Q&A with Colon Cancer Survivor Rep. Mike Fitzpatrick

Fight CRC is privileged to work with a small committee of congressional leaders committed to fighting colorectal cancer. This committee, called our Congressional Advisory Committee, includes leaders like Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick who’s been personally impacted by the cause. We hope you’re inspired by the reasons he fights and will be motivated to use your experience and voice for change.

Q. What was your official diagnosis?

Rep. Fitzpatrick: Colon cancer, stage III

Q. How did you discover your cancer?

Rep. Fitzpatrick: At first, the symptoms were familiar. There wasn’t much to worry about, I thought it was maybe a kind of virus that we pick up now and then. In retrospect, the symptoms were similar to what we know about colon cancer, but I chose to ignore them. I was busy and didn’t have time to worry. But there was a day in spring of 2008 when the “virus” hadn’t gone away — the symptoms were more pronounced — and I told my wife.

At her insistence, not my better judgement, I went to the doctor for a screening and was soon told I had colon cancer — later learning it was stage III.

Q. What was your response? Your family’s response?

Rep. Fitzpatrick: My first thoughts on hearing the news: I was 44-years-old, a father of six and seemingly in good health. This was incomprehensible; I was in disbelief. Needless to say, my life changed that day and I was forced to consider my future and my health.

Q. What did you do for treatment?

Rep. Fitzpatrick: I immediately began treatment at our local hospital with a great team of physicians, nurses and technicians administering chemotherapy and a “lifetime dose” of radiation. I was scheduled for four months of aggressive treatment, beginning in July of 2008, leading up to surgery scheduled for October that same year.

Following the mandatory, pre-surgery examination, I was astonished to learn the tumor was gone — “melted away,” someone said. I had the choice to have the surgery anyway, or just post- surgery chemotherapy. I opted for the later. From October 2008 to March 2009, I underwent the prescribed treatment.

I was often asked how I felt while undergoing my treatments. I was tired, not feeling great most days, but never missed a day at the law office — even trying a case in court. Maybe it was a “life goes on” effort, but it worked.

Q. What motivated you to run for Congress after your cancer diagnosis?

Rep. Fitzpatrick: During my nine months of treatment, I watched Congress begin to debate the healthcare law. At this point, it was personal and I wanted a say.

With my illness in remission, I decided I would run for my old seat in Congress. In January 2010, I announced my candidacy in front of the same hospital I had undergone my treatment. With the help of my family, friends, neighbors, countless volunteers and voters of every stripe, I was reelected to represent the people of Pennsylvania’s Eighth District once again.

Q. Does your experience as a survivor impact how you lead in Congress?

Rep. Fitzpatrick: As a member of Congress today, I still see the impact of my experience daily. I am more passionate about debating the need for additional funds for cancer research and try to be an advocate for all individuals and families dealing with a cancer diagnosis.

Q. For other survivors out there inspired by your story — what encouragement would you give them?

Rep. Fitzpatrick: Your fight is not alone. Even outside your close group of family, friends and medical professionals there are individuals across the nation fighting for you — for life-saving cures and for increased access to research.

Q. Why are you willing to share your story?

Rep. Fitzpatrick: I’m willing to share my story because my experience has shaped the way I live each day — both as a husband, father, grandfather and member of Congress. My experience drives my passion for cancer advocacy but you don’t have to be a survivor to be an advocate, everyone is a vehicle for change in the fight against cancer.

Q. Who do you fight for?

Rep. Fitzpatrick: I fight for my family, my constituents and all those impacted by CRC.