CentraState - Healthy Directions

first undergo a minimally invasive stent procedure. “Due to the extensive involvement of the liver, it was important to initiate chemotherapy as soon as possible,” Dr. Kayal explains. “Placing a self-expanding metallic stent through a colonoscope allowed Donald to have immediate relief from the colonic obstruction and avoid a major surgical procedure that would have delayed the administration of chemotherapy for a few weeks.” In doing so, Donald was able to undergo chemotherapy sooner—at least three to four weeks sooner, according to Dr. Kayal—to attack the cancer in his liver. During a 45-minute, minimally invasive endoscopic procedure, Dr. Kayal placed a stent through the colon blockage—a procedure which would open Donald’s colon. “If they couldn’t get the stent in, they’d either have to put a colostomy bag on or do surgery to remove the tumor,” Donald recalls. The procedure was a success, and once the stent was in place, Donald began chemotherapy. And despite everything frightening he had heard about the treatment, Donald says he felt fine after his first five-hour round. “I am hopeful that by providing Donald with chemotherapy without any delay, the cancer in the liver will decrease in size and I will then be able to remove the tumor in the colon in a few months,” Dr. Kayal said. Donald has not only ignored the naysayers, he’s also spearheaded his own policy of positivism. “There’s nothing I can do,” he says matter-of-factly. “I can’t fix myself, so I’ll do what the doctors tell me.” Donald notes, ironically, that one of his adult daughters has battled lupus, and he was always telling her to follow doctor’s orders. Now, he hears his daughter turning that advice on him. Donald credits his entire team of doctors with not only diagnosing him quickly but also initiating a quick treatment protocol. “I knew this was something serious, and these guys were right on the ball,” he says. “They just took over; they were excellent.” He also notes that Dr. Kayal has been especially helpful to him on follow-up. “When I call him, he’ll pick up the phone,” Donald says. “He tells me everything; he talks to my wife.” Donald is currently undergoing 12 cycles of chemotherapy every other week, with the procedure shortening each time. At the end of the treatment, the doctors will check the status of the masses and decide how to proceed. While Donald has lost weight since his diagnosis—about 40 pounds—he says the only major impact on his life has been staying home from work and tiring a bit more easily. But instead of the wrenches he used to carry in his mechanic’s tool belt, Donald now simply equips himself with a healthy lifestyle and attitude. “Right now, I’m just continuing to think positive,” he says. “I’m just living like before.” A self-help group, for anyone affected by colorectal cancer—during any stage of cancer diagnosis, treatment or survivorship for patients, caregivers and family members—meets the second Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. at the Star and Barry Tobias Health Awareness Center at CentraState Medical Center in Freehold. For more information, call (732) 308-0570. HD Preventing Colorectal Cancer According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the third leading cause of cancer death. The ACS offers these tips that can help in the prevention of colorectal cancer: • Get screened regularly. • Maintain a healthy weight throughout life. • Adopt a physically active lifestyle. • Consume a healthy diet with an emphasis on plant sources; specifically foods and beverages in amounts that help achieve and maintain a healthy weight. • Eat five or more servings of a variety of vegetables and fruits each day. • Choose whole grains in preference to processed (refined) grains. • Limit your consumption of processed and red meats. • If you drink alcoholic beverages, limit consumption. For more information, call the Cancer Center at CentraState at (855) 411-CANCER or visit www.centrastate.com/cancercenter.

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