Joe McDonough liked to exercise at the gym—or at least he liked the benefits of a good workout. He lifted weights and used the cardio machines on a regular basis. At 33 years old, he was “still” in great shape. During one of his workouts he noticed something felt like it “popped.” He called his mother, a nurse, to tell her about it and explained that it didn’t hurt. He thought he might have a hernia.
Maybe weightlifting caused an injury?
Make sure you follow-up on your tests and be certain of your results. If you have cancer, the best time to find it is early.
He went to see his doctor and learned he didn’t have a hernia. Tests revealed he had melanoma in his lymph nodes. Surprisingly, doctors were unable to find the source of his skin cancer. It wasn’t until he was reminded of a mole that had been removed ten years earlier that he learned of the source. On his chart from that procedure was a note indicating his mole was a probable melanoma. Joe was never told. He was told he would be called if anything were found. No one called and since he was really too young for cancer he didn’t question it. Why would he? No news is good news…right?
After a courageous two-year battle, Joe died at age 35.
Joe’s family wants people to take their health care personally. Joe and his wife had just bought a house, they were thinking about having children, and then a stage 4 cancer robbed Joe, his wife and his entire family. Make sure you follow-up on your tests and be certain of your results. If you have cancer, the best time to find it is early.
Symptom
- while he was working, out he felt a pop; he went to the doctors and tests revealed he had melanoma in his lymph nodes
