Sara Ritchhart

I had just turned 50, my twins had graduated in May 2012, and I received the diagnosis in July.

I had been put in the hospital with an infection and after it was cleared up I was informed that I had cancer of the colon.

I believe I was by myself or my husband may have been with me, not to sure on that, but it was stage IV.

Symptoms included rectal bleeding or blood in stool, stomach cramps/bloating/fullness, unable to have a bowel movement (bowel obstruction) or constipation.

Treatments received were surgery and chemotherapy.

Side effects included fatigue, mouth sores, secondary cancer(s), pain, neuropathy, skin rashes (skin toxicity, chemo rash).

My advice to anyone that may be unsure is to go to their doctor: The sooner you go to get screened, the better chance of catching it early and having a better survival rate.