My Story – Submitted by: Nancy
It was April 2012 and I was 48 years old. I had been struggling with back problems-herniated disc on the shoulder and middle of the back and a continuing gnawing in my pelvic area. After many MRI and CT scans the doctors recommended physical therapy and an occasional pain med. As I actively participate in my doctor’s program I did have relief in my back. However the gnawing feeling in my pelvic was not correcting itself. Then one day while waiting for my physical therapist in the waiting room I had my first incident of bowel incontinence. I was mortified! I saw my pain management doctor that day. The next few days were filled with nerve tests and CT Scans. Nothing showed up on the tests. Though I kept having bouts of bowel incontinence. I was also losing weight and very fatigued. Finally I began searching the web for help and found Simon Foundation for Continence. This was my life saver. I read many articles on the site and one of them suggested seeing a gastroenterologist for medications and to be given a diet.
In May 2012 I made an appointment with my former gastroenterologist. At his suggestion we began with a colonoscopy. At my follow up appointment I was told that I had stage 3 colon cancer. At the end of the month I underwent surgery to remove the tumor which was followed by 6 months of chemo treatment.
As I am writing this story it is a few days before Christmas in 2012. I no longer have incontinence, I am Chemo Free and Cancer Free. If it wasn’t for Simon Foundation for Continence I would not be as fortunate as I am today.
Thank You Simon Foundation!