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Listen to your body
Judi Huff
Jun, 2021
Physicians: Sigita Alimenti, MD; Edmund Paloyan, MD; Michael Webb, MD
If you’re age 45 or older, or if you’re younger but in a high-risk group, talk with your health care provider about getting screened for colorectal cancer.
As a mammographer for the past 37 years, Judi Huff knows the importance of preventative screenings. She and her patients regularly discuss how catching cancer at an early stage can lead to significantly improved outcomes.
In addition to her annual mammogram, when Judi turned 50, she wasted no time scheduling a routine colonoscopy. Colon cancer didn’t run in her family and she had no increased risk factors, so when the results came back normal, she knew she wouldn’t have to repeat the process for 10 years.
For the next several years, Judi continued to maintain a clean bill of health. However, one day she began experiencing pain in her right side. She tried to ignore it, but when it continued to nag at her over the next three weeks, she knew she needed to listen to her body.
Judi scheduled an appointment with her primary care physician, Sigita Alimenti, MD. Concerned the pain was caused by a bad appendix, Dr. Alimenti ordered a CT scan to confirm. The results were somewhat inconclusive, which led Judi to general surgeon, Michael Webb, MD.
“After reviewing my imaging results, Dr. Webb recommended I have my appendix removed as he didn’t like how it presented on the CT scan,” said Judi. “I really valued that Dr. Webb took the time to sit down with me and explain my options. You could tell he cared about providing me with the best outcomes.”
Judi was pleased to learn that her appendectomy would be performed using the da Vinci Surgical System which would allow for smaller incisions and faster healing time.
“I was back to work a week after my surgery and experienced minimal pain,” said Judi.
Thinking she was on the road to recovery Judi was shocked to learn that the pain she was experiencing was actually caused by colon cancer that had originated in her appendix. She would need to undergo a second surgery to remove a portion of her colon, small bowel, and lymph nodes.
“Surgeries like mine are something Dr. Webb performs every day, but for the person going through it it’s a really big deal and he was respectful of that,” said Judi. “He treated me like I was a member of his own family. You can tell he really cares about his patients.”
Having to stay in the hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic, Judi recalls what an eye-opening experience it was to be on the other side of patient care.
“I’ve worked in health care for many years but have never been a patient in the hospital aside from having my children,” said Judi. “I have so much appreciation for the entire care team working under these challenging circumstances. Everyone really stepped up and took excellent care of me.”
Judi’s second surgery to remove a portion of her colon was also performed robotically. During the hemicolectomy, Dr. Webb performed abdominal surgery to reconnect her small bowel with her colon. Once again, she experienced a smooth recovery.
“I have the da Vinci robot, Dr. Webb, and my surgical team to thank for allowing me to get back to my normal life so quickly after surgery,” said Judi. “My healing time was fantastic.”
Now cancer free, Judi will continue to undergo regular screenings and meet with local oncologist, Edmund Paloyan, MD, and Dr. Webb for the next five years. Overall, she’s thankful she listened to her body and caught the disease early and encourages others to do the same.