Alan Hurd has his sights set on becoming a competitive archer. Rectal cancer has caused him to put down his bow, but Alan kept his target in sight.
“No matter what, I was going to stay positive,” said the 40-year-old father of three from Bowling Green, MO, about the day in 2021 when he received his diagnosis. “Thinking negative can make you sicker.”
Alan noticed something wrong three years before his diagnosis, when he began experiencing blood in his stool, intestinal discomfort and related problems. He said two tests found no medical problems. Believing the root of his symptoms might be lactose intolerance or hemorrhoids, Alan continued to live his life normally.
When he turned 40, Alan again noticed blood in his stool and this time took his concern to Kim Peters, ANP-BC, internal medicine nurse practitioner at Hannibal Clinic. She suggested Alan have a colonoscopy.
“I’m hesitant,” Alan said about his reaction to Kim’s suggestion. “Being a male and stubborn, I said, ‘I know you are supposed to have that stuff done at 50. Can’t I wait until I’m 50?’”
“Kim was more stubborn than I was, thank God,” he continued. “She said, ‘Let’s just get this done.’”
“I believe in treating the person and their symptoms, not their age,” Kim stated. “Cancer can happen at any age.”
Alan’s colonoscopy detected a tumor. He underwent treatment between August and December 2021 at the James E. Cary Cancer Center in Hannibal, MO. It included radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Alan tolerated treatment well, only missing work on the days of treatment. Treatment ended in December 2021 and a scan in February 2022 found his tumor had shrunk. Alan will now see his oncologist every three months for the next two years to monitor his progress.
“I am proud to be associated with the cancer team at Hannibal Clinic/Cary Cancer Center,” Kim said. “They are not only up-to-date on the best practices to treat cancer, they are caring, and compassionate, helping patients to stay positive and focused on getting to remission.”
In addition to Kim and the Cary Cancer Center team, Alan credits his positive outcome to incredible support from his family and friends. His coworkers at True Manufacturing in Bowling Green designed and sold a fundraising t-shirt for him, as did Alan’s sister, and one of his favorite places to eat – Woods Smoked Meats in Bowling Green, also held a fundraiser for him.
“The biggest things for me were having a huge support group and a mindset not to worry,” Alan said.
Rectal cancer is one of the types of cancer included under the general term colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancers are the third most commonly diagnosed cancers in men and women combined in the United States.
“Patient should always keep in mind that you are never too young for cancer.” Kim concluded. “My advice to anyone who has symptoms is to see their primary care provider immediately so testing can be completed. It is not easy to receive a cancer diagnosis but it is better to find cancer in early stages rather than late stages.”
Even so, people sometimes find colorectal cancer to be embarrassing to discuss. That can delay treatment and lead to more serious complications than if the cancer was identified in its early stages when the chance for treatment success is highest.
“This is not something to play with,” Alan advised. “I’d take embarrassment any day. Life is more important.”
The Kelsey Kerridge Sports Centre says about archery, “While the physical demands of archery are surprisingly high, the other element to successful archery performances is an ability to focus and use high levels of concentration. A successful archer will zone into the task to cope with the stress and pressure of competition.”
Seems like Alan may be on his way to becoming a successful competitive archer as he appears to be able to manage stress and pressure.
For information on colorectal cancer screening guidelines based on your risk factors and family health history, talk with your primary care provider.
If you need a primary care provider please contact the Blessing Resource Center at 217-277-5000.