Tina’s Story

“My name is Tina. I am 54 years old now, but I was 49 when I learned that I had colon cancer.

For nearly two years before my diagnosis, I knew something wasn’t right. I had been experiencing bleeding and other symptoms, but I was repeatedly told by my regular doctor that internal hemorrhoids were the likely cause. No physical examination or additional testing was performed at the time, so for a while, I trusted that explanation.

Eventually, I asked my doctor about completing a Cologuard test. Because I was still under 50, screening had not been strongly encouraged, but he agreed to order the test for me. When the results came back showing positive markers that could indicate cancer, everything suddenly became much more urgent. I was told that I needed a colonoscopy as soon as possible.

After the colonoscopy, I woke up and waited for the doctor to speak with me. He sat down in front of me and very gently explained that he had found a large mass. A sample had been sent to pathology, and although we needed to wait for confirmation, he told me that he was concerned about what he had seen.

That was on a Thursday.

The very next day, he personally called me with the results: it was cancer.

I felt completely lost. It was as though I couldn't fully process what I was hearing. What made that moment even more unforgettable was that I was caring for three of my young grandchildren when I received the news.

I cried.

They asked their grandma why she was crying, and I told them I was simply having a very sad moment. Bless their little hearts—they began crying with me. They were so young, but they loved their grandma enough to know that I was hurting, even if they couldn't understand why.

I will never forget that moment.

Then, for their sake, I pulled myself together and did what grandmas do. I played with them. I spent time with them. I tried to savor every moment I had with them, just as I always had.

I have continued doing that ever since.

After my diagnosis, I couldn't help wondering whether my cancer might have been discovered sooner if my symptoms had been investigated more thoroughly during those previous two years. Perhaps the mass would not have grown as large as it had by the time I needed surgery. I will never know for certain, but the experience taught me how important it is to advocate for yourself when you feel that something is wrong.

Before surgery, my family joined me for the consultation so that we could understand what to expect. I knew there was a possibility that I would need a temporary or permanent colostomy. What I did not understand was that my surgery could result in permanent changes that would make reversal impossible.

When I learned afterward what had been done, I was devastated. My family and I did not remember that possibility being explained during the consultation, and I felt that I had not been fully prepared to make an informed decision about what was happening to my body.

My treatment journey also did not end with surgery.

I went through 18 rounds of chemotherapy and 30 days of radiation. The treatments were difficult and left lasting effects on my body, including internal scarring.

Today, I am incredibly thankful to say that I am in remission.

But remission does not mean that cancer simply disappears from your life.

As many survivors understand, there can always be that little fear waiting around the corner. Another blood draw. Another CT scan. Another appointment. Another moment when you wonder whether you are about to hear those words all over again.

My life now includes caring for my colostomy every single day.

There are things people may never think about unless they have lived with an ostomy themselves. I worry about whether my bag might leak or break while I am sleeping. I have to make sure I have enough supplies to last until insurance will cover the next month's order. When I am out in public, I worry about unexpected noises from my ostomy and whether people around me will stare or wonder what happened.

These might seem like small things to someone else, but when they become part of your life every day, they aren't small at all.

Even after living with my colostomy for a couple of years, I am still not completely comfortable with it. And, truthfully, I am not entirely comfortable sharing my story either.

But sometimes you do uncomfortable things because you hope they might help someone else.

I am incredibly grateful for every family member and friend who helped me through this journey. Some of you may not even realize how much you helped simply by being there, but you did.

If there is one thing my experience has taught me, it is to listen to your body and advocate for yourself.

Ask questions. If something doesn't feel right, say so. If you don't understand what a doctor or surgeon is telling you, ask them to explain it again. When possible, seek a second opinion—especially when you are facing a major diagnosis or a life-changing procedure.

Cancer is frightening, and it can be incredibly difficult to make decisions when you don't know what comes next. But you deserve to understand your diagnosis, your treatment options, and what those treatments may mean for your future.

To every cancer survivor reading this, I wish you the very best.

And to those who are still in the middle of the fight: keep fighting. Be strong. Even on the days when you don't feel strong, there is more strength inside you than you may realize.

I am still here.

I am a survivor.

And this is my story.”

-Tina