1

"Getting medical advice and screening is important, even if you have no symptoms. It can save your life. Remain hopeful and do what your medical professionals tell you. Seek a second opinion, if you are unsure."

Wendi Neal

Patient/Survivor |

Rectal - Stage III |

Age at Diagnosis: 46

I went for my first colonoscopy in April 2023. I had just turned 46, and my maternal grandmother passed away from colon cancer at the age of 65.

I was not expecting to hear that I had cancer: I had no symptoms. I am married and have two children under the age of 18. My first thoughts were of them. I would anything and everything to get well and have many more years with them.

I am currently undergoing treatment and do not know what the future holds, but I am grateful that my doctor referred me to have a colonoscopy, and I live with hope that this is treatable and curable.

Side effects included fatigue, neuropathy, and chemo brain.

1
Published On: September 29, 2023

Wendi Neal

Patient/Survivor |

Rectal - Stage III |

Age at Diagnosis: 46

1

I went for my first colonoscopy in April 2023. I had just turned 46, and my maternal grandmother passed away from colon cancer at the age of 65.

I was not expecting to hear that I had cancer: I had no symptoms. I am married and have two children under the age of 18. My first thoughts were of them. I would anything and everything to get well and have many more years with them.

I am currently undergoing treatment and do not know what the future holds, but I am grateful that my doctor referred me to have a colonoscopy, and I live with hope that this is treatable and curable.

Side effects included fatigue, neuropathy, and chemo brain.

1

"Getting medical advice and screening is important, even if you have no symptoms. It can save your life. Remain hopeful and do what your medical professionals tell you. Seek a second opinion, if you are unsure."

Wendi Neal

Patient/Survivor |

Rectal - Stage III |

Age at Diagnosis: 46

1

I went for my first colonoscopy in April 2023. I had just turned 46, and my maternal grandmother passed away from colon cancer at the age of 65.

I was not expecting to hear that I had cancer: I had no symptoms. I am married and have two children under the age of 18. My first thoughts were of them. I would anything and everything to get well and have many more years with them.

I am currently undergoing treatment and do not know what the future holds, but I am grateful that my doctor referred me to have a colonoscopy, and I live with hope that this is treatable and curable.

Side effects included fatigue, neuropathy, and chemo brain.

1

"Getting medical advice and screening is important, even if you have no symptoms. It can save your life. Remain hopeful and do what your medical professionals tell you. Seek a second opinion, if you are unsure."

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