Lisa Goldstein was only 47 when she was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer in May 2014. Because she had no family history of colon cancer, she was shocked to receive a diagnosis at her age. In a matter of one day, her life completely changed. She now had a surgeon, a radiologist and an oncologist who were filling her schedule with appointments. She remembers feeling incredibly overwhelmed. Now, fighting cancer was the #1 priority on this working mom’s busy to-do list.
When describing her colonoscopy experience, Lisa admits it was uneventful. The prep solution did not taste bad, and it was just like drinking a sports drink. “You have the procedure, wake up and it’s all done!” she said.
Lisa is so thankful that her doctor encouraged her to get a colonoscopy because her cancer was caught early and was treatable. Within nine months, her cancer was completely eradicated, and today she is colon cancer-free. With the help of a supportive husband and incredible friends, Lisa felt supported and uplifted through her treatment and recovery.
Adding a healthy dose of humor and a positive attitude were incredibly instrumental during Lisa’s treatment and recovery period. She named her tumor "Jack," and her friends made wristbands to wear that said, “Hit the road, Jack.” Jack even got a Facebook page, and Lisa used social media to communicate with her friends about doctor visits and test results. Friends began using Jack’s page to post encouraging messages for Lisa so she would feel accompanied in her journey.
As Lisa looks ahead, her primary focus is on her daughter who will need to have a colonoscopy at the age of 27 (20 years prior to her mother’s diagnosis). Because there is now a family history of colon cancer, her daughter is eligible for early screening. The good news is that Lisa’s family is ready, and they will be proactive when the time comes. Lisa says that, of all cancers, colon cancer is the “best cancer” because it is treatable when found early. Positive thinkers have the most optimistic observations!