Emergency icon Important Updates
Close
Important Updates

Coming to a Cleveland Clinic location?
E. 100th Street on Cleveland Clinic main campus closed

Notice of Change Healthcare data breach
Learn more

Rectal Cancer Survivor Finds a Partner in Cleveland Clinic

In June 2015, Ed Godic of Bay Village decided to revamp his diet. He noticed blood in his stool and thought a diet change would help. At 60, he decided to remove gluten and add healthier food options to his meals.

After two weeks without improved symptoms, Ed decided it was time to see primary care doctor Cory Fisher, DO, at Cleveland Clinic Beachcliff Family Medicine in Rocky River. “I advised Ed that he needed a colonoscopy to determine the cause of the unexplained blood loss,” says Dr. Fisher.

“The anxiety before the colonoscopy was unfounded; it was such an easy procedure,” recalls Ed. As he woke up from the colonoscopy, his gastroenterologist delivered the results that had been in the back of his mind — he had rectal cancer. “I didn’t think this could happen to me,” he says.

Once he got his bearings and accepted his diagnosis, Ed began the next leg in his course of care. At Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center at Fairview Hospital, he received 28 doses of radiation that caused him to be tired and weak. “It was important for me to remain active even though I didn’t feel like it.”

“Through my experience, I learned Cleveland Clinic technology is outstanding, but it’s the caregivers who made a difference.”

After a short recovery time following the radiation treatments, Ed saw a Cleveland Clinic colorectal surgeon, who completed a resection of Ed’s rectum, and created an ileostomy — a temporary opening for digestive waste to bypass the areas where Ed had surgery. Following the surgery, he spent four days in the hospital.

Ed’s case is a perfect example of how continuum of care at Cleveland Clinic works — starting at three different Cleveland Clinic facilities on the West Side and finishing his care at main campus.

Today, Ed requires regular testing and medical care, but he’s on the mend. “Through my experience, I learned Cleveland Clinic technology is outstanding, but it’s the caregivers who made a difference. I’d like to volunteer with cancer patients, so I can make a difference in someone’s life, too.”

Related Institutes: Digestive Disease & Surgery Institute , Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center
Patient Stories

Patient Stories

Ashley no longer has diabetes after undergoing a robot-assisted kidney and pancreas transplant.

Woman No Longer Has Diabetes After Robot-Assisted Kidney and Pancreas Transplant

Apr 24, 2025

“They decide to donate organs, so people like me have a chance to continue living.”
Read Story
Myles is able to continue playing the sport he loves after receiving treatment for a type of bone cancer.

Teen Athlete Has Leg Bone Transplanted Into Arm To Treat Bone Cancer

Apr 22, 2025

“If you'd asked me when he was 5 years old what was possible for him, I couldn’t imagine what he’s doing today.”
Read Story
Ahmad in hospital, and Ahmad with donor

Boy Meets Two-Time Living Donor Who Helped Save Him: “Organ Donors Are Heroes”

Apr 17, 2025

“Ahmad’s donor not only saved my son's life, but they saved mine as well because he is my life. Organ donors are heroes.”
Read Story
Back to Top