence, the decision to have a permanent colostomy.

What I Learned From Tony Pace

It’s your body and your life
- Make the decisions on your medical care that are right for you.
You can lead an “almost” normal life with a permanent colostomy
- Tony works in a physically demanded job. While he has had to make some minor adjustments to his daily routine, he continues to lead a very active lifestyle.
Attitude is everything! Tony has a terrific sense of humor and a great outlook on life.
- My favorite quote from Tony is “Never take things too seriously and learn to laugh. You don’t have control over most things that happen to you on this journey.”

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You’re Never Too Young for Colon Cancer, with Dawn Eicher

By Lee Silverstein on March 21, 2015 in Podcast

Dawn Eicher

For years, Dawn Eicher was told by doctors, despite obvious symptoms, that she was too young to have colon cancer. While pregnant with her 2nd child, her symptoms worsened. Her doctors told her it was pregnancy related, gave her suppositories, and sent her home. It took 10 more months before she would finally receive a colonoscopy at which time she was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer with metastases to her liver. Dawn was only 36 years old.

Faced with a very difficult treatment plan including multiple surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation and a temporary ileostomy, Dawn forged ahead. It has been close to a year since she completed her treatment and Dawn is NED – No Evidence of Disease. She is now fighting hard to let people know “You’re Never Too Young” for colon cancer. She has started a petition through Change.org to force insurance companies to make colon cancer screening more accessible to younger people.

What I Learned From Dawn Eicher

Be your own advocate!
- Nobody knows your body better than you do. If something isn’t right, tell your doctor. If your doctor won’t listen, find one who will.
One person can affect change.
- In less than 90 days, Dawn was able to get over 70,000 signatures on her petition she’s sending to congress.
Attitude is everything!
- Many people would be angry and bitter after experiencing what Dawn went through. She chooses to be positive and channel her energy for change.

How you can help make a difference:

Sign The Petition! “You’re Never Too Young”

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Raising Awareness About Colon Cancer in a Most Unique Way, With Ben DeHan and Dustin Brians

By Lee Silverstein on March 18, 2015 in Podcast

Working to increase colon cancer awareness

Dustin Brians and Ben DeHan

Ben Dehan and Dustin Brians are two good friends that were searching for a way to make a positive impact in the colon cancer community. They wanted to bring more visibility to the cancer, that in their words, is “the cancer no one wants to talk about.” Their project, the Buttfolio, will certainly get people talking!

To learn more about their project, visit thebuttfolio.com.

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Taking Charge of Your Colon Cancer Treatment, With Sue Kidera

By Lee Silverstein on March 12, 2015 in Podcast

Sue Kidera

Cancer has been the most horrible and wonderful thing that has ever happened to me, because it taught me how to live a life uncommon.

This quote from stage 4 colon cancer survivor, Sue Kidera, beautifully describes her ongoing battle with colon cancer. Through multiple surgeries, chemotherapy treatments, Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (S.B.R.T.), and currently the TAS-102 clinical trial, Sue continues her courageous battle to beat this disease.

Listen to our conversation and learn how Sue has taken the lead role in her treatment plan and the peace and serenity she has found as a member of the Naiades Oncology Rowing Team.