After dealing with digestive issues for years, I started experiencing debilitating pain in my lower abdomen. My lower abdominal pain went from random pain with constipation to more frequent, heavy pain with more constipation/diarrhea. After elimination diets and holistic doctors, I knew something was wrong but was told I was “too young” for something serious to be wrong. I finally lied about having blood in my stool to a gastro center to get a colonoscopy. I had no referral, so I really appreciate this doctor for taking me on.

I woke up in the middle of my colonoscopy and heard “that’s cancer.” After the colonoscopy, the doctor said, “I’m 99% sure you have colon cancer.” He sent me for a CT scan and a meeting with a surgeon. The surgeon confirmed that I had colon cancer but he said only stage III, since it spread to only one lymph node, and they got it out. I woke up with an expected ileostomy that has since been reversed.

Originally I was given a stage lllb colon cancer diagnosis. After moving right after surgery and healing, I meet my oncologist. She runs more labs and scans, and I have stage IV colon cancer. It’s in my liver and my lungs.

I’ve done 12 rounds of FOLFOX and FOLFIRI. I’ve had radiation on my lungs. Ablation on my liver and a resection. I’ve done Capcitabine and I’m now on Lonsurf + Avastin, and have been for 2 years.

I have been every emotion possible but right now I’m hopeful.