Everybody has a story. At some point in life we all encounter mountains that seem insurmountable. Colon Cancer at the age of 37 started that story for me.

The “C” Word

Yes, you read that right. Early in 2020 I started feeling ‘not well’ but chalked it up to stress, along with a few other factors that all seemed unrelated at the time. I was continuing a pattern of tummy troubles over the course of about a month, and finally decided to take action and see a doctor. My husband and I both figured that I was fine and whatever was going on was minor, as I have always been in great health. Honestly, I have never broken a bone, been hospitalized (aside from giving birth to three children), or had surgery for any reason. I do not have allergies and have not taken prescription medications for any reason for many years.

Words You Never Want to Hear…

On March 26, 2020 I went in for a colonoscopy to see if we could narrow down the cause of my discomfort, with my referring GI doctor assuring me that none of this should make me nervous because it is not cancer we are looking for. He scheduled it under the Emergency category, just to get me in, because clinics were limiting appointments due to the start of the COVID pandemic. I was assured that it was not really an emergency and I should not be concerned.

After my procedure the doctor came into the recovery room with my husband and I, and proceeded to tell us that what he found was a tumor, and it was definitely cancerous.

“Stephanie, You have Colon Cancer.”

He had the sample sent to pathology for confirmation, but he knew what it was and he did not hesitate to immediately get us moving in the right direction.

Was I Scared? Yes!

In that moment I let fear grip my heart, and that is when the battle began.

I proceeded to have surgery on April 6th, 2020. 14 inches of my colon was removed, along with the tumor. I spent 3 days in the hospital recovering, completely alone, as hospitals were not allowing visitors for any reason. It was a more painful recovery than I anticipated, but I knew the pain was temporary and that God had His healing hands on my life. I learned long ago that God is the giver of every good and perfect thing and that Satan is the author of lies, death, and destruction. I clung to the goodness of God and the truth that he would heal me, either in this life or the next.

I had a choice to make.

I chose to follow the voice that promises calm through the storm. I chose to listen to the voice of truth that tells me not to fear. I chose to honor God by speaking truth and victory over my circumstances, instead of doubt and fear. I chose to change my lifestyle and eating habits, and allow my body, heart, and mind to heal by the grace of God.

This is not to say that it has been easy, or that this story is complete. My story is constant, as I live each day with the reality that I had cancer, and am genetically predisposed to certain cancers. Knowing this has allowed me to make long term decisions surrounding my diet and lifestyle. I have to choose each day whether I will spiral into fear, or trust the one who has already conquered fear for me.
I am currently healthier than ever, but encountered a bump in the road in March, 2022. I re-entered the fight against colon cancer, and have recently entered remission! Follow my ongoing journey through my Blog page.

It is my ultimate prayer that my story will bring encouragement and hope to others.