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Kassie Schaefers

Billy's Story: Prevention from Recurrence

Updated: Mar 11, 2022


Billy McMacken

In our last blog, we covered Billy McMacken’s story about his diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancer.

After being diagnosed with stage three colorectal cancer at the age of 51, McMacken underwent radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery.


Though he came out on top, the treatments took a toll on McMacken's body. Upon his release from the hospital, his doctor encouraged him to walking regularly and staying as physically active as possible would aid in his recovery.


“The first time I went to take a walk around the block, I made it about 100 yards, then turned around and went home,” McMacken said. “I remember getting home and telling my wife it was awful. I had no stamina. I can’t walk.”


Little by little he built up his stamina. After several months he was able to walk one mile, then two miles. Eventually, he was biking five to ten miles every other day.


Knowing there was a 30% chance of recurrence, McMacken asked his doctor about lifestyle changes that he should make during his recovery and beyond.


His doctor told him that taking care of yourself, sleeping well, eating right, getting exercise, and reducing stress can greatly decrease the risk of recurrence.


“This advice helped me a lot,” McMacken said. “I lost about 60 or 70 pounds from March to June of 2020. This was a really good thing for me because it took pressure off my knees, and the weight loss has allowed me to be more active.”


Today, McMacken sets a goal to reach 10,000 steps a day. He takes breaks from work to walk around and tries to close the fitness rings on his Apple Watch.


The earlier you start taking preventive measures, the lower your chances will be of developing colorectal cancer. Your health can't wait, so start today!




Next: Support from the community during McMacken’s initial diagnosis and treatment.

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