In your own words tell us about an instance when you had a perplexing, confusing, or surprising experience with your own health.

A large tumor was found in my sigmoid colon during a colonoscopy.I had to have surgery to remove my sigmoid colon. During surgery they discovered I had endometriosis and was covered in very dense scar tissue. They had to do some reconstructive work and that led to me having an ostomy bag for three months. The tumor was precancerous and they were able to remove all of it. A year later, I had to have a full hysterectomy.

How did this event or journey impact your day-to-day life?

N/A

If you could go back and tell your previous self something you know now about this health issue or journey what might that be?

Listen to your body. If something doesn’t seem right,, go have it checked out.

Can you share any strategies or support that aided you in overcoming this health issue or journey, or are helping you to work through it, in terms of physical and/or mental well-being?

Honestly, I continue to struggle everyday with stomach issues and will for the rest of my life. There are good days and some very bad days. I have a wonderful support system in my family and friends! I am just so thankful that I don’t have cancer and that keeps me fighting everyday!