Paula Thomas

Story: "I was initially diagnosed in 2011 with stage II colon cancer through a routine age 60 colonoscopy. My age 50 colonoscopy was clean, and I have no history of colorectal cancer in my family that I know of. Upon my diagnosis, I had a colectomy of the cecum area and continued my life as an active employed adult professional. No chemo was taken as odds of recurrence were only 15 percent, I was told.

"Guess what... cancer did reoccur, it was ironically discovered through surgery in September 2012;  two months after a follow-up colonoscopy showed no recurrence. I had surgery for what was suspected as a bowel obstruction. The surgery showed that there was recurrence not only on the exterior part of the colon resection spot; but now also in fifteen lymph nodes and it had metastasized to the peritoneal cavity.

"Today I live with stable tumors in the peritoneal cavity. They are kept that way through regular chemotherapy treatments, exercise, and otherwise general good health. I was blessed with love and support from God, my family, and my friends. Five weeks after the stage IV diagnosis, my younger daughter got married. Today I am 'retired,' on long-term disability. I have dedicated my advocacy and project management skills to increase colon cancer awareness in my community."

Advice: "Live your life to the fullest that you can now, and never give up hope! Your life will be an inspiration to all that meet you."