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"Ten months ago, I experienced some changes in my body. Changes that were not normal for me. Blood, frequency, stomach issues...all were happening. I passed it off as grief, stress, etc. I woke up one morning to blood everywhere. I was so scared. I went to the ER, and the doctor told me this is not emergent.
BUT. I followed through with my own instincts, and went for the colonoscopy that was recommended only as a precaution. I woke up from that colonoscopy being told I had a “mass”. The next two days, I met with a surgeon, had bloodwork and got a CT scan. All looked ok, and I was scheduled for surgery. That is when I discovered I had stage 2 colon cancer. At 44. No family history, no high risk factors. Recovery has not been easy...physically or emotionally, but, I am one of the lucky ones. I have a diagnosis of stage 2 colon cancer, so that means I will be monitored and I will worry for years to come for a recurrence, but I won’t need chemo, and I am so grateful for ALL of it. The reason I’m opening myself to social media and the world about this is simple. Colon cancer is the second leading cause of death from cancer in the western world. It is called the “silent killer”, because many times, there are no symptoms until it is stage 4, which is a very tough battle to fight. Colorectal cancer is increasing in people under the age of 50 at alarming rates. ALARMING. So much so, the CDC is lowering the age from 50 to 45 for first colonoscopy. So I implore you to please, PLEASE go get your colonoscopy if you notice any of the symptoms. Or, go at 45 just because it’s good to do that. Listen to your body. It will let you know😊" |