Joe Stanilious wasn't really eager for retirement. His career in outside sales and management seemed to be perfect for this gregarious, caring man. "I didn't want to retire, but after 54 years of working, I thought it was time," says the Beach Haven resident.
So in 2009, he set out to enjoy his retirement on Long Beach Island with his wife, Beverly. "While I knew retirement would be an adjustment, I looked forward to celebrating our 50th wedding anniversary and good times at the Shore, with visits from my four children and my four grandkids," he says.
But life threw Joe an unexpected turn when he was diagnosed with cancer of the colon and rectum in May 2009 — just one week after he retired. "I had a pain in my side and ultimately was sent for a colonoscopy, which revealed the cancer," he recalls.
Steven Koerner, M.D., the gastroenterologist who discovered Joe's cancer, referred him to Nina Paonessa, D.O., a board certified colorectal surgeon at Southern Ocean Medical Center.
"I've been around all kinds of people for decades in my sales experience. I feel pretty confident in my ability to size people up pretty well," says Joe. "From the very first meeting, I found Dr. Paonessa to be straightforward and honest. I decided to put my trust in her right then. It was the best thing I ever did."
"With two cancers, Joe presented a unique challenge," says Dr. Paonessa. "Using the advanced technology I had available to me in the Incontinence Center at Southern Ocean Medical Center, I was able to discern that the cancer in the rectum was in an early stage, so I was able to remove that cancer in the first surgery."
During a second surgery, Dr. Paonessa removed the cancerous part of the colon through a minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure. This enabled her to avoid giving Joe a "bag," a procedure known as a colostomy.
"I have helped a number of close relatives and friends over the years who faced cancer. A lot of them were treated in prestigious hospitals in the New York area," Joe says. "My care at Southern Ocean Medical Center under Dr. Paonessa was the best I ever saw."
"Joe was a very motivated patient with a great attitude and a very supportive wife. That combination got him through everything," says Dr. Paonessa.
About the Doctor
- Nina J. Paonessa, D.O.Board Certified in Colorectal Surgery
Manhawkin, NJ | 609-978-3910
