What I’ve Learned - "Make these conversations commonplace"

Although there are millions of people currently facing cancer, it can be a lonely experience. Not only is each cancer case different, but each patient's life beyond the waiting room is filled with unique strengths, challenges, goals, and relationships. In this series, we celebrate the people who are our patients and share what they've learned while charting their own path. 

At 46, Tim thought he had no reason to screen for colon cancer. Looking back, he realized he had every reason: he would soon become a grandfather. Despite no symptoms and no family history, a Cologuard® test would lead to a stage III colon cancer diagnosis. Now, embracing the role of 'papa' to his first grandchild and officially cancer-free, Tim is sharing his story to encourage others to get screened at 45. 

How did you know you needed to get screened, and how did you feel about it? Was cancer screening something that was already on your radar? 

To be honest, getting screened was not on my radar. I had never even thought about it until I went to my doctor for my yearly physical and he informed me that the recommended age to be screened for colon cancer had recently been lowered to 45. I was 46 at the time. He mentioned getting a colonoscopy but I was not really interested in that. He then explained that I could do a Cologuard® test and that seemed like a better option for me. He urged me to do it soon after it arrived and to not put it off.  

What happened when you received your result? How did you feel at the time? 

My doctor called and told me that I had a positive Cologuard test result. He told me not to worry and recommended that I get a colonoscopy to rule things out. This where my story really starts. I was woken up from anesthesia and told that I had colon cancer. It is hard to describe the feeling of hearing that, I laughed at first, it seemed so ridiculous. It was so surreal to even hear those words. 

Everything happened so fast. I cried two times about it. The first was the day I was diagnosed, and the second was the next morning, right before I left to meet my surgeon. I was scared. Hell, I was terrified. It was out of my control, and I had to face it head on. I had to fight because losing was not an option. I had to stuff the fear down deep and get to work, and that is exactly what I did. 

What gave you strength during this time? 

I had an amazing support system throughout the entire ordeal. My wife, Charlene, my kids, my family, the doctors, nurses, and staff at the hospital. Everyone was amazing and compassionate. Just all-around good people. 

As a cancer survivor, what would you tell someone who has just been diagnosed with cancer? 

To start, I would not tell them anything. I would listen to them. Listen to whatever they want or need to say. It is a whirlwind of emotions, and there is no right or wrong way to manage it. Trust in the process, listen to the doctors, and be an advocate for yourself. Oh, and most importantly, stay off the internet! 

Is there one person that you want to celebrate National Cancer Survivors Month with? 

Eileen Silva. She is one of my mother’s friends and I have known her my entire life. Unfortunately, her cancer come back just as I was finishing my chemotherapy treatments. She was incredibly supportive of me during what I was going through, and I tried to do the same for her. She is a rockstar and faced this challenge head on. 

Why do you share your story? 

I share my story for people that can’t, for people that have lost their battle, and for people that are not comfortable or ready to share their story. It is important for me to get the word out there, hopefully alleviate some of the stigma, and make these conversations commonplace. There is no right or wrong way to deal with a diagnosis and you must do what is right for you. What feels right to me is stepping outside my comfort zone, putting myself out there, and sharing my story. I need to make this into something good. If I don’t, the cancer wins, and f**k that.   

This story reflects one individual’s experience. Not every person will have the same treatment, experience, outcome, or result. Cologuard is prescribed by your health care provider. Talk to your health care provider about available screening options and whether Cologuard may be right for you. There are potential risks associated with the Cologuard test and it may not be appropriate for all patients. For more information about the risks, talk to your health care provider or visit Cologuard.com/risk-information for more information. 

If you’ve screened for colon cancer with Cologuard, we invite you to connect with the Screen + Me network. Learn more.