Colorectal Cancer: Maria's Patient Story

What happened, in summary

Maria Dupree was 58 when cramping and rectal bleeding led to a proximal rectal cancer diagnosis in December 2022. She had seen doctors a few months earlier, but the first tests did not identify the cause. A colonoscopy was recommended, and Maria scheduled it a few months later. When she woke up from the procedure, her gastroenterologist told her what he had found, and she was referred to a colorectal surgeon while pathology was pending. Maria worked as a Care Navigator for Cleveland Clinic Florida and chose Cleveland Clinic Florida because she wanted to be in trusted hands. A few days later, she met with her surgeon, who explained the plan and helped her feel more confident. On January 18, 2023, Maria became the first patient at Cleveland Clinic Tradition Hospital to undergo robotic-assisted minimally invasive colorectal surgery. Her surgeon performed a robotic anterior resection of the rectosigmoid. The robotic approach was intended to reduce pain, support faster recovery, and give the surgeon better visualization and instrument control. Maria spent 3 days in the hospital and went home without needing narcotic pain medicine. She later received additional cancer treatment, including chemotherapy. As of June 2023, she was focused on recovery, staying positive, taking care of herself, and encouraging others not to ignore symptoms or delay screening.