I was diagnosed at age 38 with stage IV rectal cancer. I had been having symptoms at the end of my pregnancy, which only got worse after giving birth. I was in terrible pain, and it was the beginning of COVID-19. When my baby was 5 months old, I finally had a colonoscopy that discovered my tumor. I have been in treatment ever since – juggling COVID, parenting small children and treatment.

There is always hope! Each tumor and patient is unique, and there are new scientific studies going on constantly.

Chemo brain Chemo induced nausea and vomiting Chemotherapy Distress or mental health issues/illness Fatigue Hand-foot syndrome Mouth sores Permanent Permenant Ostomy Radiation Side Effects Surgery

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