As an employee of Henry Ford Health for more than 20 years, Brooke Wessman focused on health care process improvement in administrative roles -- a job she took pride in.
That sense of family became even more meaningful when, at age 45, Brooke underwent her first colon cancer screening.
“I consider Henry Ford my work family even though I left the organization a few years ago to focus on raising my daughters and help take care of my father,” said Brooke, who lives in Lasalle, Ontario, and formerly served as director of growth improvement and integration radiology for the health system.
As a person who has focused on healthy living -- clean eating, exercise and routine screenings -- Brooke took a Cologuard test as a means of cancer screening. She was shocked when the results showed altered DNA and/or blood, an indication that there could be precancerous polyps or colon cancer.
Colon cancer revealed
While it made her slightly uneasy, Brooke knew that positive Cologuard tests could simply indicate polyps. A follow-up colonoscopy at Henry Ford Hospital on Sept. 3, 2025, confirmed the family’s fears.
“When I saw the after-visit summary before the doctor came in, I knew it wasn’t good,” Brooke said. “The doctor then came in and told me I likely had colon cancer, which was confirmed the next day.”
Brooke was flooded with questions. How could this happen when there were no symptoms?
“I make it a priority to eat right with minimal processed foods, exercise and live a healthy life,” she said. “As alarming as this diagnosis was, I was told by Henry Ford doctors that more people are being diagnosed younger and with no symptoms, which is why screening recommendations now start at age 45.”
Putting trust in former colleagues
Brooke immediately contacted former colleagues, including the radiology team, to learn next steps, and felt at ease knowing her care would be in the hands of her work family.
After a review of her test results, Henry Ford’s multidisciplinary colon cancer tumor board recommended surgery to remove the tumor, then chemotherapy to eliminate microscopic cancer cells and help prevent recurrence.
Undergoing revolutionary robotic surgery
Brooke and Dr. Surya Nalamati, her colon and rectal surgeon, discussed the option of single-port robotic surgery, a minimally invasive technique offered at Henry Ford Health. Dr. Nalamati explained that, instead of several incisions, the entire procedure is done through one small opening.
“This allows us to remove the cancer safely while helping patients experience less pain, quicker recovery and a faster return to their normal activities,” he said.
While Brooke only had a single tumor, Dr. Nalamati removed her entire right colon.
“This ensures we achieve clear margins and remove the lymph nodes that drain that area, since lymph node involvement can influence the need for additional treatment,” he said. “Because she healed so well after surgery, she was able to begin the next recommended step without delay.”
Brooke quickly felt the perks of the minimally invasive procedure.
“Right after surgery, I was told that I should walk around to aid in my recovery,” she said. “I was discharged two days after surgery, and within two weeks, I couldn’t believe how good I felt considering I just had major surgery.”
Undergoing chemotherapy
Managed by medical Henry Ford Health oncologist Dr. Ira Wollner, Brooke is now undergoing chemotherapy.
Dr. Wollner explained that when cancer is removed surgically, pathologists use an international system of staging for the cancer. That staging dictates treatment decisions.
“Brooke’s cancer stage merited adjuvant treatment -- treatment given after surgery to enhance the chance for cure,” he said. “The percentage of patients under 50 diagnosed with colorectal cancer has doubled over the last 20 years, and Brooke is an example of this trend. As a result, screening age has dropped from 50 to 45.”
Gaining a new perspective
Becoming a patient gave Brooke a new perspective.
“As educated as I was about the industry, once you hear ‘cancer,’ it’s incredible what you don’t absorb,” she said. “I was so grateful for my husband, who was by my side. We recorded appointments and even used AI to create summary sheets to help manage the care plan.”
She credits her nurse navigator, coordinated care team and former radiology colleagues for keeping everything on track.
“The care on all levels has been truly exceptional,” she said.
Brooke said she hopes her story encourages others to get screened before symptoms appear.
“I received my colon cancer screening reminder through the Henry Ford patient portal and decided to take care of it at age 45. I believe that decision saved my life. I hope those reading this will be inspired to get screened. I am an example that it can truly make a life-changing difference.”
Finding inspiration in the Detroit Lions
As a big Detroit Lions fan, Brooke found inspiration in the team’s resilience.
“I named my port access for chemotherapy LaPorta,” she said, referring to Sam LaPorta, tight end for the Detroit Lions. “We are both out for the rest of the season, but we will come back stronger next year.”
Click or tap here to learn more about colon cancer care and treatment at Henry Ford Health.