Early Detection Is Key For Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis
3/18/2025
Annette Eichholz of Monticello, Indiana.
MONTICELLO, Ind. – Annette Eichholz is a proponent of preventative measures and health screenings. She has annual physicals, as well as mammograms, and had her first colonoscopy at the age of 45. She has always considered herself to be in good health.
In the fall 2019, she had a feeling, though, that something might be wrong, when she noticed some blood during bowel movements, but figured it was just something minor.
In January 2020, the resident of Monticello, Ind., went in for a colonoscopy, but the procedure could not be completed, because of a tumor in her rectum. It was quickly determined that she had cancer.
“Don’t be afraid to do the preventative exams or checkups if you notice an issue,” said Eichholz. “If you have colorectal cancer, you have it; however, early detection and diagnosis are key to an excellent outcome. I was fortunate that I went in when I did.”
After reviewing the test results, her oncologist formulated a plan that included surgery and at that time, no additional treatment would be needed. Eichholz had chosen to go to Franciscan Physician Network Indiana Colon & Rectal Specialist in Indianapolis, which was about a two-hour drive from her house.
She saw her surgeon the next week and scheduled an MRI for the following Monday and then surgery that Friday. Unfortunately, the surgery had to be cancelled because the MRI showed a spot on her pelvis. A biopsy was not an option because of where it was located.
Eichholz’s surgeon spoke with the tumor board and her oncologist and they all agreed that the tumor was now considered Stage 4 colorectal cancer. Also, test results showed that the tumor had touched her uterus but had not invaded it yet. These new findings changed the initial treatment plan.
Chemotherapy treatments started for Eichholz in mid-February 2020 and were four-and-a-half hours once a week, followed by a week with no treatment. She had a couple of weeks break after the chemotherapy and then began six weeks of radiation, Monday through Friday, while also wearing a chemo pump 24 hours a day, five days a week.
Eichholz drove herself to and from treatments, which were in Lafayette, about 45 minutes each direction. Chemotherapy was done at Franciscan Health Lafayette, while radiation was through another provider.
“I did this for my own mental state, helping me stay in my ‘I got this mode,’ as I called it,” she said. “It was also something that I still had control over during a time when so many things physically I had lost control of.”
At the end of October 2020, she had surgery to remove the tumor, be fitted with an ileostomy bag and have a complete hysterectomy. The ileostomy bag was then reversed in March 2021.
“I really feel like an open communication with your healthcare provider is very important, whether it's your primary care, a specialist or whoever,” she said. “Share with them so that they can help you and you can help them. Sometimes they have to try different treatments and medicines to see what works and you need to share with them what you are feeling and how you are feeling.”
Eichholz has been cancer free now for four years and counting. She remains in the surveillance period with follow up tests and appointments, which she has at the state-of-the-art Franciscan Health Cancer Center Lafayette, that is celebrating its one-year anniversary of being open this month.
“I feel great and live a full and active life,” said Eichholz. “I am forever grateful for the amazing healthcare team I have at Franciscan and all of the support they have given me. I am also grateful for the support system I have with my family and friends.”
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Learn more about screenings.
In the fall 2019, she had a feeling, though, that something might be wrong, when she noticed some blood during bowel movements, but figured it was just something minor.
In January 2020, the resident of Monticello, Ind., went in for a colonoscopy, but the procedure could not be completed, because of a tumor in her rectum. It was quickly determined that she had cancer.
“Don’t be afraid to do the preventative exams or checkups if you notice an issue,” said Eichholz. “If you have colorectal cancer, you have it; however, early detection and diagnosis are key to an excellent outcome. I was fortunate that I went in when I did.”
After reviewing the test results, her oncologist formulated a plan that included surgery and at that time, no additional treatment would be needed. Eichholz had chosen to go to Franciscan Physician Network Indiana Colon & Rectal Specialist in Indianapolis, which was about a two-hour drive from her house.
She saw her surgeon the next week and scheduled an MRI for the following Monday and then surgery that Friday. Unfortunately, the surgery had to be cancelled because the MRI showed a spot on her pelvis. A biopsy was not an option because of where it was located.
Eichholz’s surgeon spoke with the tumor board and her oncologist and they all agreed that the tumor was now considered Stage 4 colorectal cancer. Also, test results showed that the tumor had touched her uterus but had not invaded it yet. These new findings changed the initial treatment plan.
Chemotherapy treatments started for Eichholz in mid-February 2020 and were four-and-a-half hours once a week, followed by a week with no treatment. She had a couple of weeks break after the chemotherapy and then began six weeks of radiation, Monday through Friday, while also wearing a chemo pump 24 hours a day, five days a week.
Eichholz drove herself to and from treatments, which were in Lafayette, about 45 minutes each direction. Chemotherapy was done at Franciscan Health Lafayette, while radiation was through another provider.
“I did this for my own mental state, helping me stay in my ‘I got this mode,’ as I called it,” she said. “It was also something that I still had control over during a time when so many things physically I had lost control of.”
At the end of October 2020, she had surgery to remove the tumor, be fitted with an ileostomy bag and have a complete hysterectomy. The ileostomy bag was then reversed in March 2021.
“I really feel like an open communication with your healthcare provider is very important, whether it's your primary care, a specialist or whoever,” she said. “Share with them so that they can help you and you can help them. Sometimes they have to try different treatments and medicines to see what works and you need to share with them what you are feeling and how you are feeling.”
Eichholz has been cancer free now for four years and counting. She remains in the surveillance period with follow up tests and appointments, which she has at the state-of-the-art Franciscan Health Cancer Center Lafayette, that is celebrating its one-year anniversary of being open this month.
“I feel great and live a full and active life,” said Eichholz. “I am forever grateful for the amazing healthcare team I have at Franciscan and all of the support they have given me. I am also grateful for the support system I have with my family and friends.”
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Learn more about screenings.
Media Contact
Tony Veneziano
Media Relations Specialist
Phone: 317-528-7986
Email: Tony.Veneziano@FranciscanAlliance.org