“In 2017, my routine 10-year colonoscopy found a nasty surprise: a large tumor right next to my appendix. A follow-up CT scan showed it to be colorectal cancer, which I had removed. But it was a very aggressive strain of cancer, and because it had metastasized, chemo could not eradicate it.
“But the experts at New England Cancer Specialists put me on an innovative new immunotherapy drug, and the results have been amazing: after only two months, with three 30-minute visits, my immune system has dramatically reduced the cancer! There were some side effects after the first round, but since then I have experienced no pain from the treatments.
“The immunotherapy is such an innovative treatment that they don’t have long-term data on its effectiveness, but so far, so good!
“I guide nature walks with fourth graders every month in the local woods, which reminds me how precious life is, and how grateful I am to be healthy and looking forward again.
”Based on my experience, I urge everyone to get regular screening for colon cancer. And if one ever does find anything, talk to the folks at New England Cancer Specialists.”