Last year on this date, I had a life-changing event. Something I never in my wildest dreams could imagine happened to me!
January 8, 2020
The day that I was diagnosed with colon cancer.
When the doctor came in after my colonoscopy and told me that he found out the source of the troubles, I was having. I didn’t expect to hear him say that I had cancer.
I had had issues with my colon for years, mostly dealing with them in silence. I remember having my first colonoscopy at the age of 25. I had been having some bleeding, and my doctor wanted to check to see why. Needless to say, he found nothing, and I was sent on my way to live my life.
I can recall having cramping and the “urge to go” for the next two decades. Sadly, I didn’t think much about it, just that that was how my body was. After all, I had a colonoscopy, and nothing was wrong.
So, 25 years later, when I started having bloody mucus daily, it didn’t concern me much (at first.)
Looking back now, I believe that I suffered from some form of IBS for years. I also think that it was due to the foods I ate. The typical SAD (Standard American Diet.) I now understand why it is called that….. it is sad how we eat. Fast food and processed food was the basis of my diet. I believe for most of us it was (or is!)
My body is very sensitive to things, so others may never feel any effect from the junk they eat. I wasn’t as lucky. Did the food I eat cause my cancer? No one knows. Yet, I often wonder how irritating my colon with the junk I ate could have led to cancer growth? Or am I “lucky” that I had issues even though I had tried different diets to stop the bloody mucus I expelled every time I used the bathroom, and nothing ever worked?!
Because of the bloody mucus I continuously had for over a year, I decided to see my doctor so that he could schedule a colonoscopy for me. I was 51 when I was diagnosed with colon cancer.
The age to start having colonoscopies was 50. But, I hadn’t gone in for my “wellness” check that year! What if I had? Would the outcome be different? Maybe the cancer was still only polyps at that time? You see, none of this will ever be answered because it didn’t happen that way.
Of course, I googled my symptoms, IBS, Colitis, Diverticulitis, Crohn’s Disease, and always at the end….. or “cancer!” I never remember thinking, “wow, I could have cancer!”
I was pleased when the GI doc told me they could tell if I had an autoimmune disease causing my problems. I thought to myself, “yay, I can finally find out what I have!”
As I reflect on the past year. After being diagnosed with colon cancer, having colon resection surgery, and thankfully being told that my cancer had not yet spread to the rest of my body and I wouldn’t need chemo or radiation. I often wonder, what if? What if I just continued to suffer in silence? What if I hadn’t gone in when I did?
But that isn’t my story!
I never thought my time was up! I think this is just the beginning! I am on a mission to help others. This journey I have been on for the past year is what is leading me to help others. Not only beating cancer (if you will) but the journey that the year 2020 has led me on. I have grown, learned, and bloomed more than I would have ever thought possible.
The health site I started right before my diagnosis is a blessing for me and others.
Who knew the name would be my mantra?
Health Yeah Life
2020 will be memorable for us all!
To Your Health,
She is passionate about helping others understand their body.
The key to figuring out why you feel the way you feel is to take a more significant look at what is going on inside you & even around you, and then ask questions!
She is excited to help & support you on your journey of optimal health and wellness!
