Tim’s story: Conquering the stigma
Meet Tim
Grandpa extraordinaire, Screened with the Cologuard® test
At a glance
- At 46, Tim found out he was becoming a grandpa. Due to his age, his doctor proposed a colonoscopy during a physical.
- Sensing Tim’s reluctance, his doctor suggested the Cologuard test.
- Tim had a colonoscopy after a positive Cologuard test result which revealed stage 3 colon cancer.
- With his newfound reason to live, and with the support of his family, Tim is now cancer-free.
- He shares his Cologuard test story to alleviate the stigma of getting screened and have conversations about it.
“It is important for me to get the word out there, hopefully alleviate some of the stigma, and make these conversations commonplace.”
When he turned 46, Tim thought he had no reason to screen for colon cancer. But soon after, he got a piece of happy news that made him realize he had every reason: he was going to be a grandfather.
Despite having no symptoms or family history, a Cologuard test would lead to a stage 3 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.
“Getting screened was not on my radar,” Tim begins. “I had never even thought about it until I went to my doctor for my yearly physical. He informed me that the recommended age for colon cancer screening 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. That seemed like a better option for me.”
“I was woken up from anesthesia and told that I had colon cancer. It’s hard to describe the feeling of hearing that. I laughed at first – it seemed so ridiculous.”
“After I got my results back, my doctor called to say my Cologuard test turned out positive. He told me not to worry and recommended that I get a colonoscopy to rule things out.”
This is where Tim's story really starts.
“I was woken up from anesthesia and told that I had colon cancer. It’s hard to describe the feeling of hearing that. I laughed at first – it seemed so ridiculous, so surreal to even hear those words. Everything happened so fast. 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.”
With an amazing support system, Tim quickly realized he was not alone in this fight. “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.”
Now healthy and cancer-free, Tim has the unique perspective of being a survivor. When asked what he would tell someone who’s just beginning their battle with cancer, he had this to say: “To start, I would not tell them anything. I would listen to them. It is a whirlwind of emotions, and there’s 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!”
Tim shares his story for people who can't, for those who have lost their battle, and those who are not comfortable or ready to share their story.
“It’s important for me to get the word out there, hopefully alleviate some of the stigma, and make these conversations commonplace. There’s no right or wrong way to deal with a diagnosis, and you must do what is right for you. I need to make this into something good. If I don't, the cancer wins, and f**k that.”
Tim volunteered to share their story as part of a patient ambassador program and has had travel expenses covered through the program.
This story reflects one individual’s experience. Not every person will have the same treatment, experience, outcome, or result. The Cologuard test is prescribed by a health care provider. Talk to your health care provider about available screening options and whether the Cologuard test 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.