The Power of Healing: A Cancer Journey

Hello.

For those that know me, Hi! For those that are new in our lives, I'm Tiffany, Cory's wife.

Backstory: (from Cory)

In 2019/2020 I started to notice high levels of fatigue, lack of motivation, reduced interest and thought I was suffering from low testosterone as many people in the military and first responder worlds face. I had a routine physical conducted and requested a hormone level test in Oct 2020. My testosterone came back in the high range of normal. So my excuse was I am getting older, at the time I was 35.

In August 2021, I deployed to Iraq as a civilian for a 1 year tour and in Nov/Dec 2021, I started to notice I was only eating about 1/2 to 1/3 of my meal 75% of the time before becoming nauseous and losing my appetite. But this was about the time I was trying to eat less and improve on my fitness so it seemed all good to me and I explained this away as the food being un-appetizing. This continued through 2022, though unusual for me I thought I had trained my body to not want to engage in over eating. In March of 2022 I became violently ill while in Iraq. Fever and chills, vomiting and nausea and a 5 day migraine. It was so bad that the in-country doc thought I had a brain bleed that came back negative and the treatment was light sedation for 5 days and pumped me full of pain medication. During my 5 day migraine I was taking excessive amounts of NSAID's and noticed blood in my stool but again explained this away because I knew taking too much can result in this side effect. The "flu" like symptoms happened in June and August again during Thanksgiving week and returned once again mid Dec of 2022, 3 days before my wife and I's trip to Mayo Clinic in Rochester MN, but this time with a 2-3 day migraine associated with it.

October 2022, I had another routine physical and my blood work came back as iron anemic and low hemoglobin. Thankfully the doctor suggested that I see a GI doctor to explore the possibility of an internal bleed. Instead of suggesting I take iron supplements and return in 6 months which likely could have resulted in further spread.

Dec 1, 2022: I had an upper endoscopy and colonoscopy and an obstructive tumor was discovered in the splenic flexure area of my colon, a sample was taken and a CEA blood test was ordered as well as an abdominal CT scan. By Dec 10 2022, all preliminary diagnostics information came back that I was positive with colon cancer. This began our frantic search for the best possible care. We were able to connect with the Mayo Clinic and with the information provided they scheduled an appointment for me on Dec 19th 2022. My wife and I flew to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester MN on Dec 17th 2022 for the best colon cancer care in the world. At the time with the images that were available the Doctors believed I had lymph node and peritoneal spread (Stage IV).

They scheduled my colon resection surgery for Jan 13th and we flew home Dec 28th. We return to Mayo Jan 11th for surgery. They went in minimally invasive to see the extend of peritoneal and luckily none was visible which would have changed the treatment plan that I received. I have an incision from my sternum to above my groin and removed 18” of my colon to include the softball size tumor. Hospital stay was 4 days and I was discharged to recovery.

A routine colonoscopy post surgery was July 27, 2023 and thankfully negative. However, it has been said by the doctors that if this cancer returns it is typically in the liver or lungs and not the colon.

The last CT scan was performed in September 2023 which thankfully was negative.

-- End of Cory's segment.

Cory will have to always undergo routine screening for the next 5 years post initial surgery. This includes a signatera blood test every three months, CT scan every six and yearly colonoscopies. To tell you that I, Tiffany have anxiety every 3 months is an understatement that the words, "the cancer has returned" will be said. I am blessed to have our daughter, Willow in our lives as she is such a huge blessing to help us distract our thoughts and focus on our family to live every day like tomorrow is our last.

I'm writing to provide information that we have found out/ what we have changed since Cory's Stage III colon cancer diagnosis last December 17th, 2023.

The bottom line is that we are so much more aware of our surroundings, what we put near and into our bodies. We want to be a source to anyone with questions or anyone who needs help battling this fight because I'll be the first to tell you, it's never over. We rarely chat about what if it comes back (because it's a painful.) Neither of us want to face the battle ever again.

We know that cancer can and very might will return one day which is why we would like your support if you have the means to help support my mission.

Our goal this year (2024) is to start our own veteran owned non-profit for those undergoing similar complex non-traditional colon cancer diagnosis just like Cory. Cory envisions helping other cancer warriors through mentally stimulating activities that help the mind escape the stress of a diagnosis. And being an advocate for early testing protocols. The remaining funds beyond the above amount will be donated to another organization unless we have our organization established.

I'd like to thank-you personally in advance for reading our story and for any contribution to Cory's continuous recovery and keep sharing his story because it is saving lives.

Currently waiting on this quarters results from signatera test.

Next CT Scan: March 2024