Marci Westlake is a perfect example of how random and unpredictable colorectal cancer can be. After two children, Marci thought her rectal bleeding was hemorrhoids. When she was finally referred to a gastroenterologist, he laughed at her problems and concerns. After two exams were canceled, she found someone who took her health seriously. Marci’s new doctor insisted on giving her a colonoscopy before he left town the next day. He already feared that she had colorectal cancer.

Marci had a colonoscopy and surgery, but despite her symptoms, did not have advanced cancer. She had stage I colon cancer and didn’t need chemotherapy. Marci has now been cancer-free for five years.

Colon Club Featured Survivor

Marci was featured in the 2006 Colondar, a project of The Colon Club.