Continued from pg 1
Hard-to-Stomach Diagnosis
“ Here he is , in the middle of our conversation , making the calls himself !” Colette said , impressed with how her physician became an immediate and active participant in her care .
On April 20 , 2022 , Colette had a port installed that would provide chemotherapy treatment , which she began on April
27 . Her stomach was removed July 6 , 2022 , and she completed two more months of chemotherapy treatment . She was declared cancer-free that summer .
“ Along the way , Baylor Scott & White treated us wonderfully ,” John Dishman said . “ From the receptionist when you walk in , to the nurses and doctors telling you everything that ’ s going to go on in pre-op , to the people there with you post-op to make sure everything is OK — they ’ re all fantastic .”
Five weeks after her stomach removal , Colette mentioned to her surgeon that her birthday was coming up and that she ’ d really like a hamburger . ( Because she and John are from California , she wanted an In-N-Out burger .) “ He said , ‘ Have some fries too .’” Colette laughed , recalling how her surgeon had been happy with her swift recovery .
Now a year past her successful surgery , Colette is back to enjoying her active lifestyle , which includes many walks with her golden retriever , Brook ; going to mass every day at her church , St . Elizabeth Ann Seton ; watching sports with John and enjoying fishing trips to Tennessee .
“ We also like to go to nice restaurants ,”
Colette said . She enjoys eating a healthy diet and finds she can eat normally with her reconstructed stomach . “ I was in great hands at Baylor Scott & White . They saved my life .”
“ Baylor Scott & White treated us wonderfully . From the receptionist when you walk in , to the nurses and doctors telling you everything that ’ s going to go on in pre-op , to the people there with you post-op to make sure everything is OK — they ’ re all fantastic .”
– John Dishman
John made it a point to tell Colette ’ s surgeon at every follow-up appointment how much he appreciated the excellent care his wife received , and then , one day , an idea hit him : “ I turned to Colette and said , ‘ I know how to show our appreciation !’”
The Dishmans decided to commit an estate gift to help fund research into gastric cancers at Baylor Scott & White Health .
“ The only way that cancer is going to be defeated is with people that donate funds to do the research needed ,” John said , encouraging other grateful patients to identify the area of research that motivates them and also step up to the plate to help . “ It ’ s not going to happen otherwise .”
“ It has been a true privilege to care for this family and see them overcome this health condition and become cancerfree . With this gift , they are also paying it forward so that more patients can benefit from research that might not change their diagnosis or outcome , but will improve future patient outcomes ,” Dr . Ward explained .
Colette has committed to staying as healthy as possible , taking up the practice of yoga and continuing to pursue her gardening . She talks excitedly about the new things she and John are doing with Brook , including exploring her pup ’ s
GRATEFUL GIVING
Honor a Caregiver …
The Grateful Giving program at Baylor Scott & White Dallas Foundation empowers grateful patients and their loved ones to express their appreciation for the caregivers who made
a significant difference during their healthcare experience , while also providing vital support to Baylor Scott & White ’ s mission .
Your generous donations play a crucial role in advancing medical education , research and innovative technology . Each year , our dedicated physicians , nurses and team members continue to make a profound impact on people ’ s lives .
Your recognition and shared stories touch the hearts of our healthcare providers , igniting their passion for delivering exceptional care .
To make a gift in honor of your caregiver , scan the QR code .
potential interest in swimming . “ She ’ s a happy , happy dog ,” Colette says , a big smile on her own face . “ She does spins in the morning and jumps on the bed because she ’ s excited to start the day !”
Brook is likely not the only one in the Dishman household who ’ s excited about all the possibilities of a new day .
Cancer free ! Having successfully beaten cancer , John and Colette Dishman are continuing to enjoy rich , full lives that include food , family , fun and their happy dog Brook
7
THE COMPASS / BAYLOR SCOTT & WHITE FOUNDATION NEWS / FALL 2023