Home Blog Champion Stories Meet the One Million Strong – Susan B. from Georgia Meet the One Million Strong – Susan B. from Georgia April 21, 2015 • By Intern@FightCRC Champion Stories Share on Facebook Share on LinkedIn Share on Twitter Copy this URL Share via Email Meet Susan Susan Baggarly, survivorMilledgeville, GA Susan's Story In early 2013, I began having rectal pain and some bleeding. I thought that it was related to exercise, so I set up a visit with my gynecologist who ordered medication to treat what we believed to be hemorrhoids or a fissure. When the symptoms didn’t improve a few months later, I was referred to a general surgeon who continued the medication for a while with no results. In July 2013, I was referred to a colorectal surgeon in Macon, Georgia and Dr. Douglas Brewer performed a biopsy that lead to the discovery of my rectal cancer. I immediately started a six-week regime of radiation and oral chemotherapy. After those six weeks, I had a CT and PET scan which revealed that the cancer was no longer present. In January 2014, I underwent surgery that resulted in the placement of a temporary ileostomy while my body healed inside, and another round of chemo was ordered as a maintenance precaution. Eight months later the ileostomy was reversed and at my most recent CT scan– nearly a year later - I am CANCER-FREE! What One Million Strong Means to Susan It's so important to know that there are others out there fighting for us impacted by this preventable disease - helping us find love and compassion through this battle! Susan's Advice Never give up and remember that you are strong and courageous! My God said he would never leave us or forsake us - I believe that with all my heart!!! 4 thoughts on “Meet the One Million Strong – Susan B. from Georgia” I live in Sandersville and worked at the Waffle house until I was diagnosed with stage 2 rectal cancer. Dr. Brewer is also my surgeon. Thank you for sharing your story. It has really encouraged me. Just as FYI, most CT and PET scans are not helpful for people with Corelectal Cancer. Prior to surgery, my friend and I both had CT and PET scans that showed no traces of cancer. . I had stage 3 rectal and a good friend had stage 4 colon cancer, so please don’t rely on the scans when it comes to Corrlectal Cancer. Sorry to hear that Pam. CT & PET scans are part of some patient’s treatment plan and have shown to be effective but your story stresses the importance of screening options for colorectal cancer, especially when signs and symptoms present! Thank you for the advice. I am scheduled for a ct scan on Tuesday. I am half way to the end of my chemo. Comments are closed.
I live in Sandersville and worked at the Waffle house until I was diagnosed with stage 2 rectal cancer. Dr. Brewer is also my surgeon. Thank you for sharing your story. It has really encouraged me.
Just as FYI, most CT and PET scans are not helpful for people with Corelectal Cancer. Prior to surgery, my friend and I both had CT and PET scans that showed no traces of cancer. . I had stage 3 rectal and a good friend had stage 4 colon cancer, so please don’t rely on the scans when it comes to Corrlectal Cancer.
Sorry to hear that Pam. CT & PET scans are part of some patient’s treatment plan and have shown to be effective but your story stresses the importance of screening options for colorectal cancer, especially when signs and symptoms present!
Thank you for the advice. I am scheduled for a ct scan on Tuesday. I am half way to the end of my chemo.