Welcome to my fundraising page - where I'm 'getting my rear in gear' to support local efforts to combat colorectal cancer!
Pam's story:
Two years ago, I had my first ever screening colonoscopy. When I woke up, I was told that they removed 3 polyps but that everything looked benign. I didn't give it another thought....Until a week later, when I got a call from my doctor with those three words no one wants to hear: you have cancer. I couldn't even tell you most of what was said during that conversation, as my mind just went blank. I'd had no symptoms at all, this was a routine screening.
I was very fortunate that it was caught early and it was tiny. But even with that, treatment was aggressive because I was young and otherwise healthy. As a result, my body is forever changed, and there are physical and emotional scars i will always carry from this journey.
And yet, I was so lucky that it was caught so early, that it was small, that it didn't spread. My treatment was less complicated than many people's that I have met along the way. Some will be on treatments permanently. And even for those of us who made it to NED stage (no evidence of disease), I feel like there's a sense of always looking over my shoulder, waiting.
March is colorectal cancer awareness month. I share my story to help destigmatize talking about it, but more importantly to share the importance of getting screenings when you should and seeing your doctor if you are experiencing any symptoms. 45 is now the recommended age for colonoscopy screening to begin, so if any of you are that age or older and haven't had yours yet, please please please make the time and go do it. And if you're having symptoms, no matter what age, see your doctor and get checked. Colorectal cancer rates are rising in younger people.
And do not tell me you don't want to do it because the colonoscopy prep is unpleasant. To that I say these two things: it's no worse than eating something that doesn't agree with you or having food poisoning, which most of us have been through at some time or other. And you know what's more unpleasant than colonoscopy prep? Cancer treatment.
So go right now, and make your appointment if you've been putting it off. Happy to answer any questions about my own journey, just reach out.
Love to you all 💙
JOIN ME in supporting the Colon Cancer Coalition / Get Your Rear in Gear to make an impact in my community. Your dollars go towards efforts that have long lasting impact on screening, education and awareness, support, and research. Your dollars = direct, local impact.
DID YOU KNOW? Colorectal cancer is the second deadliest cancer, and estimates state that 1 in 3 adults ages 45+ are NOT being screened as recommended. There is a 1 IN 25 lifetime risk for developing colorectal cancer (1 in 23 for men, 1 in 26 for women).
Together, we can help change these numbers. Join me and the movement to impact my local community.
Thank you!
