Man Up to Cancer

As we talk to Joe from https://manuptocancer.org/index we learn about how their organization does so much to support men going through various kinds of cancer.

Joe Bullock was diagnosed with stage 3b colorectal cancer in May 2018 after a routine colonoscopy at age 50. Despite experiencing symptoms for several months, he delayed seeking medical attention while grieving the loss of both his parents, who passed away within six months of each other in 2017. After this period of mourning, Joe underwent a colonoscopy at Duke Hospital, where his gastroenterologist discovered two polyps and a 10cm tumor in his colon.

Following the diagnosis, Joe underwent surgery to remove the tumor, during which his colon was reconnected, and 40 lymph nodes were removed—three of which tested positive for cancer. Post-surgery, he underwent an intensive treatment regimen consisting of Oxaliplatin infusions and Xeloda pills over the course of eight cycles, spanning six months.

In February 2019, Joe was declared NED (No Evidence of Disease). Since surviving cancer, he has embraced a mission to give back, driven by the belief that while cancer may be done with him, he is not done with cancer. His involvement with the Man Up to Cancer community has allowed him to transform his pain into purpose, offering hope and solidarity to others navigating similar journeys.