When freelance photographer Joe Gigli underwent a routine colonoscopy, he never imagined it would change his life.
“At that moment, I felt guided by faith and God to be strong,” Joe shared. “I told my doctor, ‘whatever it is, we’ll get through it.’ I wasn’t scared — maybe a little worried — but I trusted in God and in the people He placed in my path.”
One of those people was Abraham El-Sedfy, MD, a colorectal surgeon at St. Joseph’s Health. Dr. El-Sedfy and his team diagnosed Joe with colon cancer, a revelation that came as a shock. Joe was 57, and 12 years overdue for his first colonoscopy. With no family history of the disease and no symptoms, neither he nor his doctor anticipated such findings.
A colonoscopy is a crucial screening tool that allows physicians to examine the colon for polyps, inflammation, bleeding, or other abnormalities. For individuals at average risk, guidelines recommend beginning regular screenings at age 45. This procedure is vital in detecting and treating cancer at its earliest stages, often before symptoms arise.
During Joe’s colonoscopy, Dr. El-Sedfy discovered seven polyps and two golf ball-sized tumors. While the polyps were removed during the procedure, the tumors required surgical intervention. Given the urgency, Dr. El-Sedfy recommended surgery immediately, which coincided with the Catholic Holy Week in Spring 2024 — an important time for Joe’s work as a photographer for the Paterson Diocese.
Joe, deeply committed to documenting the events of Holy Week, requested to postpone surgery until after Easter. Dr. El-Sedfy agreed, and Joe continued his work, finding strength in his faith and purpose.
“I couldn’t let anything interfere with the Lord’s work,” Joe said with a smile. “And thankfully, the surgery went better than expected.”
The surgery, performed robotically with small incisions, was minimally invasive. This approach resulted in reduced postoperative pain, an early return of bowel function, and Joe being discharged from the hospital just two days after the surgery without needing narcotic pain medication. Thanks to the minimally invasive robotic-assisted surgery and Joe’s own determination, he experienced a quick recovery and seamlessly returned to his passion for photography.
Dr. El-Sedfy confirmed that the cancer had not spread, eliminating the need for additional treatments such as chemotherapy. Joe continues to follow up with Dr. El-Sedfy for ongoing cancer surveillance and remains cancer-free.
“Joe’s case underscores the importance of routine screenings, even in the absence of symptoms,” Dr. El-Sedfy said. “He approached his recovery with resilience, returning to his normal life smoothly after a major abdominal surgery. His story serves as a powerful reminder of the lifesaving potential of colonoscopies and emphasizes the potential of curative surgery when colon cancer is detected early.”
Today, Joe is an advocate for early detection. He has encouraged many others to schedule colonoscopies, sharing his experience to inspire action.
“I tell everyone: the preparation isn’t as bad as people make it out to be, and even if cancer is found, you’ll be in good hands,” Joe said. “Dr. El-Sedfy and the staff at St. Joseph’s Health saved my life. They truly put the ‘care’ in healthcare, and for that, I am profoundly grateful.”
