Marcus Wendling, a 47-year-old athlete, has been in advance about the one symptom that resulted in his startling stage 3 rectal cancer diagnosis. Just months after capturing a demanding half Ironman even.
Which consisted of a 1.2-mile swim, a 56-mile bike ride, and a 13.1-mile run—Wendling battled cancer, an even more difficult challenge.
“I eat well and work six days a week,” Wendling told The New York Post. “I felt perfect since I have always given my health top priority”. I had never had any major medical problems up to then.
From Dayton, Ohio, Wendling claimed that his only hint of difficulty before his diagnosis was blood in his stool. Although his blood tests seemed normal, he noted the irregular appearance of blood during a standard physical exam. This triggered his November 2023 first colonoscopy.
The outcomes were somewhat worrying. Doctors found a benign polyp in his colon and a bigger tumour in his lower rectal that tested cancerous. Additional imaging and blood tests revealed that the tumour fell into the stage I classification. But given its position, a complex lower anterior resection was needed to eliminate the affected portion of his rectum.
Originally scheduled for surgery at a local hospital, Wendling sought a second opinion at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center—also known as The James. Colorectal surgeon Dr. Matthew Kalady’s further tests verified the need for surgery.
“He set aside time for me even though he was already booked weeks out,” Wendling said. “I wanted to be in the best hands I could find.”
Wendling underwent an operation that lasted between five and six hours less than two weeks later. His diagnosis was changed to stage 3 since three of the twelve lymph nodes taken out during the operation turned out positive for cancer.
Wendling found the recovery process difficult. A leak at the surgical site caused a fever, which delayed his discharge by one week and required extra therapy during the next month.
“Marcus had some challenges during his recovery, which can happen with such operations,” Dr. Kalady added. Still, he kept a good mood and was physically fit, which helped with recuperation.
Under oncologist Dr. Pannaga G Malalur, Wendling started a 12-week chemotherapy course following surgery. He was dedicated to being active even though he suffered minor side effects, including neuropathy and exhaustion.
“I was resolved to walk as much as I could and exercise practically every day,” he said. “Pushing through the treatment was the only choice available.”
Wendling thanked his medical staff for their help in his struggle. From hospital stays to follow-up visits, he stated that the nurses and physician assistants were helpful at every level. “They kept me ready by giving me reasonable projections on my feelings and expected symptoms.”
Wendling reversed his ileostomy in September 2024. “It’s not as easy as turning a switch,” he said. But Dr. Kalady gave me his word: my body would adjust—and it did.
Aiming to finish the chapter on one of the toughest years of his life, Wendling is getting ready to compete in another half-Ironman event now under remission. Next month, he intends to go back to the Florida starting line.
“My main goal is to finish,” he declared. “My second goal is to beat last year’s time; it’s about putting last year behind me.”
“Marcus took ownership of his health by seeking evaluation early when he noticed symptoms,” Dr Kalady says, noting Wendling’s proactive commitment to his health as vital in saving his life. Successful treatment of colorectal cancer depends on early identification and therapy. His life was most likely spared by having a colonoscopy performed.
Wendling is now receiving colonoscopies on a yearly basis and scans on a quarterly basis, which encourages others to not disregard even the most minor symptoms. Early discovery of colorectal cancer greatly raises survival odds; individuals diagnosed at stage 1 have a five-year survival rate of almost 90%. Wendling’s experience reminds us to pay attention to our bodies and consult a doctor as needed.