Jessica Speed
Patient/Survivor |
Rectal - Stage III |
Age at Diagnosis: 38
My only symptom was rectal bleeding at age 37, which was originally diagnosed as a dairy intolerance, and was later found to be stage 3b rectal cancer after a colonoscopy at age 38.
My entire treatment of chemo, radiation, and surgeries took place in 2020/21 during Covid. It’s a blur to look back now that I’m 4.5 years NED, but I was extremely focused on getting thru treatment one step at a time. I was devasted when I started losing my hair because I thought of it as a sign of sickness.
At one oncology appointment, I couldn’t stop crying and they referred me to a therapist, whom I still meet with regularly. Thru cancer, my body changed in ways I can never undo, and that is something to be mourned.
But my mind and spirit are so much stronger. It’s hard to be grateful for cancer, but I know I’m better after it.
Jessica Speed
Patient/Survivor |
Rectal - Stage III |
Age at Diagnosis: 38
My only symptom was rectal bleeding at age 37, which was originally diagnosed as a dairy intolerance, and was later found to be stage 3b rectal cancer after a colonoscopy at age 38.
My entire treatment of chemo, radiation, and surgeries took place in 2020/21 during Covid. It’s a blur to look back now that I’m 4.5 years NED, but I was extremely focused on getting thru treatment one step at a time. I was devasted when I started losing my hair because I thought of it as a sign of sickness.
At one oncology appointment, I couldn’t stop crying and they referred me to a therapist, whom I still meet with regularly. Thru cancer, my body changed in ways I can never undo, and that is something to be mourned.
But my mind and spirit are so much stronger. It’s hard to be grateful for cancer, but I know I’m better after it.
"Advocate for yourself, get second opinions, seek therapy."
Patient/Survivor |
Rectal - Stage III |
|
Age at diagnosis: 38
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