I don't post here much, but I wanted to share what I'm going through in case it ever helps someone else. I've been dealing with what I assumed were internal hemorrhoids (some discomfort and bleeding) for a long time, even before I got pregnant with my son in July 2014. It has been getting worse, so I finally got a colonoscopy yesterday and was diagnosed with colon cancer. I have more tests this week to determine what stage. I'm not posting this to scare anyone, but to encourage you all to keep your doctors informed about any and all symptoms you have. For too long, I used the internet to validate my assumption that I "just" had hemorrhoids, made worse by having a baby. So don't put off talking to your doctor even if you're embarrassed or think it's something minor! I'm still in shock and processing everything, but I mostly feel guilt and anger for not listening to my body and talking to my doctor sooner. I know better than that and have put my life at risk. Now I have to try to get past the guilt and focus on fighting to be here for my son and husband.
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Wow, I'm so sorry that you are going through that. Sending you healing thoughts.
I know you're probably processing so much right now, but from an outsider's perspective- I don't think you should feel any guilt. This isn't your fault, and I don't know anyone that would assume hemorrhoids equals cancer.
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I'm so sorry your going through this.
Be kind to yourself right now. No one would expect hemorrhoids are really cancer. Now that you know I'm sure you'll do everything possible to get better and that's what matters. -
I'm so sorry that you are dealing with this. I hope all ends well.
And I agree with the others - I definitely wouldn't have linked hemorrhoids to colon cancer, so thank you for the heads up!
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I'm so sorry! Wishing you all the strength that you will need to fight it. As others have said, don't feel guilty. I don't think anyone here would have thought that colon cancer would even be a remote possibility!
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@windswept: I'm so sorry to hear this! Thank you for the PSA. A dear friend of mine just lost her father to colon cancer that had metastasized to his other organs.
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Oh my goodness, I'm so sorry to hear this! I hope you get the best possible news from your doctor. I'll be thinking of you.
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Thanks, everyone. I appreciate it!
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Please don't feel guilty! I think we are all either too busy or afraid of being over paranoid. I know I downplay things ALL the time. Thank you so much for sharing and I hope for the best outcome for you
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Thank you for sharing this important lesson - but I agree, you shouldn't feel guilty! Thoughts and prayers. xo.
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Thank you for sharing. We are rooting for you!
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Thank you so much for sharing this.....and don't feel guilty.....I'm glad you finally went in and got it checked out. Praying and sending good thoughts to you.
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so sorry you're going through this. Thoughts and prayers to you and your family!
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I'm so sorry you have to deal with this
thank you for being honest and brave enough to post about your experience. You may help save another readers life you are strong!
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I'm so, so sorry
positive thoughts and prayers coming your way -
Please dont beat yourself up. There is a good chance a doctor would have brushed the same symptoms off.
Good luck finding a plan of action and prayers for a speedy recovery!
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Will will all be cheering you on! What's the protocol? How are you feeling?
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So many times our doctors brush off our symptoms, so don't beat yourself up. Wishing you the best possible outcome, hugs.
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So sorry you are going through this! Wishing you strength to fight this. It makes me sad how many lives are affected by this. I'll always remember our dear HB member Sam and her valiant fight.
Please keep us updated and let us know if there is anything we can do at all to help you! -
So sorry you're going through this.
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@windswept: I'm so very sorry you are dealing with this.
My thoughts are with you. Please keep us updated if you can.
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Thank you for sharing this with us. Praying for you and your family!
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So sorry to hear this. A friend of mine had a similar story and was diagnosed with colon cancer about a year after the birth of her daughter. She wasn't diagnosed right away but she underwent treatment and is doing great now (she finished treatment about 2-3 years ago). Sending lots of good thoughts your way.
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Thank you all again for your support! An update: Today I got good news that it doesn't look like the cancer has spread, and I'm either stage II or III. I still have a few more tests to determine which one. @LibbyLou: I feel OK, just very anxious. The treatment will likely be chemo/radiation, then surgery, then chemo again. I feel ready to take it on, knowing that that the cancer is not extremely advanced! I'm also meeting with a fertility specialist to talk about preserving my eggs, since we'd ideally like to have another child. Hopefully I'll be healthy and joining a due dates board in a few years!
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@windswept: I'm so sorry you're going through this! You have a great attitude about it all though, which I know will carry you back to health. Keep us updated. I'm praying for you and your family.
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@windswept: So glad to hear that it is not advanced. Wishing you the best in your fight against the cancer.
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@windswept: I read this earlier but forgot to respond. I'm so sorry about your cancer. You seem really positive! I'll be thinking of you. Thank you for the PSA.
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I'm so sorry you are going through this. Colon cancer runs strongly through my dad's side of the family so I think about it a lot. Great news that it hadn't spread. Good luck with your treatment and I wish you a speedy recovery
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Thinking about you and wondering how you're doing?
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@windswept: Ran across this today...thinking of you and wondering how you are doing.
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@wheres_c: @SweetCaroline: Thank you for thinking of me. It has been a difficult year, to say the least, but I am here! Shortly after my original post we learned it was actually stage IV, spread to my lungs. I have an amazing team of doctors who have treated me very aggressively. I had 6 months of chemotherapy, 6 weeks of daily radiation, and two surgeries, the second of which was just one month ago. The first surgery was pretty radical, but it gave me my only shot at cure. I now have a permanent ostomy, which surprisingly has been fairly easy to manage and doesn't affect my daily life all that much. I'm also not able to have any more children, due to the chemo and radiation to my pelvis. After much soul-searching, we decided not to pursue fertility preservation, for a variety of reasons. I am incredibly grateful I have my son (now an amazing two-year old), and being here for him as long as possible is what keeps me going on the toughest days. I have years of scans ahead of me, and we will hope it doesn't resurface. It is definitely scary, being stage IV, but we try to be optimistic. I've learned a lot over the last year, about coming to terms with mortality, and about how to truly support someone going through a difficult time. My friends, family, and coworkers stepped up and helped in so many ways, I am very lucky. Thanks again for thinking of me.
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@windswept: Prayers to you! Thank you for coming back to update! I dont know if you have heard of it but First Descents is a great free program for young adults with cancer.
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@windswept: Wow, thanks for the update. You're amazing and strong. My thoughts and prayers continue to be with you.
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@T.H.O.U.: Thank you! I had not heard of it, it looks really fun and empowering. I will definitely look into it more.
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@windswept: I participated a while back when they were a much smaller organization. It was VERY empowering. They now have a lot more groups around the country. The founder is AMAZING and has a heart for what he's doing. Plus at one point was the most eligible bachelor!
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@windswept: Thank you for updating! Glad to here that treatment is working. I hope you have many, many more years with your sweet boy!
My thoughts are with you. 
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