From Symptoms to Screening: Earl’s Stage III Rectal Cancer Journey at East Jefferson General Hospital

For as long as he can remember, 60-year-old Earl Rodrigue Jr. has been someone people count on. As the youngest of five siblings and the only brother in a close-knit family, he learned early the importance of showing up for others and keeping a steady, positive outlook, even when things are demanding. That mindset stayed with him throughout his life. 

For 37 years, Earl has helped run his family’s jewelry and gift business, now celebrating its 50th anniversary. He manages four stores, works long days, and stays deeply connected to the people around him. Customers don’t just know him by name. They know his warmth and reliability. 

So when subtle changes began to surface, they did not go unnoticed. 

People commented that he looked thinner. His energy seemed lower. He started taking naps in his office between responsibilities, something that had never been part of his routine. At first, Earl brushed it off, staying focused on work and family. But over time, the signs became harder to ignore. 

He had lost nearly 40 pounds. He felt persistently fatigued. Then came the most alarming symptom: blood in his stool. 

“That’s when I knew I needed to take a closer look at what my body was telling me,” Earl said. “I’m a very positive person, but I also believe in listening when something feels off and taking action.” 

Concerned by what he was experiencing, Earl scheduled a visit with his diabetes doctor. After hearing his symptoms, she immediately recommended a colonoscopy, which ultimately led to his rectal cancer diagnosis. 

Why early colorectal and anal cancer screening matters 

According to the National Cancer Institute, colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States for both men and women. It develops in the colon or rectum and frequently begins as small growths called polyps. While many polyps are benign, some can develop into cancer over time. Because early-stage colorectal cancer often causes few or no symptoms, routine screening plays a critical role in identifying disease before it becomes more advanced. 

Anal cancer is less common than colorectal cancer and affects the anal canal and surrounding tissues. Symptoms may include rectal bleeding, pain, changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, or fatigue. These symptoms can overlap with less serious conditions, which may delay diagnosis without proper screening or follow-up testing. 

In Earl’s case, his colonoscopy led to further evaluation, including MRI and CT imaging. Those scans revealed Stage III rectal cancer. Understanding what that stage means helped guide the next steps in his care. 

Cancer staging describes how far cancer has progressed in the body: 
● Stage I and II cancers are generally limited to the original site 
● Stage III cancers have spread to nearby lymph nodes 
● Stage IV cancers have spread to distant organs 

Earl’s cancer was classified as Stage III because the tumor had extended into nearby muscle tissue and lymph nodes but had not spread to distant organs. While this stage is serious, it is still considered treatable. 

After receiving his diagnosis, Earl met with a multidisciplinary team of specialists at East Jefferson General Hospital Cancer Center, including Rachel C. Caldwell, MD, a hematologist-oncologist, Siddhartha Padmanabha, MD, a radiation-oncologist, and Jennifer D. Silinsky, MD, a colon and rectal surgeon. 

Before finalizing his treatment plan, Earl’s case was presented at a multidisciplinary tumor board — a conference made up of medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgeons, pathologists, radiologists, and gastroenterologists. During this collaborative discussion, specialists carefully reviewed his imaging, biopsy results and overall health to determine which phase of treatment needed to begin first and in what sequence. This coordinated review ensured that every aspect of his cancer was evaluated from multiple expert perspectives before moving forward. 

Together, the team walked Earl through what his diagnosis meant, how treatment would move forward, and what to expect at each phase of care. This collaborative approach ensured that decisions were aligned, clearly communicated, and centered on Earl’s needs every step of the way. 

“Stage III rectal cancer typically requires a carefully sequenced approach that combines multiple types of treatment,” Dr. Caldwell said. “That may include chemotherapy, radiation, and close imaging follow-up, all working together to address the tumor and nearby lymph nodes while preserving function. In Earl’s case, having a clear, individualized plan and a coordinated care team allows us to deliver treatment with precision at every stage.” 

A phased rectal cancer treatment plan 

Earl’s care plan is intentionally structured in phases, with each phase designed to address a specific part of the disease while supporting his overall health and quality of life. 

