Joanna Stimmel
Patient/Survivor |
Rectal - Stage III |
Age at Diagnosis: 46
I had rectal bleeding for a couple of years and was misdiagnosed as having hemorrhoids. My doctor suggested a colonoscopy, but my insurance would not pay for it since I was under 50. When I finally switched insurance and got the test done, a 7 centimeter mass was found in the middle rectum.
I was diagnosed with IIIb rectal cancer. I went through chemo, radiation, surgery, and chemo, but progressed to stage IV rectal cancer the following year. The one small lung metastasis was removed, and I had another round of chemo following the surgery. Luckily, since then I’ve been NED, which is nothing short of a miracle. Almost six years in remission from stage IV! The universe has my back and I’m eternally grateful.
Get screened at the first sign of trouble. Colonoscopy doesn’t hurt, the prep is just a short nuisance. Cancer on the other hand is a nightmare that I would not wish upon anyone.
Joanna Stimmel
Patient/Survivor |
Rectal - Stage III |
Age at Diagnosis: 46
I had rectal bleeding for a couple of years and was misdiagnosed as having hemorrhoids. My doctor suggested a colonoscopy, but my insurance would not pay for it since I was under 50. When I finally switched insurance and got the test done, a 7 centimeter mass was found in the middle rectum.
I was diagnosed with IIIb rectal cancer. I went through chemo, radiation, surgery, and chemo, but progressed to stage IV rectal cancer the following year. The one small lung metastasis was removed, and I had another round of chemo following the surgery. Luckily, since then I’ve been NED, which is nothing short of a miracle. Almost six years in remission from stage IV! The universe has my back and I’m eternally grateful.
Get screened at the first sign of trouble. Colonoscopy doesn’t hurt, the prep is just a short nuisance. Cancer on the other hand is a nightmare that I would not wish upon anyone.
"Never give up. Even with a 1-in-10 chance, there is a chance."
Joanna Stimmel
Patient/Survivor |
Rectal - Stage III |
Age at Diagnosis: 46
I had rectal bleeding for a couple of years and was misdiagnosed as having hemorrhoids. My doctor suggested a colonoscopy, but my insurance would not pay for it since I was under 50. When I finally switched insurance and got the test done, a 7 centimeter mass was found in the middle rectum.
I was diagnosed with IIIb rectal cancer. I went through chemo, radiation, surgery, and chemo, but progressed to stage IV rectal cancer the following year. The one small lung metastasis was removed, and I had another round of chemo following the surgery. Luckily, since then I’ve been NED, which is nothing short of a miracle. Almost six years in remission from stage IV! The universe has my back and I’m eternally grateful.
Get screened at the first sign of trouble. Colonoscopy doesn’t hurt, the prep is just a short nuisance. Cancer on the other hand is a nightmare that I would not wish upon anyone.
"Never give up. Even with a 1-in-10 chance, there is a chance."
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