Stage III Colon and Rectal Cancer Survivor, Dean, Would Choose Covenant Health Every Time

A diagnosis of Stage III (Stage 3) colon and rectal cancer requires timely intervention, coordinated care and clear communication. That’s why Dean Smith chose Covenant Health. From diagnosis to chemotherapy and ongoing follow‑up, Dean’s care team provided consistent expertise, transparency and support. 

Now nearly three years after treatment, Dean remains cancer free. Reflecting on his experience, he says his choice would not change. He would trust the same physicians, the same teams and the same approach if faced with the diagnosis again. 

The Fear of a Cancer Diagnosis 

When Dean first heard Stage III (Stage 3) rectal and colon cancer, his fear was powerful and immediate. But it was his wife who felt the full weight of the diagnosis. 

“For me, it was scary,” Dean said. “My wife was more terrified than I was.” 

Dean’s wife, Terry, remembers the moment clearly. “When they told us Dean had cancer, I just started crying,” she said. “I don’t think it really hit him at first how serious it was. But when you hear the word cancer, your mind immediately goes to the worst.” 

With a strong family history of cancer on both sides — including colon, breast, ovarian and liver cancer — the couple had already lost loved ones to the disease. From the very beginning, their Covenant Health care team worked to replace fear with clarity, compassion and a plan. 

Honest Answers from the Start 

Jeffrey Brown, MD, gastroenterologist with Knoxville Gastrointestinal Specialists at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center, played a critical role early in Dean’s journey. He performed Dean’s initial colonoscopy and continued to support them after the diagnosis. His direct and kind communication helped Dean and Terry understand what was happening and what came next. 

“He didn’t sugarcoat anything,” Terry shared. “As soon as the procedure was over, he explained exactly what he found, showed us pictures and told us what kind of cancer it was. He asked if we had questions and answered every one of them.” 

Since his diagnosis, Dean has undergone multiple follow-up colonoscopies. His most recent exam showed no concerns. This is a huge milestone in his recovery that will allow future screenings to be scheduled farther apart. 

Surrounded by Support 

Throughout treatment, care extended beyond procedures and appointments. Nurses, physicians and staff consistently checked in and offered resources. “We were told we could call anytime,” Dean said. “And they meant it.” 

Terry reiterated, “No matter which office we walk into, they know his name. You feel remembered.” 

Life After Treatment 

While treatment was successful, cancer brought lasting challenges. Chemotherapy caused neuropathy in Dean’s feet and fingertips, making standing for long periods difficult and limiting his ability to work. “There are days it feels like walking on needles,” Dean shared. “But you learn how to work around it.” Despite the changes, he remains grateful for the outcome and focused on what he can still enjoy. 

Today, Dean is 59 years old, and he looks forward to spending meaningful moments with his grandson. “That’s something I don’t want to miss,” he said. “Being there matters more now than ever.” 

Looking back nearly three years later, Dean and Terry credit the strength of the care team for helping them through the hardest moments. “If Covenant Health hadn’t put the right teams in place, we don’t know how we would’ve made it,” Terry shared. If faced with the same diagnosis again, their decision would not change. Dean expressed, “I’d want the same doctors.” 

Colonoscopies Save Lives: Schedule Yours Today

Covenant Health’s Fort Sanders Regional was the first Tennessee hospital accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer (NAPRC). This program of the American College of Surgeons recognizes hospitals providing high-quality, coordinated rectal cancer care. 

We are proud to be your trusted partner in cancer prevention, treatment and recovery. From advanced screenings like colonoscopies to expert surgical care, chemotherapy and ongoing support, we provide comprehensive cancer services close to home.  

Schedule your colonoscopy today and learn more about our cancer care services.