COLUMBIA, Tenn. — After retiring from a 35-year career at the Lawrenceburg Electric System, Carl Wisdom was ready to enjoy the slower pace of life on his family farm. However, just three months into his retirement, his world was turned upside down when a lump on his neck revealed a diagnosis of cancer.
Wisdom’s wife, Charlotte, noticed the lump while he was trimming his beard. Concerned, the couple sought medical care that ultimately led them to Maury Regional Health. After further testing, Wisdom received a cancer diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma, which can develop in the skin, respiratory system, digestive tracts or lining of organs. It is also the second most common form of skin cancer in the U.S.
“It was a huge shock because I wasn’t expecting it,” Wisdom shared. “When they told me I had cancer, my calendar went blank. Fighting cancer had my full attention.”
For Wisdom, the cancer on his neck required immediate attention. He underwent an intensive treatment plan that included 35 radiation sessions, seven chemotherapy sessions and multiple follow-up appointments at Maury Regional Cancer Center in Columbia.
“With advanced treatment options and a team dedicated to personalized care, we tailored Carl’s treatment plan to aggressively target the cancer while prioritizing his well-being,” said W. Michael Sattasiri, MD. “Carl was determined from the start, and his strength made all the difference.”
Throughout his journey, Wisdom spoke highly of the specialists overseeing his care, including Joel D. Kochanski, MD; W. Michael Sattasiri, MD; Richard Warf, RT(R)(T)(CT); Ginger Cothran, BSN, RN; and others, celebrating not only their expert medical care, but their compassion and encouragement as well.
“They told me it’s going to get worse before it gets better,” Wisdom said. “But they were straightforward, and they walked me through every step, and I appreciated the transparency. They said I could take a break, but it was a no-brainer to power through. I was going fight this cancer full force.”
While the treatments were challenging, Wisdom found strength through his faith, his family and the Maury Regional staff.
“A lot of people prayed for me, and prayer is what got me through it,” Wisdom reflected. “The staff at Maury Regional Health is so strong to be doing this every day! They love their job — you can tell that. It made me trust them. My wife stood beside me saying, ‘You can do this!’ My son, Thomas, was also there helping me every step of the way. That encouragement helped a lot!”
Warf, the radiation oncology manager at Maury Regional Cancer Center, who was one of the many who worked closely with Wisdom, said, “Carl’s bravery was nothing short of inspiring. Despite facing pain and setbacks, he never wavered in his determination. His positive spirit uplifted everyone around him, and it was a privilege to support him on this journey.”
By his fifth week of treatment, swallowing had become extremely painful, and Wisdom was placed on a feeding tube. Despite the discomfort, Wisdom pushed forward, inspired by the ongoing support all around him. After seven weeks of treatment, Wisdom’s cancer was in remission.
Today, Wisdom is grateful for the new perspective his cancer journey has brought him.
“Life is short, and you can’t take it for granted,” he said. “My plan was to sit back and watch the grass grow in retirement, but now I can do that with new appreciation.”
For anyone facing a similar journey, Wisdom offers this advice: “Do what your doctors tell you. If you don’t have a church family or support system praying for you, find one. Cancer treatment is a tough road, but there’s a light at the end of the tunnel, and it awards you an opportunity to reach a little deeper into your soul — you’ll get there.”
Maury Regional Health offers comprehensive care for individuals facing a diagnosis of cancer. Our multidisciplinary team of physicians and clinical professionals is committed to medical excellence, combining stringent clinical standards with educational support resources to meet the physical and emotional needs of patients.
The Maury Regional Cancer Center, which is accredited from the American College of Radiology and the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons, is a comprehensive treatment center that includes the clinical specialists, treatment technologies and support services needed by cancer patients and their family members.
Learn more about cancer services, including support groups, at MauryRegional.com/Cancer.
Pictured left to right: Joel D. Kochanski, MD, Carl Wisdom, Charlotte Wisdom, Ginger Cothran, BSN, RN, and Richard Warf, RT(R)(T)(CT).