When Remonica Richardson, 57, had blood in her stool, she just assumed it was from her large hemorrhoid. In February 2024, she underwent a colonoscopy at UPMC Jameson, which revealed she had two masses the size of an almond in her colon and rectum.
Remonica was diagnosed with early-stage colorectal cancer and referred to Kellie E. Cunningham, MD, a surgeon with the UPMC Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, so the masses could be removed.
However, before Remonica could undergo surgery, she needed chemotherapy and radiation therapy to shrink the tumors. She met with Yehuda Z. Lebowicz, MD, a medical oncologist and hematologist at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center in Beaver, who developed a treatment plan. Remonica received chemo every two weeks for three months at the center, which was close to her home in Beaver Falls.
She also met with Maury M. Rosenstein, MD, a radiation oncologist at UPMC Hillman Cancer Cener at Heritage Valley Health System, who recommended Remonica receive radiation therapy for 28 days.
Advanced, Robotic-Assisted Colorectal Surgery
Once she completed the treatments, Remonica met with Dr. Cunningham in Oakland. After performing an exam to determine Remonica’s specific needs, Dr. Cunningham devised a personalized treatment plan involving multiple robotic-assisted colorectal surgeries.
In March 2025, Remonica underwent the procedures at UPMC Montefiore. Dr. Cunningham first made a few small incisions in Remonica’s belly to perform a laparoscopy and then used robotic-assisted surgery to perform the bowel resections.
She removed the right side of Remonica’s colon and reconnected the small intestine to her colon. Next, the surgeon removed Remonica’s sigmoid colon, rectum, and anal canal, resulting in the need for a permanent colostomy.
The minimally invasive robotic-assisted technique provided Remonica with significant advantages, including smaller incisions, minimal scarring, less disruption to surrounding tissues, and a shorter recovery and hospital stay.
After recovering three days in the hospital, Remonica returned home and was able to get back to work soon afterward at Metropolitan Ear, Nose, and Throat Associates—UPMC.
“I got my strength back on the third day and everyone was amazed at how fast I was able to go home,” adds Remonica.
While she’ll need to wear an ostomy bag for the rest of her life, Dr. Cunningham successfully removed any remaining cancer.
“Dr. Cunningham and her team, the doctors, and nurses, were nothing but spectacular. They made sure I recovered well. The care at UPMC has been exceptional,” says Remonica, who returns to Dr. Lebowicz’s office soon to get her bloodwork checked. She’ll also need to have another colonoscopy next year.
“I’m grateful I had a caring team who was on my side and knew what I was going through,” Remonica says. “No one wants to hear the word ‘cancer.’ I thank the good Lord mine was caught early and I can start a new chapter in my life.”
Remonica's treatment and results may not be representative of other cases.
