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Patti Whitaker

Patients & Survivors Stage III Rectal Cancer California
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Patti's Story

In 2013 I was experiencing blood in my stool but didn't say a word to anyone. Kept getting calls and mail from doctors office saying I need to come in for a colonoscopy. Finally told me to take a home test, and I got a call back in a few days saying I needed to make an appointment immediately! On July 2, 2013, had the procedure done and on July 3, the doctor called and told me that I was in the beginning of stage III. I went through a flurry of test and on July 30, 2013, I had surgery removing 6 feet of my colon! No radiation or chemo needed! I've been cancer free going on 10 years now!

Patti's Advice

Get a colonoscopy! The prep sucks so bad, but knowing early can definitely save your life!

The only encouragement I received was from my amazing doctor and my family who were nervous and scared. But my advice is if you have any symptoms get checked out and get whatever treatment is proper for you! Life is precious. Live it to the fullest as healthy as you can to enjoy your loved ones.

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