For Everyone Touched By Cancer
My name is Dan Dry Dock Shockley, retired U.S. Navy, Operation Desert Storm; Enduring and Iraqi Freedom veteran and 9 year hereditary colon cancer WARRIOR w/a permanent ileostomy.
The results revealed 100 polyps embedded throughout my colon, rectum and anus. Based on these findings I visited a Certified Genetic Counselor. Germline DNA sequencing testing was initiated. I had not experienced any symptoms and had no family history.
My Certified Genetic Counselor and colorectal surgeon, at Tripler Army Medical Center, Hawai'i, encouraged me to read about the gene mutation they suspected I had. This would allow me an opportunity to better familiarize myself with what is considered life-saving surgery as well as a life-changing event.
The results revealed the diagnosis of attenuated familial adenomatous polyposis (AFAP), which is an autosomal dominant germline mutation. It is estimated to impact less than 0.03% of the global population. It's important to note, Dr. Henry T. Lynch, the founding father of hereditary colon cancer research, is credited w/the discovery of AFAP. My Certified Genetic Counselor and colorectal surgeon were colleagues of Dr. Lynch.
Based on these findings it was in the best practice of medicine to have total-proctocolectomy surgery w/a permanent ileostomy. Surgery was successfully performed at Tripler Army Medical Center in the days following the diagnosis.
I tend not to think about things out of my control, such as medical concerns. What I can control is my attitude. After 5 decades on God's green earth my positive attitude has brought me this far why change now.
Dan Dry Dock Shockley
During the 9 week recovery process, my focus was to keep my brain busy. Reaching out to numerous organizations nationally and internationally better prepared me for life as an ostomate w/a rare gene mutation. Sharing my journey as a source of inspiration is important to me.
From the onset, my response was to embrace this condition and adapt to life as an ostomate. Maintaining a positive attitude and having strong faith made a significant impact on my ability to overcome adversity.
In closing, I recall an old cliche, it's been said you can lead a horse to water, however, you can't make it drink. However, I discovered you can influence the horse to drink by feeding it salt along the way.
My hopes are by sharing this story it will serve as a source of salt for those who read it.
Always Forge Ahead w/a Purpose!
Dan Dry Dock Shockley is a retired U.S. Navy, Operation Desert Storm; Enduring and Iraqi Freedom veteran, 9 year hereditary colon cancer WARRIOR. "I'm a global rare disease and ostomy advocate. Member of the University of Michigan Genetic Hereditary Testing Advisory Board."
Help us continue supporting people affected by cancer.
We create clear, trusted information to make the cancer experience a little easier to navigate. We also reinvest our time and resources to send free comfort parcels to people who cannot afford one. If you would like to support this work, you can make a contribution or explore ways to get involved.
18Loop Is Deploying VR Which is Helping Kids With Cancer. This Post Looks At The Market For VR And What To Expect For Those Who Embrace It.
A Young Woman’s Dreams Of Motherhood Are Derailed By Cancer—But What Follows Is A Moving Journey Of Resilience, Love, And Redefining Family.
In her masterclass, Claudia shared her proven and easy-to-follow methods and non-traditional productivity approach. She helped us to understand how to optimize our time, reduce stress levels and overwhelm, and achieve the results we want in both our work and personal lives.
