Joe Foresta was born and raised on the west side of Columbus.  His sister moved to Licking County and his parents followed shortly thereafter.  When his sister needed assistance caring for their aging parents, Joe also moved to Licking County to be close enough to the family to help.  He is retired and spends his time working odd jobs and practicing martial arts.  Staying active is important to Joe, so when he was diagnosed with cancer, he was surprised, but ready to take the necessary steps toward recovery, including surgery.

Joe’s journey began with a regular visit to his primary care physician, Christopher M. Forbush, D.O.  During the visit, Dr. Forbush discussed recommended screenings for cancer including a colonoscopy for colon cancer.  After Joe shared that he had not received a colonoscopy in 11 years, Dr. Forbush strongly recommended the procedure.  Even though Joe was not experiencing signs or symptoms of cancer, he made the appointment and visited Licking Memorial Hospital to undergo the screening.  

While several colorectal cancer screening methods are available, colonoscopy is considered the “gold standard” and has several advantages compared to other tests.  Unlike other screenings, a negative finding during a colonoscopy indicates that no further studies are necessary for five to ten years, and if an abnormality is found, a biopsy or complete removal of the polyp can be accomplished during the procedure.  Furthermore, most insurance companies, including Medicare, cover the cost of a screening colonoscopy.  

During the procedure, the gastroenterologist discovered seven polyps.  After a biopsy, Joe was informed he had stage two colon cancer.  To remove the cancer, a colectomy, a surgical procedure to remove part of the colon, was required.  The surgery typically requires other procedures to reattach the remaining portions of the digestive system.  Since Joe’s cancer was in an early stage, only a small section of the colon needed to be removed.

“At the pre-surgery appointment, everyone was super professional and kind to me,” Joe shared.  “I met with the surgeon, Victor F. Ferrini, M.D., and he explained everything to me.  It was reassuring to understand what was going to happen during the procedure, and I felt confident about a successful recovery.”

Dr. Ferrini had hoped to use the da Vinci Surgical Robot for the procedure.  Using the robot is less-invasive and allows for a quicker recovery and less blood loss.  However, Joe’s surgery was deemed too complicated to use the robot and Dr. Ferrini performed a standard open colon resection.  Joe was told to expect to spend at least seven days in the Hospital to recover from the surgery.

“After a post-surgery examination, Dr. Ferrini said he was impressed with how quickly I was recovering,” Joe said.  “He sent me home on the fourth day after my surgery.  During my stay, the staff treated me very well, were kind, and very supportive.  I was grateful to have such wonderful care.”

During Joe’s surgery, Dr. Ferrini also removed 17 lymph nodes, small structures that work as filters for foreign substances, such as cancer cells and infections.  Removing the lymph nodes reduces the risk that the cancer might return after surgery.  While Joe’s procedure was deemed successful in removing the cancer, he will follow-up with an oncologist in six months for more testing.  

“The hardest part of the entire process has been the restrictions such as no lifting and having to sit still,” Joe joked.  “I have been watching the others in my martial arts group train, and I just want to participate.  I cannot wait until I have been cleared for physical activity.”

Joe also looks forward to spending time with his family.  He visits his sister at least once a week.  His son, Jay, lives out of state, but traveled home to be with Joe during the surgery and part of his recovery.  Joe’s daughter, Katie, who also lives out of state with her four children, Faith, Grace, Hope, and Gus, encouraged and supported Joe during his recovery and stays in constant contact with him.