A Medical Emergency That Changed Everything
Nothing could have prepared me for the pain I felt the day everything changed. What I thought was a routine medical emergency quickly spiraled into something far more serious—and would eventually lead to my cancer diagnosis.
During emergency surgery, doctors discovered a 5 cm tumor wrapped around my right ovary and fallopian tube. Part of my small intestine had perforated, and the cancer was also adhered to my stomach. It took skilled hands and careful work to remove it all. At that time, there was no confirmation of cancer yet. I waited anxiously for the pathology results, knowing my life was about to shift.
Understanding the Signs: Could I Have Caught It Sooner?
Looking back, I now recognize the digestive symptoms I had experienced for years—bloating, irregular bowel habits, fatigue—as red flags I ignored or explained away. Like many women, I quickly brushed off discomfort and delayed screenings. I wish I had known how crucial early detection can be.
Had I pushed for a colonoscopy earlier, my colon cancer might have been caught before it progressed to stage 2. Unfortunately, I didn’t understand how subtle the signs could be or how vital cancer screening is, especially for women under 50 who often fall outside typical screening guidelines. I encourage others to advocate for themselves, trust their instincts, and never hesitate to request tests. Early detection saves lives, and I’m living proof that listening to your body can make all the difference.
The Moment Everything Became Clear: Stage 2 Colon Cancer
When the pathology report came in, the news hit hard: stage 2 colon cancer. I was stunned but also incredibly grateful that all 40 lymph nodes tested were clear, showing no signs of the cancer spreading. That detail gave me hope, even in the face of something terrifying.
Despite the shock of the cancer diagnosis, I felt a strange sense of clarity. I knew I had to be proactive and make decisions about my next steps. My doctors explained the treatment options, and although the idea of chemotherapy scared me, I wanted to do everything I could to prevent recurrence. This was the beginning of my colon cancer journey, and I made a promise to myself that I would face it head-on—with strength, honesty, and the will to heal.
My Chemotherapy Journey: Choosing to Fight
Once I healed from surgery, I had to decide whether or not to go through chemotherapy. My oncologist left it up to me, and I chose to fight. I committed to four months of treatment after my cancer diagnosis, knowing full well that it wouldn’t be easy.
Chemotherapy took a toll on my body and spirit. I battled severe mouth sores, dehydration, and neuropathy that made cold foods and drinks unbearable. Despite the physical side effects, I found surprising peace at the infusion center. It became a space of quiet strength, community, and care.
The Cancer-Free Milestone That Changed Everything
I completed my final round of chemo in January 2022. That date is etched in my heart as the day I claimed my cancer-free milestone. A follow-up scan the next month confirmed what I prayed for—no evidence of disease.
But healing wasn’t instant after my cancer diagnosis. It took me nearly three years to truly feel like myself again. Recovery is never linear—it’s slow, messy, and unpredictable. Still, I kept showing up for myself, one day at a time.
Why Self-Advocacy Matters More Than Ever
This journey taught me one of the most important lessons of my life: listen to your body and speak up when something feels wrong. I now encourage others—especially women—to push for answers, request tests, and not take “you’re fine” for an answer when they know something isn’t right.
If I had received a colonoscopy earlier, my cancer might have been caught before it reached stage 2. That reality fuels my mission now. I want others to learn from my experience and feel empowered to advocate for their health.
Self-advocacy isn’t always easy, especially in a system that often overlooks early symptoms or delays care for women. But it’s essential. Whether it’s asking for a second opinion, following up on unresolved symptoms, or simply trusting your gut, your voice matters. Patient advocacy can be the difference between early detection and a late-stage diagnosis. Speaking up could save your life—or someone else’s.
Saying Goodbye to My Best Friend
In 2024, I experienced a heartbreaking loss—my best friend Felicia passed away from stage 4 breast cancer. She had walked beside me during my journey and was a constant source of strength. Her death left a void I still feel every day.
There are moments when the weight of survivor’s guilt hits hard—when I wonder why I made it and she didn’t. It’s a heavy feeling, one I’ve learned to sit with rather than push away. I’ve understood that honoring her life means living mine with intention, courage, and love. She fought with everything she had, and now it’s my turn to carry that strength forward—not just for me, but for her too.
But through my grief, I carry her memory. Felicia reminds me to keep going, to live fully, and to never take this life for granted.
Staying Present and Finding Purpose
Even now, the fear of another cancer diagnosis lingers in the background. But I’ve learned to focus on the present and remain grateful. I wake up each day thankful for a body that’s healing, a mind that’s learning, and a heart that keeps choosing hope.
I’ve also come to accept that fear and peace can exist simultaneously. Some days are harder than others, but I’ve built a toolbox of habits—like walking, journaling, and deep breathing—that keep me grounded. I no longer chase a version of “normal” from before cancer. Instead, I’ve created a new normal that honors what I’ve been through and who I’ve become.
Thank You to A Patient Story
I want to extend my deepest thanks to A Patient Story for allowing me to share this part of my life. Vlogging about my journey has been healing, and I hope it offers comfort or strength to someone facing their diagnosis. This platform gives patients a powerful voice—and I’m proud to be one of them.
A Patient Story is more than just a website and YouTube channel—it’s a compassionate space that honors the human side of medicine. It helps bridge the gap between diagnosis and understanding by amplifying real stories from real people. Their work reminds us that behind every chart and scan is a person with a story worth telling. I’m honored to contribute to that mission.
