LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) – In our weekly ‘Real Men Wear Gowns’ segment, we talk about the importance of men going to see their doctors regularly.
After hearing many stories from men in Arkansas, we’ve learned that even if it's just a nagging pain, a trip to the doctor could save your life. The same old story goes for Calvin Meriwether.
He is your typical guy's guy. He’s a football fan, likes to work out and lift weights. He also has a new granddaughter that he spends as much time with as he can.
And like most men…”I’m not really a big fan of going to the doctor.”
That is, until five years ago.
“I started having problems with pain in my side. I’d get up in the morning, go to work, come home and I would pretty much collapse until the next morning and I start all over again.”
That simple trip to the doctor led to a trip to the hospital where they did a colon screening.
“I found out Thanksgiving Day I had colon cancer, and it was also the day after my birthday…”
Meriwether had surgery, and although the cancer spread, six months of chemo later, he got the good news.
“My oncologist says I'm cancer free. I’m really proud and glad and blessed to reach that landmark.”
“He's doing well, he's doing very well actually. Suffering from a life-threatening diagnosis, and overcoming it has made him more vigilant about his healthcare, said Meriwether’s doctor, Dr. Nosheen Mian.
It’s a vigilance that all men need to have in order to stay healthy.
“It opens your eyes and makes you realize how precious life is and you don't sweat the small stuff,” said Meriwether.
Meriwether has been cancer-free for five years. He says for the guys worried about getting a colonoscopy, that the prep is worse than the procedure.