Specialized Surgery Improves Quality of Life for Long-Term Colon Cancer Survivor
When Ira Goldman was diagnosed with colon cancer at age 56, he was given just one option—and it was completely unacceptable to him.
“The surgeon told me he would have to remove my entire colon and that I’d have an ostomy for the rest of my life. I chose to get a second opinion,” recalls Goldman. “I wanted to do everything I could to maintain my quality of life.”
That led him to UC Health and Janice Rafferty, MD, a board-certified colon and rectum surgeon. She recommended an alternative surgery that would enable him to maintain bowel function post-surgery and avoid a permanent ostomy. This is a surgically created opening in the abdomen that functions as an anus, allowing elimination of fecal matter.
Goldman had “J pouch” surgery—known medically as ileoanal pouch procedure. The procedure was developed in the early 1980s to help patients achieve more controlled, less frequent bowel movements without an ostomy. The surgery involves removing the entire colon and then rerouting a piece of small intestine in the shape of a “J” to function as a new rectal reservoir..
“This procedure is an option for patients with good bowel control and young age prior to surgery,” says Rafferty, division director of colorectal surgery at UC and a UC Health surgeon. “With these specialized surgery techniques, we were able to eradicate the cancer while also helping maintain his quality of life.”
“My wife, son and I made the decision together,” recalls Goldman. “The surgery still required having a short-term ostomy so that I could heal, but it gave me the best option for a ‘normal’ life long term.”
Patients with permanent ostomy bags often struggle with psychosocial and physical challenges due to perceived stigma about their alternative way to pass stool
Now 13 years later—and still cancer free—Goldman enjoys a full life that includes a healthy balance of both professional and personal interests. He still works part time in telesales at Fifth Third Bank, and once a month he and his wife, Adele, escape to Chicago to see their grandchildren.
“I have more freedom today and my quality of life is so much better than it would have been if I hadn’t explored my options,” says Goldman. “I am thankful for Dr. Rafferty and her team as well as the constant support of my wonderful wife, Adele, and our two sons.”
Goldman sees Rafferty every two years for a follow-up exam.
“She has a great sense of humor and patient bedside manner,” Goldman says. “I appreciate that she always spends a lot of time with me and remembers the personal details about my care.”
UC Health’s multidisciplinary colon and rectal cancer team includes colorectal surgeons surgical oncologists, dedicated medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists andnurses who deliver a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach to care.
- Learn more about the UC Health colon and rectal cancer team here.