FALL 2023

Colette Dishman battled her hidden cancer with the help of a dedicated team at Baylor Scott & White Health .

olette was fed up . Digestive issues continued to plague her , and she felt like she wasn ’ t getting the attention she needed to provide her relief . At the urging of her husband , John , Colette began seeing a gastroenterologist , who suggested an endoscopy for Colette . The doctor called just a few days after Colette ’ s test in March 2022 to ask that she and John come into the office that same day . What could have just appeared to be gastritis was something her doctor found unusual : “ A hard part about the size of your fingernail ,” Colette recalled . “ She said it was cancer .”

John , a retired business executive ,

Surgeon Marc Ward , MD , made a lasting impression on the Dishmans with his relentless dedication to Colette ’ s care conducted extensive research to find his wife what he felt was the best care available . On April 5 , 2022 , the couple met with Marc Ward , MD , a surgeon on the medical staff of Baylor University Medical Center , to talk about next steps for treatment of her adenocarcinoma . The doctor explained that the tests showed it was locally advanced . He recommended removal of Colette ’ s stomach , and subsequent reconstruction of a pouch that would function similarly to her stomach .

The doctor proposed removing her stomach laparoscopically , using only small incisions , so that she would have a quicker recovery following the surgery .

With a goal of providing Colette the treatment she needed quickly , her surgeon began making calls to additional specialists at Baylor Scott & White — including oncologists — while he was sitting in the exam room with the couple . The urgency with which everyone , including her surgeon , reacted gave the Dishmans solace in the face of a frightening diagnosis .

Continued on pg 7

Inside this issue

Departments

2 From the President

8 From the Chair

In Memoriam

Dr . William C . Roberts

( 1932 – 2023 )

News , Projects & Campaigns

3 A Heartwarming Liver Transplant Story

4 24th Annual Celebrating Women Announcement

5 FDA Approves New Alzheimer ’ s Drug : Q & A with Dr . Cindy Marshall

8 2023 – 24 U . S . News & World Report Rankings