Kootenai | Kootenai Health | Issue 4, 2017

Know the Signs If you experience these symp- toms, it may be time to visit your health care provider or talk with one of our specialists. Call Kootenai Clinic Gastro- enterology and Endoscopy at (208) 625-4595 . • Changes in your bowel habits • Constipation or diarrhea • Rectal bleeding or blood in your stool • Abdominal bloating, cramps or discomfort • A feeling that your bowel doesn’t empty completely two tumor,” Dr. Young explained. “That means the tumor had grown through the bowel wall, but not into surrounding structures. It is rare for someone her age to have colorectal cancer. Only about 4 to 5 percent of all new colorectal cancer diagnoses are in her age group of 35 to 44, with the average age at diagnosis being 67.” Gearingup for treatment— andbeyond Within two weeks of her diagnosis, Jenn began an aggressive treatment plan consisting of chemotherapy, radiation and two surgeries. “Following her second surgery, there was about a six-week recovery period before Jenn could start working in her normal activities,” said Marcus Torgen- son, M.D., a surgeon with Kootenai Clinic General Surgery. “Jenn is a very motivated person and worked hard to get back to where she is today. She’s an inspiration to everyone who has followed her throughout this process.” Even though she was unable to compete in Ironman that year, she was able to participate in smaller events in between her treatments, including the Iron Series—the Coeur d’Alene marathon, the Crossing swim across Lake Coeur d’Alene, and the Coeur d’Fondo bike ride. “I had to break up the bike ride into three days because it takes so long and I still have gastrointestinal issues,” she said. “But the coordinator was so nice—he let me do the ride before the actual event because I would be in the hospital for one of my surgeries at that time. They gave me an honorary medal and mentioned my name in the paper with the other finishers.” Jenn’s oncologist, Jeff Allen, M.D., with Kootenai Clinic Cancer Services, said she is doing well and is part of the clinic’s survivorship program, which helps monitor for any future complica- tions and offer support if needed. This year she completed Coeur d’Alene’s half Ironman—a feat she wasn’t sure she’d ever reach—with her husband and three sons supporting her each step of the way. “My friends, family and medical team were there for me completely; I couldn’t have made it through without them,” Jenn said. “My oldest son, mom and uncle helped with housework and meals, and all of my oncology nurses and the hospital staff were amazing. As bad as it was, they were my silver lining.” Working together for quality care To learn more about Kootenai’s multidisciplinary team of experts, including Kootenai Clinic General Surgery, Gastroenterology and Endoscopy, and Cancer Services, visit KH.org . Jeff Allen, M.D. Gavin Young, M.D. Marcus Torgenson, M.D. ✓ KH . ORG 15