Title: How My Habit of Worrying Saved My Life
Upon waking from anesthesia after my first colonoscopy at 36 years old, the first words I heard were, “We found…something.” As a young, working mother in the midst of a successful career, married with two young daughters, this news was alarming. Two weeks later, in July 2023, I received the devastating diagnosis of stage 3 colorectal cancer.
Despite the prevalence of information highlighting the risks of colorectal cancer, the colonoscopy almost didn’t happen. It’s known that women in their 20s and 30s are being diagnosed at increasing rates, yet the awareness around this cancer seems to be lacking compared to other types. In my case, even my doctor didn’t consider it a top concern.
Prior to my diagnosis, I had been dealing with painful hemorrhoids post-pregnancy, which my doctor dismissed as normal. However, as a chronic worrier, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. Despite my doctor’s reassurances, I pushed for a colonoscopy for my peace of mind, which ultimately led to the discovery of a 3.5 cm malignant tumor.
The process following my diagnosis was grueling, filled with meetings with specialists and numerous medical tests. The uncertainty was overwhelming, especially when I looked at my young daughters, unsure of what the future held. Just one week after diagnosis, I underwent surgery to have a Port-a-Cath inserted, unable to hold my baby for weeks.
The financial burden of the procedure was unexpected, with hidden costs amounting to thousands of dollars. Fortunately, I had the savings to cover these expenses, ensuring that my diagnosis was not delayed.
In hindsight, I realized that my tendency to worry about even the smallest things in life had led me to advocate for my health when others may not have. While the journey ahead was challenging, it was my habit of worrying that ultimately saved my life.
I craved snuggles, and truthfully, I really needed them too. Kristina snuggled with her daughter Wren. Photo courtesy of Kristina Kelly Fortunately, I was one of the fortunate ones. We caught the tumor before it could spread to other parts of my body. The medical team informed me that my cancer treatment had the potential to be curative. Throughout my treatment, I encountered numerous women with similar stories to mine: Young women in their 20s and 30s diagnosed with colorectal cancer soon after giving birth. Many had dismissed their symptoms—such as hemorrhoids, bowel changes, anemia, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss—as postpartum-related, focusing solely on caring for their infants and neglecting their own well-being. When they did seek further assistance, they were often reassured that everything was normal or that they were too young for a more serious condition. Thank goodness for intuition once again. Thankfully, the combination of chemotherapy and radiation caused my tumor to vanish completely, and now, 13 months post-treatment, I am in remission. While I won’t be considered officially “cured” for another five years, I finally feel like I can breathe again. Photo courtesy of Kristina Kelly I credit my chronic worrying with saving my life. I still had nine years until my scheduled colonoscopy, but based on the stage my cancer had reached, I wouldn’t have made it that long. In 2021, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) revised the recommended age for beginning colorectal cancer screening from 50 to 45. However, for me and countless others, this change isn’t sufficient. A colonoscopy remains the most effective screening method, as early detection can prevent up to 90 percent of colorectal cancers. This procedure should be more accessible, even for those without the financial means or support that I was fortunate to have. I urge everyone to trust their instincts. If you’re experiencing symptoms that may be linked to colorectal cancer, even after childbirth, listen to your body. While it’s likely not cancer, the relief of a negative diagnosis outweighs any anxiety caused by the process. Delaying seeking medical attention doesn’t alter a diagnosis, but it can impact the prognosis. Although I remain a chronic worrier, with my path now clear, I can return to fretting about trivial matters. It now feels like a privilege to only worry about whether I remembered to turn off the curling iron for the rest of my life. If you are seeking support, information, or a community while dealing with a colon cancer diagnosis, or if you wish to empower yourself through knowledge, Kristina suggests visiting Colontown.org.
