Lena B.

Lena B.

Diagnosed at 48

NOW, 7 YEARS AND SEVERAL CLEAN SCANS LATER, I'M CANCER FREE.

After a week of stomach distress and doctor appointments, we finally made a trip to the ER. X-rays revealed a blocked colon and 5 liver lesions. Colon surgery resulted in the removal of 1 foot of the descending colon, a colostomy and a port. Diagnosis: Stage 4 colon cancer. Chemo started 2 weeks later. We received hundreds of cards, letters, prayers and meds. Our Church (Elkhorn Hills United Methodist Church) took care of all our needs. They were incredible. Nine months later the 5 liver lesions were reduced to one so chemo was stopped, the left lobe of the liver was removed and the colon reattached — almost good as new. Then 9 months later a spot was found on my lung and it was removed so I needed no more chemo. 

Since I shared my story above in 2016, I have enjoyed having over a dozen clear scans and celebrated 7 years clear in February 2023. I am thankfully getting scanned once a year now and having a colonoscopy every 3 years.

My family and friends participate every year in the Rollin' To Colon event as "Team Semi-Colon.” We have encouraged many friends to go get their colonoscopies, and as funny as it sounds, I frequently get texts that say, "Had my colonoscopy today!" Not news too many would normally share. I am not shy about my cancer battle and feel that if I share it and it can help anyone, I am paying it forward, and maybe they too can call themselves a “Cancer Survivor.”

What do you tell others about getting screened?
Just do it! Don't delay! The preps these days are way better than years past.

Why do you fight back?
Our family fights back against colon cancer because it is so preventable. Why go through months or years of treatment and heartache when you can get screened and prevent it from going down that road?

Any other information you’d like to share?
If diagnosed....Stay positive and let others bless you with their help and they will be blessed in return.