My story began in December 2023. I started having difficulty passing stools and felt like I had some kind of obstruction that was making it difficult to go. On December 21, 2023, I told my doctor about this. By December 28th, I had an appointment to see a surgeon. After a quick in-office rectal scope, a small tumor was noted. By January 2nd, I was scheduled for surgery. On January 9th, during my post-surgery follow-up, I was told I had colorectal squamous cell carcinoma. The rest of the appointment was pretty much a blur—I barely remember my drive home. Cancer? This really can’t be happening to me! But it was.
That Sunday, my doctor called me at home to discuss my next action. I’m a veteran and am treated at the VA Hospital in Clarksburg, WV, an hour and a half drive from my house. I elected to be treated at Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center, which is only 45 minutes away. On February 27th, I was scheduled for a full battery of tests and doctors. A PET scan showed a questionable area in my right rib. A bone biopsy and total bone scan showed it was just age-related bone degeneration—I thanked God for that.
On March 7th, I started chemo and radiation therapy, every day Monday through Friday for 6 weeks. On April 15th, I rang the bell 3 times, celebrating the end of my treatments!
Every month, I saw my oncologist with lab draws and my radiation oncologist. Every 3 months, I had another PET scan, followed by appointments with my oncologist, radiation oncologist, and surgical oncologist. By November, my cancer was barely detectable! In February 2025, my PET scan showed I was cancer-free—yay! Now every 6 months, I have a CT scan to monitor for possible return of the cancer.
Yesterday, I had reconstructive surgery to remove 2 of the 3 huge hemorrhoids and scar tissue caused by radiation. We are now praying this surgery will prevent me from needing a colostomy appliance. Radiation does a real number on your body, but it’s better than cancer!
I thank God every day for my new lease on life! I love my grandchildren immensely and look forward to being there when my youngest daughter has her first child. Life is so precious, and I’m thankful for every day I get to enjoy it!
I preach to everyone: if you feel something different about your body, get it checked out, and hopefully your doctors will be as expedient as mine were!
Paula
United States
Submitted 09/17/2025
This story is intended to convey a personal experience and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical advice.
