As shared with Shannon Shelton Miller, I was overjoyed when I found out I was pregnant with my first child at 29. However, my pregnancy took a scary turn when I experienced significant bleeding at eight months. Despite reassurances from my OB-GYN, new symptoms arose post-pregnancy, including fatigue and abdominal pains. It wasn’t until a colonoscopy revealed cancer that my world turned upside down.
After undergoing multiple rounds of chemotherapy and surgeries, including the removal of parts of my colon, liver, and gallbladder, my cancer spread to my lungs and lymph nodes. Despite a period of remission in 2021 and 2022, the cancer reappeared in my lymph nodes in 2023, leading to ongoing treatment.
At 38, with my 8-year-old son by my side, I continue to share my story to advocate for early detection and self-advocacy in healthcare. My journey serves as a reminder that anyone can be affected by cancer, regardless of age or family history. Do not hesitate to push for answers if something doesn’t feel right.
