Gary Bodnarchuk, M.D., gastroenterologist at Western Baptist, examines Mary Brooks during a recent follow-up appointment.

Paducah Realtor Mary Brooks Shares Her Story

Slowing down isn’t in Mary Brooks’ vocabulary, but it became part of the busy Paducah real estate agent’s life five years ago.

“I was so tired,” said Brooks. “I knew something had to be wrong because it’s just not in my nature to be tired.”

Her family physician referred her to gastroenterologist Gary Bodnarchuk, M.D., for a colonoscopy.

The results stunned Brooks. She had third stage colon cancer and needed immediate treatment.

“I was in shock,” said Brooks, “but I’m a person who likes to get things done as quickly as possible so I can move on with life.”

Brooks knew that surgery was her only chance for a cure, and she considered traveling to a larger city for the procedure. A meeting with surgeon Dana Tyrrell, M.D., however, changed her mind.

“I was confident in my doctors’ abilities and in the experienced care I would receive at Western Baptist,” said Brooks.

Dr. Tyrrell removed 12 inches of Brooks’ colon, and she had 52 chemotherapy treatments.

Today, Brooks is cancer-free and busy as ever selling real estate to many Paducah families. One idea she’s sold on is early detection.

“I’ve insisted that all of my loved ones have colonoscopies so they won’t have to endure what I did,” said Brooks. “My advice is simple: Listen to what your body is trying to tell you. If something doesn’t feel quite right, act on it. Don’t wait.”