It's been a while since my last post. I've been really busy with work lately, and I haven't had a minute to think about my situation (which is good, I guess). Last week I participated in a panel at the Colorectal Cancer Canada conference. I spoke about integrating alternative medicine into your treatments. It was a great experience, both to participate in, and to attend. I feel like it is so important to spread the word, and encourage people to advocate for themselves. I've come to realize, that you have to speak up and fight for your health. If you think there is something wrong, you have to speak up, and fight to get the tests that will help you figure out what's wrong. No one will do this for you. It's up to you to educate yourself, and to help your body heal. Time and time again, I've heard about people going multiple times to the doctor, and the doctor dismisses their concerns (because of age, risk factors, etc), and by the time they find out what's wrong, the disease has progressed to a stage where it's harder to treat. I am proud to say, that my story has convinced at least 3 of my family and friends to get a colonoscopy (that I know of!). When people ask me if I feel comfortable sharing my story with strangers, I say, "fuck yes!". No amount of embarrassment could make me stop raising awareness, and trying to convince people to get colonoscopies. Just do it! Force your doctor to refer you, even if they don't think you are at risk. Any symptoms at all. Go get it checked out!
ACD
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