Colorectal Cancer Survivor: Resilience Through Expert Care

When Dino Sarpa, a Carmel, Indiana, resident and longtime logistics and transportation professional, retired at the end of 2021, he didn't anticipate his first day of retirement would come with a life-changing diagnosis.

Before retirement, Dino underwent a series of tests as part of his routine healthcare.

After a routine colonoscopy, Dino learned he had colorectal cancer.

"I retired after 40 years," he explained. "Jan. 1, 2022, was my first day of retirement. I learned I had cancer on Jan. 5. I was in surgery on Jan. 20."

The quick diagnosis and subsequent surgery were just the beginning of Dino's journey.

"They removed my rectum," he said, acknowledging that while his cancer was initially caught at stage one, a single cancer cell near one of his lymph ducts meant he needed to undergo chemotherapy as a precaution. "They treated me as a stage three…just to make sure nothing else was going on."

Choosing The Right Cancer Care

Dino explored different healthcare systems before receiving care at Franciscan Health.

"I interviewed several different places," he said.

Ultimately, Dipen Maun, MD, a colon and rectal surgeon and Niraj Gupta, MD, a medical oncologist at Franciscan Health, made him feel most at ease.

"Dr. Maun's experience, along with Dr. Gupta's, put me at ease very quickly," Dino recalls. "Dr. Maun had a specific plan, reviewed my case with a board, and laid out my best options. They put me at ease."

It also helped that Franciscan Health had recently opened a new facility in Carmel, allowing Dino to get world-class care in his community.

"It was an easy decision for me," he said.

Early Detection And Compassionate Treatment

The compassionate care Dino received at Franciscan Health impacted his cancer journey significantly.

"They offered unbelievable accommodation and support while I was working through things," Dino said. "The staff was very professional. They took the time to answer all my questions and helped address the concerns from an insurance standpoint. Some places might say, 'We accept your insurance,' but that doesn't always mean they're in-network, which is an important nuance. You definitely don't want to get hit with unexpected costs.

"We could also send our questions in advance through MyChart. The system was very easy to use, and I appreciated that Dr. Maun was always prepared to answer our questions, which made this journey much easier to navigate."

Dino emphasized how critical it was to feel comfortable with his colorectal cancer care team.

"I was impressed with the team and the collaboration between the specialists—they knew what they were doing," he said.

Despite his challenging colorectal cancer diagnosis, Dino's resilient spirit and trust in his medical team have brought him to a place of healing.

"I've been clear since my diagnosis," he said.

From Colon Cancer Diagnosis To Remission

Colon cancer, particularly colorectal cancer, is one of the most common cancers diagnosed in both men and women in the United States. Routine screenings, like colonoscopies, are critical for detecting this cancer early, often before symptoms even appear. Dino's story is a powerful reminder of the importance of early detection and expert care.

Now in remission, Dino is focusing on his post-retirement life with his high school sweetheart and wife of 39 years, Nancy. Together, they have twin adult children, Alessandra and Nicholas.

"I enjoy working out, I'm involved in service with our church, and I like to cook—which I learned from my parents," he said. "I've got two brothers in the area, and we garden together."

Reflecting on his experience, Dino feels blessed to have chosen Franciscan Health.

"To be very honest, I'm happy with our decision and our experiences. We were blessed to have picked Franciscan Health," he said. "The doctors immediately talked about my healing and survivorship and put us at ease. I don't have to worry about things."

Life After Cancer: How Franciscan Health Supported Dino Sarpa

Dino Sarpa's journey is one of resilience, expert care and gratitude. With Franciscan Health by his side, he is confident in his health and looks forward to enjoying life surrounded by family and friends.

Learn more about how Franciscan Health can support your cancer care journey. Contact us today for expert, compassionate treatment.

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