Over 10 years ago, I “bared my scar” to tell my story of surviving colon cancer for the 2009 Colondar, a calendar raising awareness of colorectal cancer under age 50. I’ll never forget the day I first learned about the project by The Colon Club. I realized I wasn’t alone – there were other young survivors like me. I […]
Read MoreDr. Jamie Aten is a “Twitter friend” who I connected with first via social media. One day, his guest post about surviving stage 4 colon cancer hit my news feed and as I read it, I knew we needed to connect. Not only is his story inspirational, but his unique expertise in disaster psychology is extremely helpful […]
Read MoreWhen I first started blogging about cancer, I named my first blog “Semicolon Stories” because I needed an outlet, a way to tell my story of surviving colon cancer at age 17. It proved to be a healing experience. Not only did the act of writing a blog bring therapeutic benefits, but putting words to […]
Read MoreIt’s been a few months since I wrote a health update. Partly because I launched Unexpected: 25 advent devotionals and fully embraced it. (Which, if you supported this project, thank you! It sold over 800 books and is helping fund my friend Doc’s missionary travels!) A few other reasons I’ve not written an update include […]
Read MoreI never know how I’m going to feel today, and how to celebrate my cancer anniversary. I’ve learned over 18 years that there’s no “right way” to celebrate a day like today. Some years I barely mention it, other years (like last year when I wrote “17 Reasons God Meant Colon Cancer for my Good” […]
Read MoreThis is a sponsored post. Salix Pharmaceuticals compensated me for this post. All opinions are my own. Certain product information has been included to meet regulations. Here’s my experience with the product and some colonoscopy prep tips. October 2019 Update: Here’s why I chose to use PLENVU again for my follow-up scan.
Read More“How does it feel to turn 35 years old!?” friends asked me across a conference room table earlier this week. They’re new friends, people I’ve met over the past year through work. People who’ve not lived the past 18 years by my side as I’ve survived colon cancer (although people who would have undoubtedly rushed […]
Read MoreI don’t want to write this post. Not because I don’t like talking to you, or because I don’t want you to read my blog, but because I feel silly. Here’s why: I got a second opinion for surgery from a colorectal surgeon. And not only did my doctor’s second opinion make me stop and […]
Read MoreA few months ago, I got pretty good at mindfulness – I learned how to be still. I even went to a retreat where a mindfulness guru came in and led our small group in an exercise. There we all sat on colorful, braided mats with crossed legs, closed eyes and open palms. We breathed […]
Read MoreI met with a new colorectal surgeon this week at KU Cancer Center and discussed my latest colonoscopy and how I was considering a j-pouch vs ileostomy. I liked him a lot. He was smart and asked good questions. I challenged myself to set an appointment with a new doctor to get a new opinion. […]
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