Sharon's Cancer and Diabetes Battle: A Tribute to Her Primary Care Warrior
November 5, 2025
Categories: Primary Care, Foundation, Stories
Tags: Colon Cancer, preventative medicine, colonoscopy, diabetes management, type 2 diabetes
Sharon Johnson has always enjoyed visiting her primary care provider, Shahla Naz, MD, because from the moment they met, Sharon felt respected, understood and genuinely cared for.
"I was excited to find a provider who was personable and supported — not only for my physical and emotional health — but also shared joyfully with me of tidbits in her life."
A Sudden, Strange Symptom
In early 2020, at age 65, Sharon began experiencing an unusual recurring symptom.
"I visited Dr. Naz and told her I was having blood in my stool. I thought it was hemorrhoids."
Alarmed, Dr. Naz insisted Sharon undergo a colonoscopy, but Sharon was nervous about it, so Dr. Naz offered a home stool test. If the results came back with questionable results, Sharon agreed she would then undergo a colonoscopy.
"It came back positive for something wrong, so Dr. Naz made the referral for my colonoscopy."
Revelations of a Serious Health Issue
On February 10, 2020, Sharon went to WakeMed Raleigh Campus where a provider performed her colonoscopy. When she awoke from the procedure and was sitting up in a wheelchair after her anesthesia wore off, she was given the sad news that she had colon cancer.
"My heart fell. I was in shock. I had recently had back surgery, and I just wasn't expecting it."
A Primary Care Provider Who Navigated Her Through the Perils of Cancer
Dr. Naz immediately contacted Sharon and told her not to worry because she would make referrals. She connected Sharon with a colorectal surgeon for surgery in early March. She also set her up with an oncologist to begin chemotherapy.
"Dr. Naz assigned me a liaison who was very kind and helped keep all the moving parts of my treatment in order. I had 60 percent of my colon removed. I then had chemotherapy every other week for 12 hours. Within one and half years, I was declared cancer free. Dr. Naz walked with me through every step of the process — checking on me, advocating for me and assuring me that she would do whatever it took to help me."
Dr. Naz's support also involved a significant focus on helping Sharon learn how to manage her compromised immune system during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Dr. Naz helped me understand how to stay safe in a very scary time when so many people were dying from this unknown virus. She, too, did all she could to keep my medications filled as she read my charts from various specialists, so I would not miss any prescriptions or experience any negative medication interactions."
Dr. Naz reflects on this time with warmth in the caring relationship between doctor and patient.
"Sharon is one of my very special patients. I am glad that I emphasized the importance of doing colon cancer screening as it's a very important tool to diagnose colon cancer. Once we found out she had colon cancer, we expedited the process, so she could be seen by the colorectal surgeon in a timely manner. Her surgery was successful, which was a blessing. She also started chemotherapy. It was very important for me to be there for her during this rough time. Additionally, chemotherapy made her very sensitive to other blood pressure medications, which she was already on, so I had to change them as well."
Another Set of Odd Symptoms Emerge
Due to insurance issues, Sharon was unable to maintain her visits with Dr. Naz for a year. In that time, she developed alarming symptoms.
Dr. Naz explains, "We were both sad when she could not see me for one year just because of insurance problems. This was not only heartbreaking for her but also for me. Once she got new insurance, she returned to reestablish care with me. In that time, she developed an uncontrolled chronic condition."
In May 2025, after beating cancer, Sharon began experiencing another bout of odd symptoms.
"I suddenly began to feel dizzy and nauseous. I also had to urinate constantly. I visited Dr. Naz who performed lab work."
Very speedily, Dr. Naz confirmed that Sharon had Type 2 diabetes.
"It was rough. My sugar levels were 375, and my A1c was over 12 percent."
A blood sugar level of 375 mg/dL indicated hyperglycemia, meaning Sharon's body was struggling to use insulin effectively, resulting in high sugar levels in the bloodstream. Additionally, a high A1C showcased how poorly her body managed glucose over time. Both of those measurements were essential for understanding how to go about her diabetes management and overall health care.
Dr. Naz offers, "In the last few months, her diabetes is under control, which is an achievement for both of us. It is very important to me to keep communicating with my patients, so we are collaborative in our care approach. I always try to be advocate for my patients."
Primary Care Provider, Dr. Naz, Carries Sharon Through Another Serious Diagnosis
Dr. Naz wasted no time in quickly connecting Sharon to specialists for optimal care. She referred her to WakeMed Diabetes Management, so she could learn to recognize the signs of her blood sugar going into a danger zone and what to do to prevent a diabetic coma or other emergency. She also set her up with WakeMed Nutrition Services, so she could learn how to eat well.
"Dr. Naz also fought for me. My insurance didn't want to pay for some of my diabetes medications, and Dr. Naz contacted my insurance and pharmacies to get the exact medications I needed to keep my diabetes controlled. She really went to bat for me and, once again, saved my life.
A Whole Body and a Heart of Gratitude
Today, Sharon is retired and enjoying a peaceful and healthy life — thanks especially to Dr. Naz.
"I like to be outside. I like gardening. I sew and quilt a lot. Oh, I love to cook and bake too. Southern people love good food. It makes them happy, and it makes me happy to see them happily enjoying my food. When I think of what I've been through over the years, I don't know where I would be without Dr. Naz. I love her. She is a life saver!"
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