On December 12, 2023, I went in for a colonoscopy because I was having symptoms of abdominal pain, fatigue, nausea, and blood in my stool. It had been going on for a few months. When I awoke from the colonoscopy, the doctor’s face was white as a ghost and he told myself and my husband that they found a large mass in my colon and sent it for an emergency biopsy. We knew it was not good.

I had 80% blockage in my colon. He was not able to complete the colonoscopy due to the blockage. We got in the car and left and I just sobbed. I started thinking about my children, especially my 13-year-old son. It was the scariest feeling I have ever felt.

Within in 48 hours, I was told I have colon cancer. Doctor visits, tests, and surgery were all scheduled immediately. On January 12, 2024, I had surgery to remove the large tumor and 9 inches of my colon. It was a 6-hour procedure. They surgery was a success, and they removed over 40 lymph nodes. We awaited those results. They showed cancerous cells. I was diagnosed stage III colon cancer. Chemo was my option. I chose to go with CAPOX. It was horrendous. I had an allergic reaction to the infusion. Not once but twice. I could not talk, my throat closed, I could not move my hands or legs, or feet. It was something I would not wish on my worst enemy. After 4 rounds, I went for a PET scan and it was all clear. I chose to not continue chemotherapy because the results were positive.

At this time, I am currently cancer free. I am an advocate for those who are going through the same fight.