My experience with cancer began six years ago. During a routine colonoscopy in my mid-40s, the doctor discovered that I had a small polyp which turned out to be cancerous. Due to my family history—having lost both my mother and sister to colon/rectal cancer, I decided to take proactive steps regarding my health. The doctor noted that the polyp was growing down the rectal wall rather than upward. Fortunately, he was able to remove it and subsequently performed a second colonoscopy to ensure complete removal of the cancerous tissue. The doctor assured me it was all gone. Initially, I was elated to be declared cancer-free. However, one year later, a CT scan performed before my scheduled colonoscopy revealed the presence of a small cancerous cell growing in the rectum wall. Consequently, I underwent a procedure, and the biopsy confirmed the malignancy. Thus began my renewed journey with cancer. This time, the situation presented more complexities. When my physician contacted me, we discussed the implications of my results in detail. The doctor informed me that I needed to consult an oncologist. This news triggered a strong emotional response, and I found myself overwhelmed with feelings I had never experienced before. I asked the doctor for guidance on finding an oncologist, and he referred me to the Florida Cancer Group. After the call, I was overcome with feelings of being lost, frightened, anxious, and isolated. It was a challenging time, and that evening, I shared the news with my husband and family. It was a profoundly difficult period for us all. 

​

For 3 ½ years, I underwent treatment for stage 4 metastatic rectal cancer, which included scans, chemotherapy, surgeries, colostomy reversal, radiation, and oral chemotherapy medication. Despite losing weight, hair loss and being sick from chemotherapy, I maintained a positive mindset, largely due to the unwavering support from my husband, family, and friends. While there were moments of intense frustration and the desire to give up, it is important to acknowledge those emotions and not dwell in them. Allow yourself to express anger and sadness, but ultimately, remember that cancer does not define you. You are in control, and you have the strength to overcome this challenge.

​

I experienced metastasis in my liver, lungs, and lymph nodes. The treatment process was challenging but ultimately successful. As of December 2024, I received confirmation that my cancer had been eliminated. The purpose of this website is to provide guidance for individuals like me who feel uncertain and seek clarity after visiting the Cancer Path Guide.  

​

My hope is that you find some comfort and solace on this website. I want this website to empower you with the knowledge to encourage you not to give up. This will be a challenging time, but you can do this. Remember everyone is an individual and reacts to treatments in different ways. Success or failure of a treatment can be different for most people. Your doctor will cater your treatment specifically to your cancer diagnosis and cancer markers. There are new treatments being developed all the time and some serious cancers are being beat. Take a deep breath and understand that there are many horror stories that you may have heard, but there are also a lot of success stories that you haven’t. Keeping a positive mindset will affect your health and wellness so chins up, stay positive and kick cancers ass!