Beating colon cancer inspired Jennifer Freeman to retire by age 50 and start her own business, freeing up more time to do what she loves most: travel.
“Cancer changes your life,” says the longtime company controller from northwest Dallas. “It makes you appreciate every day. Tomorrow is not promised, so go ahead and live your life.”
Colon cancer often strikes without warning, especially for younger patients like Jennifer, who had no symptoms when she was diagnosed with stage 1 colon cancer at age 47.
She drew support from her family, especially her daughter, Breanna, a nursing student who made sure her mom got to every appointment. But both women found an extended family at Methodist Dallas Medical Center.
“The staff is wonderful, and you can tell they love their jobs,” Jennifer says. “They don’t just treat your cancer. They treat you like a family member.”
EARLY DETECTION IS KEY
It was another family member who encouraged Jennifer to get a colonoscopy. Her father was diagnosed with stage 2 colon cancer. Her screening came in the nick of time because while she did have cancer, it was in its earliest stage and had not spread beyond her colon.
“I was very blessed,” she says. “My doctors said that if I had waited until I was 50, it would be a totally different story.”
Colon cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer when it’s detected early. That’s why screening is so critical, says Anand Lodha, MD, colorectal surgeon on the medical staff at Methodist Dallas.
“We’re urging people to get screened earlier, at age 45,” Dr. Lodha says. “Some patients may not even need surgery when it’s caught early enough.”
That’s because a colonoscopy allows doctors to detect, remove, and biopsy the colon polyps that can become cancer.
Jennifer’s travels have taken her down under to Australia (top left), to Alaska with her parents, to New York City and to Lubbock to visit her daughter.
CANCER DIDN’T SPREAD
Surgery was necessary in Jennifer’s case, but she benefited from having a robotic-assisted procedure, which can shorten a patient’s recovery time.
“It was 7 ½ hours with the robot,” Jennifer says. “Dr. Lodha went in and did what he’s so gifted at and saved my life.”
Four days after surgery, Jennifer went home from Methodist Dallas. She would not need chemotherapy or radiation because the cancer had not spread to her lymph nodes.
“They checked 20 lymph nodes, and they were all negative,” Jennifer says. “My doctor was like a kid in a candy store when he brought in my results.”
Dr. Lodha remembers that day well because it brought him just as much joy as his patient.
“Sometimes I have to physically restrain myself when I see the pathology report,” he says. “It is the absolute best feeling and makes this job so awesome.”
‘IT SAVED MY LIFE’
Five years later, Jennifer remains cancer-free, and she’s living her best life. She started her own bookkeeping business and can work from anywhere.
That freedom comes in handy when she’s traveling to Miami, Australia, or Alaska to celebrate her father’s big win over cancer.
Wherever Jennifer goes, she spreads the word to colleagues, family, and friends to get a colonoscopy — and not just for their own peace of mind.
“Do it for your friends and family who love you,” Jennifer says. “Please do it because it saved my life, and it might save yours.”
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