I was diagnosed with colon cancer when I was 36 and a single parent. I never expected to hear the words, “you have cancer.” I had been having some rectal bleeding and thought it was hemorrhoids. What else could it be? The only doctor I had was my gynecologist who I saw once a year. During his exam he said I needed to see another doctor and gave me a card for a colon rectal surgeon and told me to see him.
The next week I saw the surgeon and he examined me and said he needed to do a sigmoidoscopy the following day. During the sigmoidoscopy he found a polyp and removed it He showed it to me and said he would get it biopsied and have me come in for the results. I thought it would be fine.
The next week I returned to the doctor and he took me into his office. He told me I had cancer and needed a colon resection within the next few weeks to make sure the cancer had not spread to vital organs. All I could do was shake my head while thinking, am I going to die and how would I tell my son and my mom.
A few weeks later I was in the hospital having major surgery to remove 10 inches of my colon. My abdomen was cut open from navel to pubic bone. My mom, dad and son were with me when they wheeled me back. I was praying the Psalms 23, “The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want…though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I shall fear no evil for thou are with me….”
That was 28 years ago and I remember it like it was yesterday. I never want to hear those words again and if I can keep others from hearing bad news I will be thrilled. By eliminating all the artificial ingredients and processed foods from my diet I have lived a healthy life since this diagnosis.
If you have changes in bowel habits or feel something is not right with your body, see a doctor. Early detection saved my life. Know your body and take care of it.
Love and best wishes,
Tracy