The Importance of One Screening
Chris Daniels shares his colorectal cancer journey and how screening, family support, and his care team helped him focus on the future.
Publish Date: 09.17.2026
Colon CancerMaleFrisco, TXAdult (35-54)
Chris Daniels shares his colorectal cancer journey and how screening, family support, and his care team helped him focus on the future.
Ask Chris Daniels what helped him through colorectal cancer, and he won't start by talking about cancer at all. He'll tell you about his family.
Over the past several years, Chris experienced more loss than most people face in a lifetime. He lost his first wife in 2018 and later the mother of his two older sons unexpectedly in 2024. Through it all, he focused on raising his children, growing his restoration business, and rebuilding his life.
Then came a diagnosis he never saw coming: stage III colorectal cancer.
"Cancer is not an old man's game anymore. It's everybody's game. And I learned that the hard way,” said Chris.
Like many people, Chris assumed colorectal cancer would come with obvious symptoms — but it didn’t.
"I only had one symptom, and that was a change in my bowel movements," he said. "I had no stomach pain and no weight loss."
For months, he blamed the changes on stress and everything happening in his life.
"I kept saying, 'I feel fine,' and I was just lying to myself the whole time. I didn't feel fine."
Eventually, his wife insisted he see a doctor. What began as a medical appointment quickly led to a colonoscopy and further testing. The diagnosis was confirmed shortly afterward.
"When you hear the words, 'You have cancer,' everything changes," Chris said.
One of the most surprising discoveries came after his diagnosis. Chris never knew his biological father or his medical history.
"I found out my real father passed away from colorectal cancer back in 2021,” Chris shared.
The discovery helped explain his diagnosis and reinforced a lesson he now shares regularly.
"Now I preach to people all the time how important it is to learn that family history," he said. "Because you know what's really hard? Chemotherapy and cancer."
Today, Chris encourages not only his friends but also his own children to be proactive about screenings and understand their risk factors.
For Chris, choosing an oncologist felt like one of the most important decisions of his life.
"I'm putting my life into someone’s hands that's going to help me live or die," he said.
After receiving referrals from trusted physicians, he found his way to Texas Colon & Rectal Specialists-Frisco and medical oncologist, Gerardo Hernandez Trillo, M.D.. At their first meeting, Dr. Trillo shared that he planned to retire later that year, and Chris responded with a question.
"I said, 'Are you going to save my life before you do?' And he said, 'I absolutely am.'"
That confidence helped reassure Chris as he began treatment.
Chris underwent chemotherapy and radiation to shrink his tumor before surgery. When the time came to discuss surgical options, he asked colorectal surgeon Anthony Macaluso Jr., M.D., FACS, FASCRS, a simple question:
"Which one gives me the best chance of 25 years?"
The answer immediately brought his family into focus.
"If you have this surgery, you will see your granddaughter in a wedding dress," Dr. Macaluso told him.
Chris’ granddaughter was only two months old.
"So surgery was my decision,” Chris said.
Chris underwent surgery, knowing it would permanently change his life. His treatment continued with additional chemotherapy, all with the goal of giving him the best possible chance of long-term survival.
Along the way, Chris found support everywhere he turned. From nurses who comforted him during difficult moments to physicians who took time to answer every question, he never felt alone. One interaction with a Texas Oncology nurse remains especially meaningful.
Attending an appointment by himself for the first time, Chris became overwhelmed as the reality of cancer sank in. A nurse noticed his tears and offered words he still remembers today.
"Your tears are honored with me. God's got this. You're going to be okay."
For Chris, moments like that defined his experience.
"The human aspect of Texas Oncology has meant so much to me," he said. "I never felt like I was rushed. I never felt like my questions were stupid. I never felt like I didn't matter. And that goes a long way when you're fighting for your life."
Following surgery and chemotherapy, Chris received increasingly positive test results. Then, just before Christmas, his care team delivered more good news. His chemotherapy treatments would end four rounds earlier than expected.
"It was nine days before Christmas, and I cannot tell you how special that Christmas was," he shared.
It was also his granddaughter's first Christmas. The family had fewer gifts under the tree than in years past, but nobody cared. Instead, they celebrated something far more important: being together.
"We're never going to go back to losing that focus of what being here and being present is really about."
Today, Chris has been cancer-free for one year and continues to undergo regular follow-up appointments and testing. He's also become a passionate advocate for colorectal cancer awareness.
"Check your colon," he says with a laugh. "It's a super easy process. Most times, it's covered by insurance. And it's the best nap you're ever going to get."
Most importantly, he wants people to understand that colorectal cancer can often be treated successfully when found early.
"Colorectal cancer is beatable and treatable. We just have to catch it early."
And every day, he's grateful for the future ahead. After all, he still has his granddaughter's wedding to attend.
The information included in this testimonial is based on one patient's unique experience and is not intended to represent all patient outcomes or expectations.
