Why a Colonoscopy Matters: John’s Story of Rectal Cancer Detection and Treatment

John Murray, 56, of Boca Raton, says he was not surprised when he received a cancer diagnosis in February of 2025.

“I knew I had waited too long with the issues I was having,” John says.

When he was 51 years old, he sent a sample in for an at-home screening test for colorectal cancer, which came back negative. But in the ensuing years he had issues with bleeding and pain, which he assumed was hemorrhoids. He finally scheduled a colonoscopy in February of 2025.

The colonoscopy and subsequent tests revealed that John had stage 3 rectal cancer, which had spread to his lymph nodes.

He began chemotherapy right away. The bleeding and pain he had been experiencing disappeared after the first month. Within three months he had some good news: Scans showed that the tumor had shrunk quite a bit. When his chemotherapy treatment concluded, he underwent radiation. And finally, surgery, the third part of his treatment plan, was on the horizon.

“I chose to have a good life and I’m glad I chose Cleveland Clinic.”

Based on a recommendation, John chose Cleveland Clinic in Florida for surgery in November 2025. He opted for the removal of his rectum, anus and lymph nodes, along with a colostomy, a redirection of the colon that connects it to a stoma (opening) in the abdomen to allow for the exit of stool into a specialized bag attached to the outside of the body. Marylise Boutros, MD, FACS, a colorectal surgeon at Weston Hospital, performed John’s surgery laparoscopically (using a minimally invasive technique that requires only small incisions).

Recovering from the surgery, John says, was the easiest part of his treatment. He spent three days in the hospital and said the staff was “excellent.”

“The care and the attitude of everyone was amazing,” John says. “I was so impressed.”

In addition, he says, “Dr. Boutros was a great doctor. She doesn’t rush you; she’s a very caring doctor. She loves what she does, and it shows.”

John’s latest tests show no evidence of cancer in his body. He will, however, be closely watched and undergo periodic testing for the next two years.

Regarding the colostomy bag, which is permanent, John says he is happy he got it.

“It’s so easy to deal with,” he says. “It just makes life a little different, but you can have a normal life. You just have to accept certain things.”

He credits his strong support group, which includes his wife, Janine; his daughter, Harley; and his friends, for helping him through his diagnosis, treatment and recovery.

“I chose to have a good life and I’m glad I chose Cleveland Clinic,” John says.