A Doctor’s Journey – Surviving Colon Cancer (Part 2)

Last time we talked clinical specs; this time, we’re getting personal. What happens when an ER doc’s former classmate—an Internal Medicine specialist—gets the 7:00 AM phone call that changes everything? Dr. Kristina Dhillon joins the show to share her battle with colon cancer, from the complications of Ulcerative Colitis (UC) to the “Mac Daddy” surgery that saved her life. We dive into the “pinpoint” lesion that almost went unnoticed, the reality of J-pouch recovery, and how to explain an “owie” to your kids when you’re facing the unthinkable. It’s snark, sincerity, and life-saving advice wrapped into one.

In this episode, we cover:
– The IBD-Cancer Connection: Why chronic inflammation makes screening a high-stakes game.
– The “Pinpoint” Discovery: How calming inflammation revealed a lesion that could have been missed.
– Total Proctocolectomy & J-Pouches: The technical and physical reality of major GI reconstruction.
– The Under-50 Surge: Why colon cancer rates in younger adults are rising 3% annually.
– Insurance Advocacy: Navigating the PPO maze when the clock is ticking.
– Physician as Parent: Framing a life-threatening illness for young children.
– The Support System: Why you shouldn’t navigate a rare or complex recovery in isolation.

Forbes Magazine Link: https://www.forbes.com/sites/adairalandry/2026/02/10/a-physician-had-no-symptoms-her-screening-colonoscopy-found-cancer/

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS
00:00 – When the Doctor Becomes the Patient
03:05 – Living with IBD and the Screening Maze
05:45 – The “Pinpoint Dimple” Discovery
08:26 – The Surgery: Total Proctocolectomy & J-Pouch
16:17 – Why Early-Onset Cancer is Rising
20:03 – Navigating Insurance as a Physician-Patient
27:41 – Parenting Through a Cancer Diagnosis

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THIS PODCAST IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND DOES NOT SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE. PLEASE SEEK A MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL OR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IF YOU ARE SEEKING MEDICAL ADVICE, DIAGNOSIS, OR TREATMENT.

The JAFERD Cast is a production of Beacon Acute Services. All rights reserved.

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