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Life
Distractions keep him going By Frieda Craft Eakins | Special to the Daily Times David Caputo likes distractions. Since his initial diagnosis of colon cancer in 2006, the distractions are what help him get through his days. Not only is he helping his son prepare for a wedding, but he is a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He works a full-time job, is an avid fisherman, just completed repairing the body of wrecked Z71 Chevrolet truck and is rebuilding a 1953 Ford truck. When he mentioned taking up golf for recreation, Karen, his wife of 26 years, told him it was time to stop adding hobbies. Generally unassuming and battling a disease that is not easy to discuss, the Caputos believe that disclosing the details of David's colon cancer is important. They hope their experience will encourage people to see a doctor if problems exist. In 2006, Caputo began noticing blood in his stools and an increased need for bowel movements. His wife was concerned. Caputo was 50 years old and needed a complete physical, which his wife hoped would include a colonoscopy. When Caputo visited his physician, he was given a prescription for irritable bowel syndrome. No physical exam or colonoscopy was performed or scheduled. When there were no positive results from the medication, Karen called the doctor and insisted that her husband be referred to a specialist. This time, the doctor listened and sent Caputo to a gastroenterologist, Dr. Duane Fitch. Upon examination, Caputo was immediately referred to Dr. Keith Lerro, an oncologist at Southeastern Medical Oncology Center. Caputo's December 2006 diagnosis of colon cancer meant he needed surgery to remove a tumor and a foot of his colon. He also required a colostomy, six weeks of radiation and chemotherapy and six additional months of chemotherapy. An ostomy reverse was performed early in July. By October, doctors had given Caputo a good report. No cancer was seen on any of the scans. Caputo said when the doctor initially told him about his cancer, his first thought was, "Cancer? This is going to be it for me." In time, however, he and his wife developed a resolve to fight the disease and beat it. They have since reminded people that all emotions in this type of battle are valid and normal. The Caputos admitted that the news of the recurrence was more difficult to handle than the initial diagnosis, but both of them are facing the new challenges with hope. Instead of worrying and focusing on his problems, Caputo has put his energy toward something worthwhile. He has maintained his routine work schedule as a body technician for Chevrolet Cadillac of Goldsboro, commenting that the convenience of SMOC's Goldsboro location is helpful. He likes having the choice of being able to go for procedures close to work or to the Wilson office for treatments near his home. Caputo also spoke of how supportive and helpful his employer and co-workers have been. In fact, during his recovery time following the initial surgery, his co-workers donated their vacation time so he could take off the days he needed for recovery. The business is also a corporate sponsor on behalf of Caputo for the Wilson County Relay for Life. Caputo has intensified his efforts in building the truck. "I've been working on the 1953 Ford for about five years. I'm building it for my son, Kevin. One day, I'll give it to him." Of course, it probably won't be ready as a wedding a gift, since his son is getting married this weekend, the same weekend as Wilson County's Relay for Life. Even though Caputo will serve as the best man, he has promised to be at Relay following the rehearsal. The Caputos learned about Relay for Life through SMOC and the cancer support group he faithfully attends at his church, Stoneybrook Church of Christ. For the Caputos, Relay for Life provides an opportunity to celebrate being alive and to show appreciation for the outpouring of support offered by his church family and community. Participation in this event exemplifies their belief in giving back. "You shouldn't look in and see all that you're going through and let it defeat you," Karen Caputo said. "You have to look out at what you can do for others." David Caputo hopes to encourage anyone facing a similar diagnosis. "Don't give up on living," he said. "Enjoy life. Be positive, and trust in the Lord. "Focus on something you enjoy and on the things that matter, not on the cancer." ======================================================= Wilson County Relay for Life Primary Purpose: Signature fund-raiser for the American Cancer Society to raise money for advocacy, research, education and patient services Location: Wilson County Fairgrounds, U.S. 301 Date: May 16-17 Time: 2 to 2 p.m. Survivor & Caregiver Laps: 6 p.m. Friday Luminary service: 9 p.m. Friday Contact: Teresa Jones 230-6412 www.wilsoncountyrelay.com www.cancer.org STONEYBROOK CANCER SUPPORT GROUP Meets at Stoneybrook Church Fellowship Hall, 3502 Airport Blvd., Wilson 6:30 p.m. on 3rd Tuesday of the month Open to the community
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