Hello. I’m Debra and I’ve been diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer. I was diagnosed in June 2024 and I’m currently going through chemo and radiation therapy. Treatment isn’t easy, especially with the side effects and challenges of a permanent ostomy bag, but I’m working on getting through each day.

Prior to my diagnosis, I had blood in my stool, felt that my bowels do not empty all the way, unexplained weight loss and fatigue. I also had fecal incontinence, a fissure between the vagina and the bowel and increasing pain in the groin area.

I went to the ICU with a pulmonary embolism. The cancer was diagnosed when I mentioned certain abnormal issues to the emergency room doctor that I had to disclose, such as fecal incontinence.

I was eventually diagnosed with stage 3 rectal adenocarcinoma.

I felt neutral. I was not surprised by the diagnosis. I just stoically began making decisions with my new cancer team about what my treatment would look like.

I’m following the treatment plan recommended by my doctor which includes a colostomy, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The type of surgery to remove the tumor has yet to be determined. It will be discussed when chemo and radiation are complete in about a month.

The colostomy was done prior to treatment beginning and a permanent ostomy bag was put in place. Radiation began 10 days after my colostomy surgery. I had no idea how much pain radiation was going to cause me due to skin damage; that was something unexpected that I wish I’d known before starting treatment. I will complete a total of 33 sessions.

Chemo began one week after radiation. As of now, it will be 6 weeks. Both remain ongoing. Other than taking oxycodone occasionally, no other medications are being taken except for Eliquis because of the pulmonary embolism.

When they told me my treatment plan, I felt neutral. I wasn't overly emotional. I just wanted to get on with the plan that had been laid out by my team.

My treatment is being covered by insurance.

The side effect that affected me the most was mucositis. Constant mucus leakage greatly inhibits my activity. I limit my movements so I can try to limit how often I have to clean up in the bathroom. This is the worst part by far of having the ostomy bag. Because of the ostomy bag, I also have concerns about bathing and personal hygiene on top of the inability to eat my favorite food.

I actually had a few preconceived concerns about having a stoma bag. I was afraid of smells, worried about leakage and concerned the bag would dislodge. These somewhat affected me. While I was concerned about the visibility of the bag to others, I was not impacted by it.

I also struggle with loss of appetite and fatigue. Nothing recommended or prescribed has been of much help to me. I eat smaller meals, but eat more often. This helps with decreased appetite. That’s my practical advice for others with cancer.

I was very compliant with recommended medical advice on my alcohol intake and nutrition. In fact, I ceased consuming alcohol altogether after drinking most of my life.

In terms of my future, I’ve planned nothing long term short of continuing with cancer treatment.

Amazon saved me, as shopping became a huge chore.

My day-to-day life has been affected by cancer the most. I’m still working on it. It is a daily challenge just to get through the day.

Actually, my biggest fear was about the cost of this journey financially. However, I realized that I have no control over any of that and let it go.

It hasn’t been long since my diagnosis, but I feel optimistic. The cancer has not metastasized per the PET scan and a lung biopsy. This has shifted my emotional and mental wellbeing into a more positive direction.

Once your plan is in place, be sure to make all of your medical appointments no matter what they are. If at all possible, don't cancel or reschedule treatments or testing. Every day counts on this cancer journey and will matter in the end.