I have stage IVb recurring colorectal cancer.

I was first diagnosed at 38. I knew something was wrong, but all of my doctors said I was fine. That was until I had to go to the ER because I was suddenly anemic.

I eat healthy, I don’t drink, and I work out but when they did a colonoscopy, they found the tumor. 10 rounds of chemotherapy, 4 surgeries, 5 rounds of radiation, and so much pain. I went into remission but not even a year went by, before I have the same symptoms. My primary doctor said it’s gastric and my Gastroenterologist said it’s IBS. A CT scan and a colonoscopy fail to diagnose me. The cancer shows up in pet scan. Once again it is stage IV. The tumor is inoperable and only chemotherapy and radiation can help. This time there is a 5 percent remission rate and only a 32 percent chance chemotherapy will work. Unfortunately, the second time around I’m more prepared and know what to expect. I’m only 40 years old and can’t have children due to the cancer. Even though the chances of beating this cancer the second time are low I refuse to give up.