The first phase involved chemotherapy given every other week over a six-month period. Chemotherapy works throughout the body to target cancer cells, shrinking the primary tumor and affected lymph nodes. In Stage III rectal cancer, this approach helps treat the cancer both where it started and in nearby areas that may not yet be visible on scans. 

Each infusion session lasted several hours. As treatment progressed, Earl experienced expected side effects, including fatigue and some numbness and tingling in his hands and feet. His care team monitored these effects closely and adjusted medications as needed to help him stay as comfortable and active as possible throughout treatment. 

Even while undergoing chemotherapy, Earl continued working, supported by his sisters, colleagues, and friends, who adjusted schedules and stepped in when needed so he could focus on his health without stepping away from the family business he cares deeply about. 

Inside the East Jefferson General Hospital Cancer Center, recognized with the Commission on Cancer Accreditation from the American College of Surgeons, the same level of coordination and attentiveness is evident. Nurses walked Earl through each medication before it was administered, answered questions in detail, and kept a close watch on how he was feeling from visit to visit. 

“I never felt like just another patient,” Earl said. “They explain what’s happening, they listen when you have concerns, and they really take the time to make sure you feel supported. That makes a huge difference when you’re going through treatment.” 

Earl completed this first phase of chemotherapy on December 26, 2025. 

The next phase of treatment now underway combines chemotherapy and radiation, delivered five days a week. This approach is commonly used when rectal cancer has spread beyond the original tumor but remains contained to nearby areas. Radiation is aimed directly at the tumor and surrounding tissue, while chemotherapy helps make the radiation more effective at the cellular level. 

Because treatment during this phase happens more frequently, Earl has adjusted his routine to support rest and recovery, scheduling later appointments so he can return home afterward, eat dinner, and get some sleep. 

Follow-up CT and MRI scans will help determine how the cancer responds to this combined therapy. If imaging shows a complete or near-complete response, surgery may not be necessary. If areas of concern remain, surgery could be considered as a next step. 

Throughout every phase, the East Jefferson care team has continued to coordinate appointments around Earl’s schedule, including grouping multiple scans on the same day whenever possible. 

“That kind of thoughtfulness matters,” Earl said. “At East Jefferson, it’s not just about the treatment. It’s about how they treat you.” 

Faith, community, and a message worth sharing 

At the encouragement of his godchild, Earl chose to share his diagnosis publicly on social media. The response was immediate and deeply affirming. His post reached tens of thousands of people. Customers stopped by his stores simply to check on him. Messages of prayer, encouragement, and support came in from across New Orleans and beyond. 

“The blessing in all of this is that humanity is great,” Earl said. “People really do care, both at the hospital and in your personal life. It’s truly a beautiful thing to witness.” 

Throughout his diagnosis and treatment, Earl has leaned heavily on faith, meditation, and spirituality to stay grounded. When anxiety surfaces, prayer helps him regain perspective and focus on what he can control. He approaches each day with intention, refusing to let cancer define who he is or how he lives. 

As National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month approaches, Earl feels a strong responsibility to share one clear message: do not wait to get screened. 

His lighthearted but memorable phrase, “Get your booty checked,” has already prompted people in his community to schedule colonoscopies of their own. Many have returned to tell him they followed through because his story gave them the push they needed. 

Colonoscopies, Earl added, are painless and far less intimidating than people expect. More importantly, screening can detect cancer before symptoms appear, when treatment is often simpler and outcomes are significantly better. 

“Don’t let cancer define who you are,” Earl said. “Take care of yourself before your body forces you to.” 

Today, Earl continues treatment with optimism, supported by family, faith, and a care team he trusts deeply. His story serves as a reminder that early screening and compassionate care can make a meaningful difference, not just in outcomes, but in how patients experience every step of their journey. 

Take the next step for your colorectal health 

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, a reminder that prevention and early detection save lives. Current guidelines recommend routine screening starting at age 45, or earlier for those with risk factors or a family history. Whether you are due for a screening, experiencing symptoms, or supporting a loved one, expert cancer care matters. 

To learn more about comprehensive, personalized cancer care that puts patients on the path to survivorship, visit the East Jefferson General Hospital Cancer Center website.