Katie Matheson

Patients recognize Katie as a nurse in our Women’s Health Center. 

This time, it was Katie’s turn to be the patient.

Katie was due for her first colonoscopy in 2018. A string of family challenges kept postponing it. Then the pandemic hit. “When you’re in healthcare, you feel like you should be the last in line,” Katie says. So she waited. 

Fast-forward to 2023: Katie made a list of things to catch up on – from health screenings to a haircut. “It was a long, long list. Women, moms, nurses – we tend to put ourselves last. But it was time to take care of myself.”

Colonoscopy was last on the list. April Fitzloff, PA-C gently encouraged Katie to get it done. Katie scheduled it with surgeon Ellie Cohen, MD. “The prep was intimidating, but it was worth it,” Katie recalls.

“The procedure itself was easy, and the endoscopy team was so attentive and kind,” she adds. “The last thing I heard as they put me to sleep was, ‘I’m right here for you.’” 

Katie checked it off her list. Then Dr. Cohen called with the results: The test found adenocarcinoma, a cancer that starts in the glands that line organs including the colon and rectum. 

Katie’s was an early-stage cancer, located on the corner of the rectum and colon. Dr. Cohen referred Katie to Colon & Rectal Surgery Associates; colorectal surgeon Emily Midura, MD would remove the cancer and resect Katie’s colon.  

Katie’s family had a long-awaited vacation planned. Her care team “told me to go, and we’d work hard when I got back,” she says. 

The surgeon was able to remove the cancer completely. The team tested 19 lymph nodes; the cancer had not spread to any of them. “That’s miraculous,” Katie says. She didn’t need radiation or chemotherapy. Katie spent three days in the hospital, then took an anticoagulant for a month to prevent blood clots. She’ll have annual colonoscopies and PET scans to monitor her health.

“I felt like I scooted under the wire with a very early diagnosis, and the surgery cured me,” Katie says. “If I had waited any longer, who knows? I live in gratitude.”

And with a touch of guilt: “Why did I get such an easy road when other people with cancer have such challenging situations? Feeling guilty was the biggest hurdle while I was recovering.”

Katie’s experience prompted family stories of past cases of cancer. “It all came out after I brought it up,” Katie says. A group conversation now helps relatives track their family history –  a key risk factor for colorectal cancer. 

Starting to screen at age 45 “doesn’t mean cancer will start growing when you’re that age; it means it’s time start paying attention,” Katie says. 

 “This wasn’t a cancer that had been growing for five years,” she adds. “Even being five years late with the screening, we caught it early.”

Katie’s advice to procrastinators: “Even if you think you waited too long, start now anyway. Even if it’s late, it’s not too late. 

“For whatever reason you’re avoiding a test that feels overwhelming, it’s important to do it.”

“Besides,” Katie laughs, “it’s not as bad as you think.”