Recently, Representative Jamie Raskin (D-MD 8th District) shared with us how a colonoscopy was the first step in his path to recovery from stage III colon cancer.
As he puts it, “It was an excruciatingly difficult experience for me and my family. But we were fortunate to have fantastic doctors and nurses who saved my life.”
Raskin’s complaints of acid reflux prompted him to see a doctor. Both an endoscopy and a colonoscopy were suggested by the doctor. While Raskin was sleeping during the colonoscopy, the screening discovered a walnut-sized tumor in his intestines.
The lump’s malignancy wasn’t immediately apparent, but tests performed over the course of several days confirmed the diagnosis. Anyone may be affected by this; liberals, conservatives, Democrats, Republicans, Independents, the young, the elderly, people of all different races and ethnicities.
Even with excellent health coverage, it was difficult for me to accept my diagnosis. I can’t even begin to fathom the impact on those who don’t have health coverage. Therefore, I want universal health care and regular colonoscopies.
“It’s a misfortune to be diagnosed with illness. It’s an injustice not to have health insurance to do something about it.”-@RepRaskin pic.twitter.com/99Y4lodgeN
— Rep. Jamie Raskin (@RepRaskin) April 3, 2017
Raskin posted a video on social media where he joyfully rang a bell in celebration.
Tuesday I thanked nurses, doctors & pharmacists at @MedStarGUH who serve with splendid kindness—and saved my life over 5 months. I finished 6 rounds of 5-day chemo sessions—which they organized so I didn’t have to miss votes or hearings—and I rang the bell! A new chapter begins. pic.twitter.com/lAtpGyBG5b
— Jamie Raskin (@jamie_raskin) April 27, 2023
When he was first diagnosed, Congressman Raskin was leading the battle in the Maryland legislature for marital equality. He claims to have been struck by the disparate effects of medical tragedy and to have been more dedicated than ever to ensure that everyone has access to low-cost health care.
“If you can’t get health insurance because you love the wrong person or because you are unemployed or because you are too poor, that is not just a misfortune. That is an injustice because we, as a society, can do something about that. In a democratic society, our obligation is not to compound all the misfortunes of life—the illnesses, the accidents, the heartache—with governmental injustice; our job is to try to end injustice and reduce misfortune because we are all citizens together. ”
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There has been no evidence of cancer return since Raskin completed his therapy, but he is very careful about what he eats and how he treats his body. For those who have been putting off getting a colonoscopy while knowing they need one, he offers some words of wisdom.
“Don’t put it off. It’s painless and you take a good nap. Don’t fool around. Just get it done.”
