arrow copy Created with Sketch. FightCRC Logo fcc-logo-light

Brenda Pletcher

Patients & Survivors Rectal Cancer Ohio

Story: “After a couple of years suffering with constipation and diarrhea, I talked to my doctor during a diabetes check-up. He told me to take stool softeners. Three months later I complained again about bowel problems. He ordered a CT scan. The next morning he called me at 7:30am to say, 'You have a mass in your colon. I am referring you to a colon surgeon at the James Cancer Center.' I got an appointment fast and a colonoscopy the next day. The surgeon confirmed rectal cancer.”

Advice: “Talk to your doctor whenever your 'normal' changes. DO NOT WAIT!”

Related Stories

Patients & Survivors Stage II Colon Cancer

Yolanda Harris

Side Effects, Treatments, Chemotherapy, Surgery, Radiation, Fatigue, Chemo induced nausea and vomiting, Chemo brain, Pain, Neuropathy
Patients & Survivors Stage III Rectal Cancer

Gloria Cortez

Ostomy, Side Effects, Treatments, Surgery, Reversal surgery, LARS, Distress or mental health issues/illness
Patients & Survivors Stage IV Colon Cancer

Brad Franzen

Side Effects, Treatments, Chemotherapy, Surgery, Fatigue, Bowel irregularities, Pain, Neuropathy, Chemo brain, Distress or mental health issues/illness