I was diagnosed during the COVID pandemic. I had acid reflux and constipation, and went to the ER but had to go in alone. Due to the severity of the reflux burning my vocal cords, the doctor ordered a CT scan.

I found out my diagnosis by myself in a hallway lined with stretchers and patients because there weren’t enough rooms. The doctor and a nurse came over with tears in their eyes as the doctor explained he found a mass in my rectum and a couple other masses on my liver. He informed me that this put me at stage IV cancer; my prognosis would not be good; and for me in to see oncology the next day.

Seek medical treatment immediately and do not let a doctor tell you it’s something more common (like hemorrhoids) due to your young age.