In 2021, genetic testing revealed two mutations: MSH2 (Lynch syndrome) and CHEK2. When I had my first colonoscopy, stage 0/1 rectal adenocarcinoma was found. I was 34.

I had surgery to remove the cancer, and then began frequent surveillance. In 2024, at age 36, a monitored lymph node was confirmed as stage III colorectal adenocarcinoma, dMMR/MSI-H. My treatment included immunotherapy and major surgery: a proctocolectomy and prophylactic hysterectomy. After surgery, pathology results showed NED!

Without genetic testing, I likely wouldn’t have had a colonoscopy until age 40, which could’ve been too late. I want to be here with the people I love for as long as I can be!

Genetics

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