Fainting Episode Leads to Shocking Colon Cancer Diagnosis
October 26, 2023
Carin Givens, 50, of Ocean Township, NJ, was enjoying an outdoor summer event with a few friends when he suddenly passed out, resulting in an overnight hospital stay, a battery of tests, and eventually, a colon cancer diagnosis.
“It was a hot day, and we went to a food truck to get something to eat,” says Carin. “I was just saying how good the food looked, and I started feeling woozy and dizzy.”
At the hospital, Carin’s inpatient care team ran numerous tests and couldn’t find any problems that would explain his fainting episode. After an overnight stay for observation, they discharged him with instructions to visit his primary care provider for follow-up.
“My primary care provider suggested that I get screened for colorectal cancer due to my age and ordered a stool test,” says Carin. “I got a call that my test showed microscopic blood, so my primary care doctor ordered a colonoscopy.”
Receiving a Shocking Diagnosis
Carin scheduled his colonoscopy appointment with gastroenterologist Howard N. Guss, D.O., on November 17, 2022, and was shocked to learn that a tumor was the cause of his abnormal bleeding. Dr. Guss referred Carin to colorectal surgeon Glenn Parker, M.D.
“When I first met Carin, I could tell right away that he was a great guy,” says Dr. Parker. “I told him we were going to take great care of him, and he was going to be OK.”
“At my first appointment with Dr. Parker, he told me about how he would do surgery to remove the tumor, which was reassuring,” says Carin. “I really didn’t have that many questions, but I was very overwhelmed and didn’t know where to start.”
Dr. Parker presented Carin’s case to the Jersey Shore University Medical Center Colorectal Cancer Tumor Board, which includes colorectal surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, nurse navigators and other medical experts who work collaboratively to develop a treatment plan for each patient.
Carin’s treatment plan included surgery to remove the tumor and nearby lymph nodes, followed by chemotherapy under the care of hematologist-oncologist Kenneth Nahum, D.O.
Taking Charge of His Health
Carin had surgery at Jersey Shore University Medical Center on December 23, 2022. Dr. Parker performed a robot-assisted procedure through several small incisions.
“I never had surgery before, so I really didn’t know what to expect — but I was trying not to think about it too much,” says Carin. “On the day of my procedure, everything was so efficient that there was no time for me to freak out — and when I woke up, I was in my hospital room.”
Carin spent several days in the hospital and he was relieved to learn that he didn’t need an ostomy — which is a surgical opening that is created in the abdomen to allow stool to empty into a bag worn outside the body.
“Carin really took charge of his health and followed all instructions for pre-surgical optimization and post-surgical care, so he did very well,” says Dr. Parker. “After the biopsy results came back, he was diagnosed with Stage III colon cancer, and he recovered from surgery with no complications.”
Regaining His Strength
About four weeks after surgery, Carin said he could feel his strength and energy start to return. He is currently halfway finished with his chemotherapy regimen and plans to take it easy for the duration of his treatment.
“I have good days and bad days with a few side effects, but I am learning how to manage them,” says Carin.
But although his journey has been challenging, Carin said he’s glad he found out about his tumor when he did.
“It’s definitely better to know before it’s too late, so you can make a plan to help yourself,” says Carin, who learned shortly after his diagnosis that an acquaintance passed away from Stage IV colon cancer.
Carin will continue to receive long-term follow-up care from Dr. Nahum, who will perform routine blood tests to look for early signs of cancer recurrence.
“Dr. Parker, Dr. Nahum, and their staff made me feel at ease and treated me like a friend, and their reassurance helped me to maintain a positive attitude,” says Carin. “My diagnosis just happened, but anyone who is eligible for screening or who is having colorectal cancer symptoms should definitely find out what’s going on.”
Next Steps and Resources
- Meet our sources: Howard N. Guss, D.O., Glenn Parker, M.D & Kenneth Nahum, D.O
- Find out if you’re at risk for colon cancer by taking a Colon Cancer Risk Assessment.
- Find a gastroenterologist and schedule your colon cancer screening today.
The material provided through HealthU is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual care.
