It started with an alarming change in my bathroom habits. For two days, I experienced frequent episodes of bright red blood in my stool—four to five times a day, to be exact. There was no pain, and my energy levels and sleep patterns remained unchanged. It felt surreal because, other than the presence of blood, I felt completely normal. Since the bleeding stopped after a couple of days and I already had a routine appointment scheduled with my primary care provider at the VA clinic in a few weeks, I decided to wait until then to bring it up.
When I finally saw my doctor, I described the incident and showed him photos I had taken to document the symptoms. He was concerned and recommended a colonoscopy to ensure everything was okay. Unfortunately, it took about four months to get the appointment.
Looking back, I realize I could have been more assertive, pushing for an earlier evaluation and insisting that my doctor advocate for a more urgent diagnostic appointment.
The moment I woke up from the colonoscopy procedure, there was no waiting for treatment. The surgeon, experienced in these matters, didn’t need to wait for the pathology report to confirm what he had seen: it was cancer. The very next day, I underwent MRI and CT scans, which revealed I had stage 3 rectal cancer. Two weeks later, I was back in the hospital to have a port implanted, and soon after, I was sitting in the chair for my first round of chemotherapy. I’m immensely grateful for my exceptional care team. Both my surgeon and chemotherapy oncologist were Army doctors, and the hospital assembled a dedicated board of doctors—both military and civilian—who collaborated seamlessly. They met weekly to strategize and refine my treatment plan, ensuring I received the best possible care.
Walking the Line of Marine Mentality
In the Marine Corps, there’s a cultural mindset to “suck it up, buttercup,” push through discomfort, and avoid seeking medical attention for minor issues. This mentality has its place, fostering resilience and toughness, but it can also be risky. The challenge lies in discerning when a symptom is a minor inconvenience and when it requires serious medical attention. This threshold can vary depending on one’s age, circumstances, and the environment.
For instance, I knew a Marine who, during combat, sustained a gunshot wound that traveled down his forearm. Despite the injury, he didn’t seek medical treatment until days later, when he was back from the front lines. He could still use his arm, and there wasn’t much bleeding, so he continued his duties. Had he been in a different setting, like walking to a store, he likely would have sought medical help immediately. This example highlights the fine line we often walk in distinguishing between minor and serious health issues.
Learn from Others
My advice to others is to understand your body and recognize your medical treatment threshold. If you’re unsure, confide in someone you trust and share what you’re experiencing. It’s always safer to consult a medical professional. For me, that trusted person was my wife, a fellow Marine and nurse. Despite sharing the Marine mentality, she insisted I bring my symptoms to my doctor’s attention, and I’m incredibly grateful I did.
Don’t ignore your body’s signals. If something seems off, take action. It could save your life.
