GREENSBORO, N.C. — She’s gone from cancer fighter to cancer survivor! WFMY News 2 anchor, Julie Luck, made her return Wednesday after beating colon cancer.
The WFMY News 2 newsroom surprised her upon her return to the office.
Julie recently posted on social media that she received the best news of all: that her blood work showed the chemotherapy treatments were effective and no more rounds are needed. Her oncologist declared that her cancer is in "clinical remission."
The next step was for Julie to ring that cancer survivor bell! She did just that on Tuesday in front of a crowd of doctors, nurses, family and her WFMY News 2 work family.
“Cancer not today, not ever! You picked the wrong person and I’m ringing the bell,” she said before ringing it proudly.
Julie said her journey doesn’t stop here and that she will need to be monitored for five years for colon cancer. She will receive regular CT scans, blood work and colonoscopies to check for a possible recurrence.
“While I may be years away from being declared cured, I’m grateful and relieved that the latest lab tests showed favorable results and normal markers," she wrote in part in a special message on Facebook. "This is the news I’ve been hoping for. I have so many people to thank for lifting me up during these dark several months: my family, friends, colleagues, viewers, fellow patients and the many medical experts who provided excellent care. I also praise God for His healing, strength and grace.”
She posted a photo of a pair of boxing gloves. She received the boxing gloves months ago when she was first diagnosed with 3A colon cancer.
“It’s a meaningful gift and I’ve been waiting for an appropriate time to share it with you," she said. "Cancer, stay down for the count. I refuse to let you win.”
Julie has shared her cancer journey from the day she announced it on WFMY News 2 until the last round of her chemo treatment.
She's thankful to all of our viewers who have supported her during this time. From cards to well-wishes on social media, emails, calls, texts, and gifts, Julie said she has an army of people who are watching over her, praying for her, and encouraging her.
“Thank you to the viewers, all the people that I’ve never met, fellow cancer patients and survivors. I thank them for all their support. The cancer journey can be very lonely, but I never felt lonely from the cards, the posts, the messages, the gifts, the flowers and the list goes on. I’ve been surrounded by love since the very beginning," Julie said before ringing the bell.
"The positivity will get you through," Julie said. "I have this silent army, I might not see them, but I know they're there. Knowing people care to take the time has been awe-inspiring."
When Julie was diagnosed, it came as a shock, but immediately she knew she didn't want it to come as a shock to others.
"There's a saying, 'Don't waste your cancer.' That struck a chord with me," Julie said. "If I can encourage more people to get screenings, and those screenings save lives, that's me not wasting my cancer."
Julie wants to make sure you don't delay and to schedule your colonoscopy.
One thing is for sure, she's a fighter and we can't wait until she returns to WFMY News 2.
Take a short quiz to learn more about which screening options are best for you based on your personal risk factors.
Here are three things to know about colon cancer, including who’s at risk, symptoms, and other risk factors.
1. People most at-risk for getting colon cancer:
- Anyone with a family history
- Someone with irritable bowel syndrome
- African Americans have a 20% increased risk over white people
2. Risk factors for colon cancer:
- Smoking
- Drinking
- Obesity
- Diet high in red meat
- Diet low in fruits and vegetables
3. Symptoms of colon cancer:
- Persistent change in bowel habits
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Blood in stool
- Abdominal pain
- Discomfort
- Cramps
If you have questions about specific screening tests, who should be screened and when, or anything else related to colon cancer screening, we encourage you to talk with your doctor or call the toll-free helpline at (877) 422-2030.
Find out more resources about colon screenings.
RELATED: Colon cancer support group | Join the conversation as dozens of people share their experience
