Coral’s story in memory of her sister Bianca

My story is a little different to most.

My sister was 37 when she found out she had Stage 4 bowel cancer, she had been to the doctors multiple times over the course of a year or two, but I feel like due to her special needs, the doctors didn’t take her seriously and didn’t bother to look further than a diagnosis of low iron.

Fast forward 6 months, she lost the battle to her cancer.

I sat with her when she left this world.

I figured I should probably get checked out myself. I had no symptoms but wanted to be sure.

I had 4 colonoscopies in 12 months, with over 100 polyps removed. I was told I had sessile polyposis syndrome, and they informed me I would one day likely end up with bowel cancer.

Given my family history, they offered me a total colectomy or 4 colonoscopies a year.

I opted for a total colectomy; I am very fortunate, and they were able to reconnect my insides, so I still have ‘normal’ (I use that lightly) bowel function.

My sister saved my life.

My one piece of advice:

Don’t wait to get checked out, if you have any symptom, the smallest change in anything, see your doctor and PUSH them for proper testing!