Defying the Odds: Braselton woman beats colon cancer Only 45 years old when doctors at Piedmont Healthcare told her she had colorectal cancer, Kim Houston is one of a growing number of people battling the third most commonly diagnosed cancer at a younger age. “Typically, we think of this type of cancer as an older person’s disease,” Houston said. “However, I was 45 years old when I was diagnosed. I walked around with symptoms for five months prior to being seen by a doctor because I was too busy. I learned how important it is to heed your body’s warning signs.” Soon after her diagnosis, Houston underwent colorectal surgery and later completed six months of chemotherapy at Piedmont Healthcare. “Dr. (Perry) Ballard shared with me that I was cancer free during my follow-up appointment,” Houston said. “I shed tears of joy. It was the first time I cried from the time I received the news that I had cancer, through the surgeries and chemo treatments, everything ... it was the best cry I had in years.” Colorectal cancer incidence in the United States is declining rapidly overall, according to
the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, but the occurrence is increasing among younger adults like Houston. “Most people diagnosed with colorectal cancer
are ages 50 or older but the number of younger people being diagnosed certainly is on the rise,” Dr. Ballard, oncologist at Piedmont Healthcare, said. “Young people should be aware of the risk factors for colorectal cancer — especially family history.” In 2017, an estimated 135,430 people in the United States will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. Symptoms of colorectal cancer include a change in bowel habits, rectal bleeding, blood in stool, cramping or belly pain, weakness and fatigue as well as unintended weight loss. “You must take your health care into your own hands, slow down and ensure that you demand any and every test available,” Houston said. “Early detection saved my life. I don’t even want to imagine what would have happened if I waited until I felt better.” For more information about colorectal cancer, visit piedmont.org/cancer For Home Magazine
Two Generations. One Unwavering Commitment.
“Protecting Your Future” 210 Washington St. NW, Ste # 106 • Gainesville • 770-535-5000 12600 Deerfield Pkwy, Ste # 100 • Alpharetta • 678-566-3590
$200 Off www.MooresWealthManagement.com
a pair of Signia Advanced or Premium hearing instruments
$200 Off
Call us at
pair of Signia or #113 250 JohnaW. Morrow Jr.Advanced Pkwy • Suite Premium hearing instruments Gainesville, GA 30501
(770) 532-5092 250 John W. Morrow Jr. Pkwy www.gainesvillehearing.com
$300 Off
A Pair of (2) Suite #113 • Gainesville, GA Pure 13 BT Aids www.gainesvillehearing.com250 John W. Morrow Jr. Pkwy • Suite #113
*Study conducted at the University of Northern Colorado, 2015, examined the effectiveness of the new features of primax by collecting and analyzing ongoing EEG data while subjects performed speech testing. For both primax features SpeechMaster and EchoShield, the objective brain behavior measures revealed a significant reduction in listening effort when the feature was activated. Hearing instruments help many people hear better, but cannot solve every hearing problem or restore normal hearing. Features vary by technology. Copyright © 2016 Signia GmbH. All rights reserved. Sivantos, Inc. is a Trademark Licensee of Siemens AG. 12/16 D-74XX-17
Call us at
Gainesville, GA 30501
(770) 532-5092 www.gainesvillehearing.com
40 September 2017 HOME Living In North Georgia
*Study conducted at the University of Northern Colorado, 2015, examined the effectiveness of the new features of primax by collecting and analyzing ongoing EEG data while subjects performed speech testing. For both primax features SpeechMaster and EchoShield, the objective brain behavior measures revealed a significant reduction in listening effort when the feature was activated. Hearing instruments help many people hear better, but cannot solve every hearing problem or restore normal hearing. Features vary by technology. Copyright © 2016 Signia GmbH. All rights reserved. Sivantos, Inc. is a Trademark Licensee of Siemens AG. 12/16 D-74XX-17
895 Dawsonville Hwy • Gainesville, GA 30501 Call Ahead 678-450-8447