No one is too young to have cancer – Stella H.
Colorectal Cancer Alliance shared on LinkedIn:
“‘A lot of people still think colorectal cancer is only meant for old people. I went to the hospital after having blood in my stool for a couple months. Doctors initially thought stomach ulcers or hemorrhoids. They prescribed me some medication for ulcers, but I went back to the hospital after two weeks because I still had blood in my stool. They didn’t suspect it was cancer.
I got a few other opinions, and a colonoscopy was ordered. The colonoscopy revealed I had a rectal tumor. I had a CT scan, MRI, etc., and the doctor confirmed it was stage 2B1 rectal cancer at the young age of 31.
I went through a few surgeries, the first leaving me with rectal vaginal fistula, and another ending with a loop colostomy. From there, I had 30 radiation treatments and 30 days of chemotherapy. I had my colostomy for 8 months.
A few months later, my colostomy was reversed and check ups revealed NED!
Though it’s a milestone, my cancer journey has taught me the strength I never had before. I came to realize that no one is too young to have cancer. Another thing I learned is the power of love. My mother, daughter, friends, and other relatives gave me the support I needed to battle my diagnosis. No one should have to battle cancer alone.’ – Stella H.
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