Paula Thomas

Paula's 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%, 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 15 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."

Paula's 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.