Faith, Support & Screening Carry Beth Through Colon Cancer

Beth Johnson’s colon cancer journey had bumps along the way, but the Alcorn County woman says she never walked alone. 

Her family, coworkers, friends, North Mississippi Health Services team and an army of prayer warriors surrounded her with excellent care, compassion and encouragement. 

“I definitely felt those prayers,” she said. 

At the age of 50, Beth was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer in November 2023. Through nearly a year of treatment, her medical team and support network kept her focused on the prize.

“You look forward to getting past this bump in the road and getting back to the things and the people you love,” Beth said. “I don’t take a lot of things for granted anymore.” 

Looking back on her journey, she is grateful to her primary care doctor, Dr. Sean Reynolds at Booneville Medical Clinic, for recommending colon cancer screening. 

“I had no signs, no symptoms, no family history,” Beth said. “Screening probably saved my life.”

Moving forward with colon cancer surgery

The colonoscopy, performed at the Center for Digestive Health in Tupelo by gastroenterologist Dr. Ross Stone, revealed a 3-centimeter mass. 

The results shocked Beth and her husband, Mark. They drove home to the Hinkle community in Alcorn County with an appointment to see surgeon Dr. Newt Harrison and orders for blood tests and medical imaging. 

The Johnsons decided to pause before sharing the news with their family and friends. Their daughters, Arleigh, a senior at the University of Mississippi, and Nellie Kate, a junior at Kossuth High School, had important exams, so the Johnsons waited a week before talking about the colon cancer diagnosis. 

“One of the hardest (conversations) was telling my 85-year-old Daddy, who had lost my mother in 2020 after a long-term illness,” Beth said. 

Dr. Harrison provided reassurance as the family prepared for surgery at North Mississippi Medical Center Tupelo. “He prayed with me before the surgery,” Beth said. “I think God put him there to calm me down.” 

The surgery team removed the tumor, and the hospital team was incredibly supportive as she began her recovery, Beth said. Unfortunately, post-surgical testing revealed cancer cells in nearby lymph nodes, meaning she would need chemotherapy.

Fighting through colon cancer chemotherapy

Treatment for stage 3 colon cancer can be tough, yet Beth never faced it alone. The NMHS Cancer Care team, led by hematologist oncologist Dr. Jiahuai Tan, walked with her through every step of a demanding treatment plan, offering compassionate, personalized care.

“I can’t say enough wonderful things about the nurses and the staff in oncology,” Beth said. “They were amazing.”

Beth began a regimen that included infusion and oral chemotherapy. The side effects were challenging, especially extreme sensitivity to cold. 

“I had to warm water up in the microwave to be able to drink it,” Beth remembered. “And to be honest, there's only so much warm water you can drink.”

Halfway through the initial course of treatment, the oncology team had to pivot to a new treatment for Beth. 

“After much prayer for God to help doctors understand my side effects, I felt my prayers were answered when my liver functions were abnormal and caused the oncology team to stop and re-evaluate the initial regimen,” Beth said. 

The new treatment used a portable IV pump that delivered chemotherapy over 48 hours. While this eased some symptoms, it extended treatment by six months. 

During treatment, Beth missed moments like watching Nellie Kate compete in a pageant and preparing for prom. But her team supported her in every way possible, including adjusting her treatment schedule so she could attend Arleigh’s graduation from Ole Miss.

Support network made all the difference

As Beth was pushing through chemotherapy side effects, she was surrounded by circles of support. 

Her husband and daughters kept her upbeat. Friends stayed connected. Her church family at Booneville First Baptist Church and the neighboring congregation at Booneville First Methodist Church surrounded her with prayer. 

Her colleagues in NMHS Human Resources formed a team in her honor for a colon cancer awareness run. When Beth completed chemotherapy, colleagues in NMHS Human Resources celebrated with a party where everyone wore blue for colon cancer awareness. 

A coworker painted a blue cowbell honoring colon cancer awareness and Beth’s beloved University of Mississippi. It reads, “A survivor rings this bell.” 

“I could not have asked for more support and compassion than what I received from the Human Resources leadership and all of my coworkers,” Beth said. “I appreciate and love them more than they will ever know.”

Advocating for colon cancer screening

Since finishing treatment in September 2024, Beth’s follow up scans and colonoscopies have been clear. She has made it her mission to encourage others to get a screening colonoscopy. Current guidelines recommend starting at age 45. 

“Lots of my friends and family went and got tested because of me,” Beth said. “If one person can get something positive from this, it’ll be worth it.”