Rod Echols Colorectal cancer victim. Date of Birth: 01.01.1974 Country: USA

1. Colorectal Cancer Survivor
2. Early Symptoms and Diagnosis
3. CTCA Treatment
4. Second Opinion and Treatment
5. Alternative Opinion and Treatment
6. Chemotherapy and Radiation
7. Support System
8. Keisha's Role
9. Psychological Support
10. Self-Care for Keisha
11. Gratitude and Resilience

Colorectal Cancer Survivor

Rod Echols is a survivor of colorectal cancer. Cancer is a serious diagnosis, but it is not necessarily a death sentence. Echols knows this firsthand, as he has a family history of the disease. He was fortunate to have the support of his wife and the staff at CTCA to help him through his treatment.

Early Symptoms and Diagnosis

Echols' first symptom was blood in his stool. His local doctor told him it was probably just hemorrhoids, but Echols wasn't satisfied with that answer. He knew his family's history with colorectal cancer, and he suspected that he might have it too. Echols wasn't experiencing any pain at the time, but his suspicions lingered, and he decided to get tested. At the time, Echols was 38 years old, married, and had two children with his wife, Keisha.

CTCA Treatment

The Echols had heard of CTCA, but they were hesitant to seek treatment there at first. The closest location was further away than they would have liked, and a new one was planned to open nearby, but it wasn't open yet. However, the Echols ended up being very happy with their decision to go to CTCA. The staff was incredibly professional and supportive. Echols had a colonoscopy, which revealed a polyp. Unfortunately, the polyp was cancerous. Echols was referred to a local surgeon in Atlanta, who attempted to remove the polyp with a minimally invasive procedure. However, the surgery was unsuccessful. Echols learned that the cancer had spread further than originally thought, and it had also spread to his lymph nodes.

Second Opinion and Treatment

Echols wasn't satisfied with the prognosis he had received. He decided to seek a second opinion. There was still no CTCA location nearby, but he was able to find a clinic in Chicago. Echols and his wife and daughter flew to Chicago and were met at the airport and taken to a hotel where they would stay for a week. The testing and processing of the results took some time, so it was important for Echols and his family to be comfortable.

Alternative Opinion and Treatment

Time was of the essence, but it ended up working in Echols' favor. A new CTCA location opened near Atlanta. Echols got the second opinion he needed and decided to continue his treatment at CTCA. The new clinic was much closer to his home, which made it much easier for him.

Chemotherapy and Radiation

After his surgery, Echols underwent chemotherapy and radiation. He started with Xeloda and later added oxaliplatin to his regimen. The medications had unpleasant side effects, including fatigue and cold sensitivity. Echols had been warned about the side effects, and the CTCA staff made adjustments to his care to help him cope. For example, they removed cold desserts from his diet. The cold sensitivity went away after a couple of weeks, and the staff helped Echols manage other side effects as well. A dietitian and naturopath developed a plan for Echols that included vitamins, supplements, and foods to help him with his energy levels.

Support System

Echols was one of the first patients at the new medical center, which meant he received a little extra attention from the staff. The staff made sure he was comfortable and discussed his treatment with him and his other caregivers. They also made sure to keep his wife, Keisha, informed and supported.

Keisha's Role

Keisha's support was essential to Rod Echols' recovery. The staff understood how important she was to his emotional well-being, so they made sure to support her as well. Keisha was given the information she needed to care for her husband. By helping Keisha, they were ultimately helping Rod.

Psychological Support

The staff didn't just provide comfort. Keisha was included in all the important discussions about Echols' treatment. The doctors believed she should have a say in his care and let her play a key role. Keisha took her role seriously. She made sure Echols' diet was followed by buying the right groceries. She learned how to cook the vegetables he needed and even found ways to make them palatable for her children, who didn't normally like vegetables. The nutritionist she met with helped her make lifestyle changes for the whole family.

Self-Care for Keisha

The staff also made sure that Keisha wasn't neglecting her own needs. While Rod was receiving radiation treatment, Keisha was given a massage to help her relax and de-stress. Keisha's emotional support was important for Rod, but her own mental health also needed to be supported. Some might think it would be better to shield her from the details of his treatment, but the staff kept her informed about everything. She knew what surgeries he would be having and how long he would be under anesthesia.

Gratitude and Resilience

Rod Echols credits Keisha with helping him get through his treatment. They have now been married for six years, and he looks forward to spending many more decades with her. Beating cancer has made that goal more attainable. He leads an active lifestyle and can even attend his son's sporting events. Echols is grateful to the staff at CTCA for saving his life and to his family for giving him the strength to endure.