Faces of Blue: Sondra Richey

I went in for my first colonoscopy on April 1, 2021. The only preventative test I never wanted to have in my lifetime. I went in two years before the suggested “guidelines” because I couldn’t ignore the signs my body was making clear to me. On April 2, 2021, I was diagnosed with rectal cancer. On June 7, 2021, I had my rectum and sigmoid colon removed. Burpa, the name I gave my stoma, and an ileostomy bag would be with me for the next eight months while what was left of my colon was reattached and left to heal. I had physical complications in early September and more complications in December. I was finally able to have the ileostomy reversed on December 28. I am now healing and cancer free.

Like many other things for people and especially for women; bathroom conversations are taboo and they shouldn’t be. There should be no embarrassment talking to anyone, especially those in the medical field. When I asked about how my surgery affects women like me, menstruating women, unfortunately the medical team said they had no clinical knowledge. I wish , LARS (lower anterior resection syndrome) was medically acknowledged and discussed before surgery so that all may know it is highly likely to occur and how to manage it as a new lifestyle and that insurance will also approve/pay for the items that can be used in the home to manage that lifestyle.

I’m still learning so much, starting with how I treat, feed, and move my body. Everything regarding taking care of your body needs to be an intentional decision daily, many times a day. I wish I would have known sooner. I’m totally a SME, subject matter expert, to all my family and friends now! Starting is the hardest part but if you “get your rear in gear” you will feel better for it.

 

 

RETURN TO FACES OF BLUE Signs & Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer SCREENING OPTIONS