‘I had a ticking time bomb inside of me,’ local man urging people to keep medical appointments despite pandemic

PITTSBURGH — Back before the pandemic, a local man had a routine colonoscopy scheduled, but he put it off because of COVID-19, and the concerns about being in the hospital with an increase of cases.

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A year later, he rescheduled his appointment, and was diagnosed with cancer, and the cancer was spreading.

“I’d have a ticking time bomb and not even know it,” David Holmquist said.

He had no idea the cancer was growing and he needed invasive surgery to get it removed. Holmquist said he likely wouldn’t have needed the procedure if he kept the original appointment.

“I’m happy to be alive and cancer free. I just would like everybody to convince your loved ones to get checked, and do it for yourself,” he said.

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