Patient Spotlight: Johanna Rowley
Meet Johanna Rowley
Shady Spring, West Virginia
Tell us about your journey with colorectal cancer.
I have always been active and healthy other than migraines. A couple months before turning 60, I noticed I was having a hard time getting up the steps at work and getting more tired than usual. I actually assumed it was just due to getting older. Also, about this same time, one night I had some unusual pain in my stomach. I didn’t think much about that either until it happened a few weeks later. Looking back now, I thank God that I did have the pain, because some people don’t. I knew that something was not right. It would come and go, but one Friday evening the pain started and did not let up. I went to the ER Sunday morning. After blood work and some testing, they told me my hemoglobin count was 6.3 and I would need blood. They admitted me to the hospital and over the next 3 days, I got blood and they did an endoscopy. I was convinced at this time I had an ulcer, but the scope showed no problems. A colonoscopy was scheduled for a few weeks after that. I had never had a colonoscopy and didn’t know what to expect. Right after the colonoscopy the doctor told me they had found something but would send it off and I had a follow up the following Monday. At that time, I was told I had colon cancer. No one in my immediate family had ever had cancer so needless to say for me and my family it was a bit overwhelming. My daughter-in-law is a RN and the doctor she works with had told her good things about Cabell Huntington Hospital and told her they had a cancer center there also. My daughter-in-law made calls, gathered paperwork and scheduled my appointment. The night before my appointment at Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center, I had an extremely rough night. I was terrified. From the moment my husband and I arrived at ECCC, I knew we had made the right choice. I met with Dr. Jamil and Carly that day and a plan was put in place. My next appointment consisted of a scan, labs, an appointment with the doctor and the surgeon. They scheduled all my appointments the same day, back-to-back. Everyone worked together and everything was explained in detail and in simple terms. I had surgery and was told my cancer was a Stage 2. I elected to take oral chemo. I will say, I finished up the chemo almost a year ago, and I am more healthy and energetic than I have been for years.
Can you describe your experience with staff at Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center?
This is the question that I could go on and on about. From the very first time I stepped into Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center, I have experienced nothing but courteous, kind, caring and knowledgeable people. Dr. Jamil, Carly, and every single person there have treated me like I was the only patient they have. I have told many people, even if I had to be nitpicky, I would come up empty handed because I have nothing but positive things to say. They put together a plan and everyone works together.
What do you wish more people realized about colon cancer?
It is very important to have a colonoscopy. Colon cancer is scary, but it is amazing how it can be treated. I was terrified when I found out the diagnosis from the colonoscopy, but was and still am amazed that the surgery and treatment helped me so much. As I said, I feel better now than I have in years.
Is there anything else you’d want our audiences to know about you, your experience with cancer and/or the care you received at ECCC?
I appreciate Dr. Jamil, Carly and each and every staff person there. The plan was explained in such a way that I understood. I appreciate their willingness to go above and beyond to schedule appoints back-to-back and the way everyone works together. They take their time with each and every part of my appointments and listen to everything I say or answer any question I have. I highly recommend Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center. I truly feel I would not have had the same success story if I had not gone to ECCC.