When Myrle Salomon began experiencing stomach discomfort in August 2025, he thought he might have an infection or even a parasite. At age 43, he never really considered the possibility of colon cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That all changed when his pain and discomfort continued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When he returned for a follow-up exam with April Y. Barr, APRN, a Norton Community Medical Associates nurse practitioner in downtown Madison, Indiana, Myrle was scheduled for a CT scan to provide an in-depth analysis of what might be causing his discomfort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The results showed a mass in his lower sigmoid colon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cApril called me right away to tell me about the mass,\u201d Myrle said. \u201cShe was very concerned.\u201d
He and April had known each other as former classmates at Southwestern High School in Hanover, Indiana.
According to Myrle, April already had scheduled him for a colonoscopy with Thomas C. Eckert, M.D., gastroenterologist with Norton Gastroenterology Specialists, and a follow-up with Matthew C. Golden, M.D., general surgeon with Norton Surgical Specialists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Myrle completed his colonoscopy in early September 2025 and was scheduled to have surgery with Dr. Golden, using the da Vinci Surgical System for robotic-assisted surgery, on Sept. 24.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhen I met Dr. Golden, he already had my (test) results, and he knew the mass was malignant. Either way, I needed surgery,\u201d Myrle said. \u201cDr. Golden talked with me about surgical options and explained that the robot would help reduce my post-surgery pain and improve my recovery time. He told me about his experience using the robot, and he explained everything very well. Those were all positive things for me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Myrle took Dr. Golden\u2019s recovery protocols to heart, and on the same evening of his surgery, Myrle was standing upright in his hospital room, because he didn\u2019t have any large incisions. The next day, he began walking laps on the fourth floor of Norton King\u2019s Daughters\u2019 Hospital. The following morning, a Friday, Dr. Golden released Myrle to go home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDr. Golden is phenomenal,\u201d Myrle said. \u201cHe really is. When I went to see him, we sat down and talked. He shared his experience, and he made me feel that I was in good hands right away. Dr. Golden said that he would pray for me and asked me to pray for him. In his words, he said, \u2018Between us and God, we\u2019ll get through this thing.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Due to the nature of his Stage 2B colon cancer, Myrle had a follow-up appointment with Shawn D. Glisson, M.D., medical oncologist with Norton Cancer Institute. During his appointment at Norton King\u2019s Daughters\u2019 Health Cancer Center in Madison, Myrle learned from Dr. Glisson that it is rare for someone his age to have this type of colon cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The good news: The surgery completely removed the cancerous tumor, and initial testing indicated no additional cancer cells in Myrle\u2019s body. He wouldn\u2019t need chemotherapy or radiation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI was very, very lucky,\u201d Myrle said. \u201cI had a full body scan and there was no evidence that anything had spread. It was all localized.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Myrle will have another scan scheduled this September, and he continues to see Dr. Golden every three months to be sure his health remains on track.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Looking back, Myrle, who has lived his entire life in Jefferson County, Indiana, praised April, his primary care provider, for her diligence, and his entire care team for the seamless care he experienced. They took his concerns seriously and acted quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Today, Myrle encourages others to pay attention to their health and monitor any changes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAbsolutely, pay attention to your body,\u201d Myrle said. \u201cSomething might seem insignificant at the time, but if you can\u2019t shake it, get it checked out. You should never be too busy to take care of yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The American Cancer Society recommends that colon cancer screenings begin at age 45 for those who are at average risk for the disease. If you have a family history of colon cancer or other health concerns, you may need to begin colon cancer screenings even earlier. Talk with your provider about a screening schedule that\u2019s right for you.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
When Myrle Salomon began experiencing stomach discomfort in August 2025, he thought he might have an infection or even a parasite. At age 43, he never really considered the possibility…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":36,"featured_media":1173058,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[523,380],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1173057","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-gastroenterology","category-patient-stories-norton-healthcare-miscellaneous"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n