Gastroenterology Associates, P.C.

WELCOME TO THE TEAM | We are excited to introduce Physician Assistant McKenna Spillar! McKenna Spillar, PA-C, earned her Master of Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Nebraska Medical Center, following her Bachelor of Science in Health and Exercise Science from Colorado State University. She is deeply committed to healthcare, driven by a passion for science, teamwork, and improving the lives of her patients. McKenna prioritizes building trust with her patients, approaching each individual with compassion, attentiveness, and without judgment. She is dedicated to providing personalized care tailored to the unique needs of each patient. Outside of work, McKenna enjoys spending time with her two cats, Charlie and Lucy, as well as exploring the outdoors, completing puzzles, and playing disc golf with her partner, Jonathan. Originally from the Colorado foothills, she now enjoys calling Casper home and looks forward to discovering all that Wyoming has to offer. To request an appointment with Physician Assistant McKenna, click here ➡️ https://lnkd.in/etk8qF5c

"I was experiencing some minor rectal bleeding which had been misdiagnosed. The bleeding stopped a few years later, but I was requiring a bathroom visit more often. I visited my primary care physician who couldn’t identify anything wrong, but suggested a colonoscopy anyway since it had been 12+ years since the previous exam. That colonoscopy identified stage IIIB colorectal cancer. I had chemotherapy and radiation for the first 28 days, and I lost 25 pounds. Mornings were OK and I could drive for radiation treatments and chemo refills, but evenings were difficult and it began to feel like the treatments were going to kill me. It evolved into “how do I survive one more day?” I had a couple of months to regain my stamina before having surgery and six months of FOLFOX chemotherapy. August 29, 2016 was the 9.5 hour APR surgery. An abdominoperineal resection (APR) is a surgery in which the anus, rectum, and sigmoid colon are removed and it included a permanent colostomy. The surgeons also did a flap reconstruction, taking stomach muscle from the good side of the stomach and constructing a flap where my butt used to be located. Afterwards, I seemed compelled to tell people about my surgery. Then I realized most people would not understand or care, so I stopped telling everyone I had an ostomy. Life went on and no one noticed I had a colostomy. To everyone I interfaced with, everything seemed normal. A great nurse helped tutor me on ostomy bag changes, so I was independent immediately after surgery. As my strength and stamina returned, I was able to do everything that was possible pre surgery. Ride a horse? No problem. Trim hoofs and shoe a horse? No problem. Lift a 125 pound anvil? No problem. Shape iron into a horse shoe? No problem. Life went on and in some ways was less intrusive and easier. Lesson learned. Don’t delay or procrastinate a colonoscopy examination. Life will go on and be better. August 2024 marked 8 years N.E.D." - Michael M. #OstomyAwarenessDay #WorldOstomyDay

That’s a wrap on Business After Hours with Casper Area Chamber of Commerce! ✔️ Huge thank you to those that stopped by to meet us, learn about GI, and tour our surgical center. We loved meeting all of you!

If this looks familiar, it's probably time to schedule your colonoscopy... Screening is the #1 way to prevent colorectal cancer. 📞 Call (307) 233-2700 or visit wygi.com to schedule with one of our specialists. - #colorectalcancerawarenessmonth #screeningsaveslives #casperwy #gillettewy #jacksonwy #sheridanwy #wyoming #gastroenterology