For the past six years, Kim Jette of Cumming, has walked a daunting and unexpected path — one that began with a diagnosis of advanced colon cancer, continued through complex treatments and complications, and ultimately led her to Washington, D.C., as a passionate advocate for colorectal cancer awareness.
On Labor Day weekend in 2019, Kim experienced debilitating abdominal pain. Her husband insisted she go to the emergency room.
“My home is equally close to two hospitals — a right turn would take us to one and a left turn to the other,” Kim said. “By random draw, I landed at Northside Hospital Forsyth, and I’m so glad I did!”
A CT scan in the ER revealed a tumor in her sigmoid colon and lesions on her liver. The physician immediately suspected metastatic colon cancer and shared the news with Kim, her husband and 12-year-old daughter. Kim was admitted for pain management and scheduled for a colonoscopy.
The colonoscopy confirmed cancer that had created an 85% blockage in her colon — a situation that can become dangerous quickly. Kim was referred to Dr. Marion Schertzer, a colorectal surgeon (now retired) with Georgia Colon & Rectal Surgical Associates.
“Dr. Schertzer was a real spitfire,” Kim said. “She firmly articulated that we would proceed immediately with tumor removal due to the blockage, and she had already consulted other specialists about my case. I appreciated her strong leadership at a scary time.”
Dr. Schertzer recommended Dr. Eddie Abdalla of Atlanta Liver & Pancreas Surgical Specialists to evaluate the tumors on Kim’s liver. She also recommended two oncologists, including Dr Nishan Fernando of Georgia Cancer Specialists, whom Kim chose based on a friend’s endorsement.
“By the time I was discharged from Northside Forsyth, Dr. Schertzer had removed 18 inches of my colon in laparoscopic resection surgery, and we had lined up all of my doctors,” Kim said. “Things were moving quickly, but I had strong confidence in the team that was being assembled.”
With the colon tumor removed, Kim began chemotherapy in October 2019, receiving the FOLFOX regimen under Dr. Fernando’s care. Her side effects were well-managed, allowing her to continue working a reduced schedule. After several rounds, a follow-up scan showed the liver tumors were stable — not shrinking, but not growing either.
Dr. Fernando’s leadership assured Kim.
“He was discussing my case with the tumor board and my other doctors regularly,” she said. “I was impressed by how all the Northside experts collaborated on my treatment plan.”
Dr. Abdalla believed the liver tumors could be removed surgically, but recommended a few preparatory steps. Kim’s treatment plan was revised to include Y90 radioembolization and immunotherapy.
Y90 delivers radiation directly to liver tumors through a catheter inserted via the groin. Kim received the treatment at Northside Hospital Atlanta under the care of Dr. Jason Levy, an interventional radiologist.
“Dr. Levy warned me that he’d given me an extremely strong dose of radiation,” Kim shared. “It took me out. I felt like I’d been hit by a truck for six weeks.”
Dr. Fernando also started Kim on the immunotherapy drugs Opdivo and Yervoy. Genetic testing revealed Kim had Lynch Syndrome, an inherited condition that significantly increases the risk of several cancers, including colorectal. The immunotherapy combination was well proven in lung cancer, but not in colorectal cancer. However, Kim’s medical team believed it showed promise for Kim, given her specific genetic mutation. She received infusions every three weeks.
In April 2020, intensive imaging showed Kim’s liver was functioning well enough for surgery. In May, Dr. Abdalla performed a complex six-hour surgery at Northside Atlanta, removing nearly 90% of her liver. During surgery, he also found and removed an additional tumor on her diaphragm. All tumors were completely dead, proving the targeted therapies had done their jobs.
In July 2020, Kim had her first NED scan — no evidence of disease.
Following her successful liver surgery, Kim’s medical team chose to continue one of the immunotherapy drugs for at least two years because of her Lynch Syndrome. She later experienced two diaphragm ruptures related to surgical damage from the tumor removal, requiring additional major surgeries in October 2020 and March 2022.
Today, Kim undergoes periodic bloodwork, imaging, colonoscopies, endoscopies and other screenings due to Lynch Syndrome. Her liver has regenerated to near its original size.
Before her diagnosis, Kim was not aware of any significant symptoms.
“In hindsight, I was having a little acid reflux, a slight decrease in appetite, and I’d lost five pounds,” she said. “I also had some right shoulder pain, which was likely refractory pain from the tumor on my diaphragm. But nothing was alarming at the time.”
Kim credits her survival to the collaboration and expertise of her Northside care team.
“My doctors were so closely connected and immediately pulled each other in to work together on my behalf,” she said. “They crafted a plan that would work best for my case, and I’m sitting here today because of it. Northside saved my life.”
She also praises the hospital staff she encountered along the way.
“Being a patient at Northside is a uniquely positive experience,” Kim said. “Nurses, technicians, administrators — everyone is warm, personal, welcoming and really good at their jobs.”
Now semi-retired, Kim is grateful for the health that allows her to travel, read and spend time with family.
“With a cancer diagnosis, I realize that tomorrow isn’t promised,” she said. “I’m inspired to make the best of experiences, take the trips and live life to the fullest.”
Kim is also a dedicated colorectal cancer advocate. As a volunteer with Fight Colorectal Cancer, she travels to Washington each year to meet with members of Congress. She was also involved in Georgia CORE’s “Weird Looking Stools” campaign.
“The goal of all my advocacy work is prevention,” Kim said. "If I can save one person, that makes it all worth it.”
LEARN MORE ABOUT COLORECTAL CANCER CARE AT NORTHSIDE.
*The health story shared here is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Patients should consult with their own physician before making medical decisions.
