Mihaela’s story
There’s no such thing as ‘too young’ for colorectal cancer, a harsh reality Mihaela, a 47-year-old single mom from Armonk, learned firsthand when she was diagnosed with Stage IIA rectal cancer at just 45 — a similar diagnosis to the iconic Catherine O’Hara, who recently passed due to complications caused by rectal cancer. Mihaela’s story, in particular, follows a disturbing national trend of colorectal cancer in those under 50 — a 50% spike in cases since the 1990s.
Mihaela lived a healthy lifestyle, had no family history of cancer, and was busy raising her teenage son. Making a terrifying diagnosis worse, the solution to her cancer could inadvertently cause a life-threatening brain infection.
This unique risk stemmed from a surgical implant in her brain that she has had since childhood due to a traumatic head injury. The device — called a VP shunt — drains fluid from her brain into her abdomen to prevent swelling and damage. But during abdominal cancer surgery, the shunt could create a direct path for bacteria to travel to her brain, potentially causing catastrophic meningitis or encephalitis.
Her surgeon, Alexis Grucela, MD, performed a meticulous robotic low anterior resection. The advanced precision of robotic surgery was critical in navigating Mihaela’s elevated risk, successfully removing the tumor without any issues. Mihaela went home just one day after major surgery – a testament to Dr. Grucela’s expertise and the efficacy of modern surgical techniques.
Dr. Grucela is chief of colorectal surgery and director of robotics and minimally-invasive surgery at Northwell’s Northern Westchester Hospital.
