In 2015, I was dying. Unaware that adenocarcinoma was growing in my colon, I thought I had the stomach flu. However, when I got to the hospital, the doctor said I had a hole in my colon. I was becoming septic and if I didn’t allow them to do emergency surgery, I would have died. Then, I received the news that it was cancer. I was 45 years old and too young for this, while also being mother of two small children. The road after surgery was long; I had radiation and chemotherapy.
Today, 5 years after the diagnosis, I still have complications from cancer, but I’m alive. I have more surgeries and due to lynch syndrome. While I haven’t been told that I am cancer free, I am here and I’m grateful everyday.
Celeste
CO
Submitted 11/27/2020
This story is intended to convey a personal experience and, because every person’s experience is unique, should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional healthcare advice.