Carol’s battle with colon cancer began unexpectedly after her routine colonoscopy was completed in 2022 with polyps removed. On October 3, 2023, she continued to have diarrhea, vomiting, and some abdominal pain. Although her previous screenings had only revealed benign polyps, this time, a cancerous polyp was discovered as an abdominal mass. Despite not being due for another colonoscopy until 2025, Carol’s worsening symptoms prompted a visit to the emergency room. Unfortunately, her CT scan and ultrasound identified a mass in her colon. Dr. Banish from Surgical Specialists of Charlotte was swiftly called in, and Carol underwent surgery to remove her appendix and ileocecal valve, followed by a partial colectomy or colon resection.
After the surgery, 18 lymph nodes were examined for metastases. Knowing that cancer care is recognized by national providers, Carol and her husband immediately thought of MD Anderson. Carol’s primary care physician, Dr. Genevieve Brauning of Avance Care in SouthPark, referred her to Dr. Favaro in early November for an initial consult and specialized medical oncology treatments with ongoing care.
Originally from South Bend, Indiana, Carol relocated to Lake Wylie, South Carolina, where she worked as a healthcare consultant and applied her 30 years of hospital experience as a registered nurse. She earned her nursing education and certifications from Indiana University in Indianapolis, giving her a deep understanding of the medical field.
Following her consultation with Dr. Favaro, Carol traveled to MD Anderson in Houston, Texas, for many questions and consultations after Dr. Favaro had done extensive laboratory tests and genetic testing. Carol and her husband went to Houston with an extensive list of questions (including those Dr. Favaro added). They had a consultation with the esteemed colorectal oncologist Dr. Maria Morelli. Additional CT scans and a review of her lymph node pathology revealed that two nodes were affected, though there were no metastases, and her tumor size classified her colon cancer as stage III.
By December 2023, Carol had returned to Oncology Specialists of Charlotte to begin an oral cancer medication regimen of Xeloda and Oxaliplatin planned for three months. Dr. Nicholas Langan at Surgical Specialists of Charlotte performed a port placement to facilitate the
intravenous drugs that would be added to the oral drug. However, after two and a half months, she experienced intolerable side effects and had to discontinue the pills. In early March, her treatment transitioned to chemotherapy infusions. Carol received the standard 5FU (FOLFOX)
chemotherapy combined with oxaliplatin to enhance its effectiveness. Her decision to pursue aggressive treatment was influenced by genetic testing, which revealed she carries the BRACA1 mutation, increasing her risk of other cancers by 40%. Grateful for the advancements in genetic testing, Carol valued this crucial information, especially since she was adopted at birth and had no knowledge of her family’s medical history.
Nearly one year after her cancer diagnosis, Carol is embracing life to the fullest alongside her husband of 47 years, their two grown children, and six grandchildren. One of her grandsons recently married a nurse, and Carol eagerly anticipates the arrival of a great-grandchild. The family shares a love for sports, a passion that began with Carol’s husband, a teacher who coached football and wrestling. They also enjoy volleyball, football, and baseball, though wrestling remains their first joy. After losing 30 pounds by the end of May, Carol returned to her YMCA exercise regimen to regain her strength and stay active.
Through her resilience and the support of her family and medical professionals, Carol exemplifies strength and optimism outside of the wrestling mat, where she spent 35 years supporting her husband as a coach. She is an active supporter of her daughter, a high school volleyball coach, and two granddaughters; one is a volleyball coach, and the other is a player who is just entering high school in Ohio.
Carol highly praises her medical team, especially Dr. Favaro, whom she describes as “so accommodating and personal.” She is deeply thankful for the referral to him and praises the Oncology Specialists of Charlotte team, particularly the infusion nurses and nurse practitioners, who consistently go above and beyond for their patients.
published: Sept. 9, 2024, 6:56 p.m.