Sylvia Martorell

Sylvia's story

In April 2021, I went in for a colonoscopy because of my recent breast cancer diagnosis and when I woke up, I was told that they found a mass in my colon.

The doctor was convinced that he would find nothing because of my age and having no respecters, but there I was laying in the bed all alone being told that I had cancer again at the young age of 44 years old.

There was a male nurse in the room with us as I was hysterically, crying, and he held my hand and prayed with me, and I will never forget that moment.

Signs and symptoms

Signs and symptoms included rectal bleeding or blood in stool, narrow stools, stomach cramps/bloating/fullness, and fatigue.

Side effects

Side effects included fatigue, bowel irregularities, chemo induced nausea and vomiting (CINV), pain, high blood pressure, neuropathy, chemo brain, and distress or mental health issues/illness.

Sylvia's advice

Early detection can save your life. I am a true testament to that, and I will keep spreading the awareness of how important it is to listen to your body.

Never given to this monster of a disease keep fighting we are stronger than what we believe.