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Rosemarie’s Story (Colon Cancer)

Rosemarie's (Colon Cancer)On 12/31/13, my family and friends’ lives changed when I was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer that had metastasized to the liver.

I had celebrated in July of 2013 being cancer free for 33 years as I was diagnosed with neuroblastoma at six months old. I went through chemotherapy, radiation, and surgeries until the age of three. By age nine I was considered cured. At the age of 13 I was diagnosed with type one diabetes because of my childhood cancer.

Fast forward to November 2013, I went in for routine blood work for my diabetes but my doctor decided to do everything because we hadn’t done any tests in a while. The results showed severe anemia and extremely elevated liver enzymes. After an ultrasound, CAT scan, and liver biopsy, 12/31/13 came, and I was diagnosed with colon cancer. I went to Sloan Kettering to start treatment on 1/21/14. After eight rounds of chemotherapy, my primary tumor was finally ready to be removed on 4/21/14 along with a liver pump for the liver metastasize.

Currently, I am having direct liver chemotherapy once a month and systemic chemotherapy every two weeks. We just recently had the tumor markers run, and they are elevated so now I’m waiting for my next CAT scan for the whole picture and to determine how treatment is going to change. I have an amazing husband and twin (two and a half year old girls) who are my saving grace.

Rosemarie
New York
Submitted 07/08/2014

The informational content of this article 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.

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.

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One comment

  1. Patricia Ameo

    Rosemarie, you are a remarkable woman and an inspiration to all! You show us how to maintain courage in the face of illness and uncertainty. We adore you, consider ourselves lucky to have you in our lives, and expect to have you around for a few more decades!

    Endless love ’til the end of time,

    Aunt Pat

    X0X0

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