Como madre, siempre puse mis necesidades al último, hasta que apareció el cáncer de colon de etapa 4

English

As told to Erica Rimlinger

As my dazed mind awoke from the sleep brought on by the AnesthesiaMy mom sounded like she was far away while giving the news.

“The doctor couldn’t perform the operation,” he said. “The cancer was too advanced.”

The next thing I remember was a kind chaplain entering my hospital room. His presence gave me peace of mind as he listened to my fears about the unknown. He said, “I will not leave this room until you schedule an appointment with a oncologist“.

My brain quickly woke up, and I thought, “This can’t be happening.” The next thing I thought was, “I have six children between the ages of three and 18. One of my children has autism and Down syndrome. It’s not optional. I must fight.”

Before receiving the diagnosis of stage 4 colon cancerI had neglected my health. I spent most of my time in my car, taking my kids to activities and school, delivering groceries to customers through Instacart, and grabbing fast food along the way. I was always in a rush, too busy to address my needs due to an endless list of laundry, chores, meals, homework, and more laundry.

If you could go back in time and talk to me six years before that happened, when I had normal GI symptoms that didn’t resolve when I was taken off gallbladderHe would tell me, “Go see your doctor again. Say something. Tell him that the gallbladder procedure doesn’t eliminate the symptoms. Go through the procedure.” colonoscopy which he recommended instead of the sigmoidoscopy It wasn’t comprehensive, but it was cheaper. “Speak up. Spend time on this because you are worth it and your health is priceless.” But my husband had indicated that I had already spent a lot of time and money on my health issues, so I kept quiet.

Now, lying in the hospital bed, my mind racing with more bad news amid a cloud of fading anesthesia, my mission was clear. A week later, I met with a new oncologist, where I learned that I could not have any more surgery, even if I had a ruptured appendix. “It won’t help you live longer,” he told me. “You’ll have to have surgery.” chemotherapy for the rest of your life.”

I started aggressive chemotherapy and had genetic and biomarker testing done, not just to try to find some genetic marker such as Lynch syndromewhich is associated with an increased risk of colon cancer, but to help my doctor plan treatments with more effective results.

They weren’t going to wait for the results, though. The biopsy identified that my cancer was rated 95/100 on the aggressiveness scale. It had enveloped my internal organs like a sheet and had reached my breasts.

While enduring treatment, I reinvented my life. I began meditating. I practiced yoga. I set aside time for walks and exercise. I kept a daily gratitude journal. I sought out the company of friends and family with positive attitudes. I realized how deeply I had neglected my health. I had a lot of pent-up anger building up inside me.

Julie and her six children, 2024

I have started getting counseling and will learn to take better care of my body, mind, and spirit. Instead of ignoring my emotions, I now speak my mind. I left an unhealthy marriage and am proud that I didn’t give up. I will spend the time I have left taking care of myself and how I really feel. I have the support system of my church, friends, family, and virtual support groups such as Town of Columbus.

The side effects of my chemotherapy are unusual, but tolerable: drinking cold water feels like swallowing knives, and touching cold surfaces feels like touching knives. But honestly, I have never felt healthier. neuropathy of my toes, another side effect of chemotherapy, does not stop me from walking 5 km to raise money and awareness among the general public in favor of cancer research that will save lives.

My genetic testing indicated that my cancer was not due to genetic factors. I wondered this because I had a cousin who died of colon cancer at age 41. This alarmed my sister, who had a colonoscopy and had asked me to have one at that time. I was 45 at the time, when screening was recommended to begin at age 45, as it is now, so I thought my sister was overreacting. My cousin smoked, I thought. And I am very young. At the time, I did not know that colon cancer could occur at any age and that, in fact, it is increasingly common in younger people.

There was a lot I didn’t know before, but I’ve spent this time learning about my disease, my health, and my treatment options. I learned that there are now surgeons who specialize in removing very advanced cancers.

In fact, I recently had a consultation with one at Smilow Cancer Hospital with Yale Medicine who said I’m eligible for surgery because I was stable on chemo for two years and seven months and walking two miles a day every day. I still have hurdles I need to overcome before that happens – six more rounds of chemo, a CT scan, a PET scan, and a blood test after chemo. But if the surgeon is happy with those results, I could have a laparoscopic surgery in mid-November. If that goes properly, the surgeon will remove my main tumor, perform a colon resection, remove my appendix and lymph nodes in my pelvis and near my aorta. This procedure could help me live longer. That’s my main priority: to be here as long as possible for my six children.

My six-year-old daughter asked me, “Mommy, what will I look like when I’m 10?” I realized that she might not know. At church, I burst into tears when I saw a 10-year-old girl who looked like my daughter. I don’t want to miss my children’s important milestones, and I’m determined to live long enough to see them grow up.

In many ways, I feel healthier than ever. I exercise, go to therapy, volunteer at church, and live a balanced life that aligns with my values. I’ve learned a lot about taking care of my mental and physical health since my cancer diagnosis. Most importantly, I’ve learned that it’s never too late to make your health your most important priority.

This educational resource was prepared with support from Merck.

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