Retired Green Beret Beats Colon Cancer Twice at 52

Retired Army Col. Lawrence Henry spent nearly 30 years serving his country as a Green Beret, but his toughest battle came after hanging up his uniform.

In 2021, stomach pains kept the 50-year-old awake at night. A colonoscopy revealed a tumor, and doctors diagnosed him with stage 3C colon cancer likely linked to burn pit exposure during his military service.

Lawrence completed surgery and 12 rounds of chemotherapy in Tampa, Florida. In March 2022, he rang the bell marking the end of treatment, feeling blessed to reach a milestone some patients never see.

For three years, life returned to normal. His family relocated from Florida to Dallas, and Lawrence focused on cancer advocacy.

Then scans in January 2025 revealed the cancer had returned. This time it had spread to his lymph nodes and right lung, advancing to stage 4.

A friend who'd been treated at UT MD Anderson urged Lawrence to seek specialized care. "He told me you need to go to an institution that specializes in treating cancer," Lawrence recalls.

Lawrence had his first appointment at UT MD Anderson in March 2025. The thoroughness impressed him immediately, from the advanced imaging equipment to how quickly he received results.

Dr. Van Morris walked Lawrence through every option, clearly explaining the pros and cons of doing nothing, chemotherapy alone, or chemotherapy plus surgery. Lawrence chose the combined approach.

After six rounds of FOLFIRI chemotherapy shrank the lung tumor, Dr. Brian Bednarski performed surgery in July to remove lymph nodes in Lawrence's abdomen. Three tested positive for cancer.

Two weeks later, thoracic surgeon Dr. Kyle Mitchell removed part of Lawrence's right lung containing the metastasis. Both surgeries went smoothly, with Lawrence experiencing minimal pain and quick recoveries.

Why This Inspires

What stands out in Lawrence's journey isn't just his courage. It's how his medical team treated him as a whole person, not just a patient.

Each doctor took time to explain options thoroughly and showed genuine compassion. Dr. Bednarski's excellent bedside manner helped ease anxiety before major surgery. The entire team made Lawrence feel heard and supported through every difficult decision.

Lawrence is now cancer-free and back to advocating for other survivors. His message is clear: specialized cancer care matters, and finding doctors who combine expertise with empathy can transform the treatment experience.

The retired colonel who faced danger across continents found his greatest strength not in combat, but in trusting a compassionate medical team to help him fight for his life twice.