Finding hope close to home
When Phillip Jones arrived at the emergency room at HCA Florida Lake City Hospital, he had been battling abdominal pain for more than a week. That morning, the pain became unbearable. He told his wife, “I need to go to the ER,” not knowing that the decision would change — and ultimately save — his life.
After a quick evaluation in the ER, Phillip underwent imaging that revealed a bowel obstruction. Within minutes, the clinical team prepared him for emergency surgery with Dr. Valerie Vazquez, general surgeon at HCA Florida Lake City Surgical Specialists. Phillip remembers the fear and uncertainty that washed over him as he and his family tried to process what was happening.
“We were crying and terrified,” he recalls. “There were so many unknowns.”
Before being taken into the operating room, Dr. Vazquez gave him a reassuring hug and told him, “You got this.” Phillip says those three words—and the compassion behind them — gave his family the hope they needed.
What was expected to be a routine three-hour surgery for a large bowel obstruction quickly became something far more serious. During the procedure, Dr. Vazquez discovered colon cancer. The surgery extended to six hours as she carefully removed the affected colon.
When Phillip woke up, Dr. Vazquez explained what she had found and what it meant for the next steps in his care.
Phillip’s journey didn’t end with that first surgery. With Dr. Vazquez by his side, he began treatment and eventually returned for an additional surgery, which also went well. Throughout every stage, Phillip says Dr. Vazquez remained a constant source of compassion, encouragement, and expert care.
“Dr. Vazquez is the best surgeon in town and guided me every step of the way through my healthcare journey,” Phillip says. “She took the time to build a connection with me, and that made all the difference.”
Phillip says he is deeply grateful for the care, resources, and support provided by HCA Florida Lake City Hospital and HCA Florida Surgical Specialists.
“Community members do not have to go out of town for care,” he says. “We have great doctors right here in Lake City to take care of us.”
Thanks to the expertise of Dr. Vazquez and the dedication of the hospital’s care teams, Phillip has made a strong recovery and is doing well. Phillip found the hope he needed — right when he needed it most, right here at home.