March 18, 2024 – Ken Aaron, aged 51, received an unexpected diagnosis after his first colonoscopy in February. Despite experiencing only mild GI discomfort beforehand, he was shocked to hear his doctor whispering that they had found a tumor. Aaron, a father of two living in the Adirondacks, had no significant health issues prior to this incident. He described his symptoms as feeling “blah” after eating fried food and occasional indecisiveness about his meals.
Upon learning he had stage II colorectal cancer, Aaron took it upon himself to gather information and seek advice from his network of medical professionals. This led him on a journey of self-advocacy and medical discovery, exploring new frontiers in cancer science and potential treatments.
He began treating his diagnosis like a journalistic investigation, gathering facts and making important decisions about his treatment. Colorectal cancer is a prevalent disease in the U.S., affecting both men and women. The incidence of this cancer in individuals under 50 has been steadily rising since the 1990s.
Following the advice of a doctor friend, Aaron decided to seek care at a dedicated colorectal cancer center. He reached out to various cancer centers, ultimately landing an appointment at Memorial Sloan Kettering in New Jersey. During his consultation with Dr. Michael Foote, he learned about a potential immunotherapy clinical trial that could offer a cutting-edge treatment option for his cancer.
After further tests revealed a specific genetic makeup in his tumor, Aaron was thrilled to qualify for the clinical trial. However, a subsequent diagnosis of low-grade follicular lymphoma complicated matters, making him ineligible for the trial. Despite this setback, he began immunotherapy treatment with Keytruda, showing promising results in later scans and biopsies.
Throughout his treatment, Aaron faced unexpected challenges, including the discovery of lymphoma in addition to his colon cancer. Despite this, he remained optimistic and continued his immunotherapy sessions. After several treatments, a miraculous outcome emerged with no detectable cancer remaining in his body.
Aaron completed his treatment regimen and continues to undergo regular check-ups and scans. He recognizes the ongoing challenges faced by cancer survivors and emphasizes the importance of support networks for those going through similar experiences.
His journey has left him with a newfound perspective on empathy and grace, highlighting the importance of kindness in navigating life’s challenges.
Aaron shares valuable tips for advocating for oneself when faced with a serious health diagnosis. He encourages patients to ensure their doctors listen to their concerns, escalate the situation when necessary, and seek specialized care for their condition.
He emphasizes the importance of finding the best treatment facility for their specific type of cancer and allowing healthcare professionals to guide them through the complexities of treatment decisions.
By following these principles, Aaron navigated a complex medical journey with resilience and determination, ultimately achieving a remarkable outcome in his battle against cancer.