'You will inspire others'

Candice “Candy” Porter felt relieved. The major surgery that had been hanging over her head for months was finally over.

The proctocolectomy and ileal J-pouch procedure, which involved removing her entire colon and rectum and then creating a new internal pouch out of her small intestine (J-pouch), had been a long time coming—she had suffered with ulcerative colitis for 20 years, managing her symptoms with medication, and never wanting to have the surgery. It wasn’t until she was diagnosed with a stricture, a tightening of the colon, that she was forced to reconsider.

Ron G. Landmann, MD, FACS, FASCRS, chief of colon and rectal surgery for Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center, convinced her that this surgery was the right move. It would be worth it in the long run, a valuable preventive measure, while maintaining and improving her quality of life.

But after the procedure, Porter’s health problems weren’t over.

The then-49-year-old was preparing to leave the hospital and return home when Dr. Landmann came into her room with some bad news.

The pathology report revealed Stage IIIB colon cancer, which required immediate additional treatment.

“Nobody thinks they’re going to have a cancer diagnosis,” Porter said. “This was truly not part of my life plan.”

Dr. Landmann and his team sprang into action. He worked with Anterpreet Neki, MD, Baptist MD Anderson hematologist/oncologist, to create a multidisciplinary plan for Porter’s care within two hours of her diagnosis. This included taking advantage of the state-of-the-art resources and facilities at Baptist MD Anderson to set up a medical oncology consultation.

“The ability to provide personalized and individualized multidisciplinary team management of patients is a distinguishing hallmark of Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center,” Dr. Landmann said. “Improving this quality and value of care, with a focus on the patient, is what drives us!”

From Stage 3B to healing stage

The six months that followed blurred together as Porter recovered from surgery and then went through 12 rounds of chemo.

She credits the support systems of her family, work colleagues, and the team at Baptist MD Anderson for helping her get through this trying time. Her mom, husband, and sister assisted her every step of the way, as did her sister’s dog Sadie, a miniature Chihuahua who Porter came to refer to as her therapy pet.

Porter wrapped up her treatment in May, and now she just needs to go in for periodic check-ins.

“Her outgoing personality, drive, and outlook on life were huge contributors to her overall recuperation,” Dr. Landmann said.

While she was thrilled to be done, the moment was also bittersweet because she had to say goodbye to the Baptist MD Anderson team who had been by her side throughout her journey.

Her next step? Sharing her story to help those battling a similar diagnosis, or wondering if they should treat their ulcerative colitis with surgical measures.

“Dr Landmann told me ‘You will inspire others,’ and I didn’t believe it at the time, but he was so right,” Porter said.

Looking ahead

Porter has started a new role as a deputy human capital officer, transitioning from supervising 13 employees to oversight for almost 40. She works 12-hour days—and loves every minute of the return to her normal routine.

When one of her staff members or one of their loved ones gets diagnosed with cancer, she is there to share her story and show her support. For the 20 years she suffered with ulcerative colitis, she didn’t tell anyone about what she was going through. Since her surgery and cancer treatment, she wants to be more vocal and serve as someone who others can lean on.

“I feel like my old self,” Porter said. “I never dreamed that after they took out two of my organs, I could be exactly who I was before, or better.”

Porter stayed strong throughout her surgery and cancer treatments, rarely breaking down because she knew she had to focus on taking the steps she needed to heal.

She did get emotional when she sat down to write a 3-page thank you letter to Dr. Landmann.

“I don’t even know how you say thank you to somebody who saves your life,” Porter said. “There is no question in my mind that I would not have been successful if he had not gotten me to that operating table.”

For Dr. Landmann, the letter also had a special meaning.

“I was blown away,” Landmann said. “You could tell she put a lot of thought and effort into it. She is an extraordinarily caring and loving person. Working with Candy and her husband, and seeing her outcome reinforced why I went into the field of medicine, and surgery in particular, in the first place. It is a true honor and privilege to help our patients!”

If you need a cancer specialist, please call 904.202.7300 or visit BaptistMDAnderson.com. If you are eligible for a colonoscopy based on your age, personal or family history, talk to your primary care doctor. If you need a primary care doctor, visit baptistjax.com or be matched to the right doctor for you by calling 904-202-4YOU.