Shit got real, fast. There was blood on the toilet paper after I wiped my butt and symptoms that grew pervasively more concerning. It was clear things were not normal.
For the five years prior, I voiced my symptoms to every medical professional in my life. Dismissed as something that came with giving birth, striving for perfection and being overreactive. Told the the hemorrhoids I had were "cute" and that there was nothing to worry about, I remained unheard. As blood became brighter and more prevalent, I knew I needed to be seen. And then I was diagnosed with Stage 3b Rectal Cancer. My butthole was (literally) trying to murder me. It rocked me to the core and the real kicker -- it never had to happen.
Colorectal cancers are preventable with early detection -- butt cancer is entirely avoidable.
Throughout my cancer battle, it was hard to balance on the tight-rope carrying a full time job and raising three young boys. We learned a whole lot as a family about who we are, what we stand for and ways to make life well-lived. A harsh reality for all of us in our 20s, 30s and 40s is there is a skyrocketing uptick of younger people like me with colorectal cancer threatening our longevity, disproportionately impacting in healthy people, women and people of color.
My story is becoming all too common and many of us don't live to tell about it. Being fortunate enough to complete the aggressive treatment that left me as a cancer survivor today, it’s clear that this was completely avoidable with earlier intervention. If I had just been seen. Taken seriously. Earlier. I was not crazy, I was right and the system was broken around me.
This is why we started The BE SEEN Foundation. We are relentless and driven to eradicate death by colorectal cancer.
There's much to keep up for your health and wellbeing. So look around and learn why it's important to trust your gut when something feels off. If you're dismissed, don't stop until you get a test-backed answer.
Colorectal cancer is preventable when detected early and yet it is on a wild rise in young people in their 20s, 30s and 40s. We are on a mission to spread awareness that helps people recognize symptoms, get screened and ultimately save lives after my own late stage cancer battle at age 39. Hear from our family of 5 during our behind-the-scenes experience with The Lakers.
Let's all BE SEEN.
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