Cathy Bowers
Patient/Survivor |
Rectal - Stage III |
Age at Diagnosis: 50
At age 50, I saw the symptoms. Admittedly, I initially ignored them at first. One morning I went to work and told my best friend. She forced me to leave work that day to see my primary care doctor. My doctor immediately sent me for a colonoscopy. On a Friday the 13th, 2010, I woke up from my colonoscopy to the shock of my life, Stage III rectal cancer. And from there it began—radiation, resection surgery, temporary ostomy, chemotherapy (5FU), reversal surgery, more chemotherapy. Now I am 14+ years NED. After I retired, I thought, what do I do with my free time now? How do I best use my survivorship to help others? Fortunately, I found FightCRC! And I jumped right in, attending and speaking at Call-on Congress. I now look forward to being a RATS member to further my research advocacy goals.
Cathy Bowers
Patient/Survivor |
Rectal - Stage III |
Age at Diagnosis: 50
At age 50, I saw the symptoms. Admittedly, I initially ignored them at first. One morning I went to work and told my best friend. She forced me to leave work that day to see my primary care doctor. My doctor immediately sent me for a colonoscopy. On a Friday the 13th, 2010, I woke up from my colonoscopy to the shock of my life, Stage III rectal cancer. And from there it began—radiation, resection surgery, temporary ostomy, chemotherapy (5FU), reversal surgery, more chemotherapy. Now I am 14+ years NED. After I retired, I thought, what do I do with my free time now? How do I best use my survivorship to help others? Fortunately, I found FightCRC! And I jumped right in, attending and speaking at Call-on Congress. I now look forward to being a RATS member to further my research advocacy goals.
"Never, ever hesitate to ask for help. We are here for you."
Cathy Bowers
Patient/Survivor |
Rectal - Stage III |
Age at Diagnosis: 50
At age 50, I saw the symptoms. Admittedly, I initially ignored them at first. One morning I went to work and told my best friend. She forced me to leave work that day to see my primary care doctor. My doctor immediately sent me for a colonoscopy. On a Friday the 13th, 2010, I woke up from my colonoscopy to the shock of my life, Stage III rectal cancer. And from there it began—radiation, resection surgery, temporary ostomy, chemotherapy (5FU), reversal surgery, more chemotherapy. Now I am 14+ years NED. After I retired, I thought, what do I do with my free time now? How do I best use my survivorship to help others? Fortunately, I found FightCRC! And I jumped right in, attending and speaking at Call-on Congress. I now look forward to being a RATS member to further my research advocacy goals.
"Never, ever hesitate to ask for help. We are here for you."
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