For years, I had been experiencing on and off again rectal bleeding that was attributed to hemorrhoids. However, síntomas intensified during & after my second pregnancy. I had been experiencing intense fatigue, constipation, irregular bowel movements (the most noticeable change was thinning stools and never being able to “fully” go), and debilitating lower back pain. After trying multiple supplements and diet changes, I reached out to my GYN to see if there were any concerns for fibroids/endometriosis (since symptoms seem to intensify based on my cycle). Everything was normal.

I was then seen by a GI doctor, who scheduled me for a colonoscopy months out, without doing a physical exam. Again, my symptoms were attributed to having a history of hemorrhoids and being postpartum. A month before my scheduled colonoscopy, I went to the ER as symptoms became unbearable. A CT scan showed a mass on my rectum and liver, as well as nodules on my lungs. Within 12 hours, I underwent emergency surgery that resulted in a temporary colostomy bag, as well as the placement of a chemo port. I am currently undergoing chemotherapy, and my most recent scans showed that treatment has been effective.

If you suspect something is off with your body, please advocate for yourself. Trust your gut.

Deep down, my intuition was telling me that something was off with my body. Take time to care for yourself, even if you are deep in the trenches of caring for others.