Conquering Colon Cancer: Kristi's Inspiring Journey to Recovery
In a recent episode of the Beautiful Bag Podcast, host LeeAnne Hayden sat down with the remarkable Kristi Tanner to share her powerful journey of battling colon cancer and embracing life with an ostomy. Kristi's story is a testament to strength, resilience, and the importance of early detection. Let's dive into her inspiring journey of triumph over adversity and learn where you can listen to this episode.
At the age of 50, Kristi's life took an unexpected turn when she began experiencing troubling symptoms such as rectal bleeding, painful bowel movements, and unexplained fatigue. Despite the challenges of navigating the healthcare system during the COVID-19 pandemic, Kristi persisted in advocating for herself and the need for a colonoscopy.
After a long and challenging process, Kristi finally underwent a colonoscopy, which revealed the shocking news that she had colon cancer. The diagnosis was a devastating blow, but Kristi's determination to fight was unwavering. Her cancer was classified as stage 3B, indicating potential lymph node involvement.
Kristi's treatment journey was filled with uncertainties. She faced conflicting opinions about whether she would require an ostomy and the order of surgery and chemotherapy. Through it all, she remained steadfast in her determination to overcome this life-altering challenge.
One of the most significant milestones in Kristi's journey was coming to terms with life after an ostomy surgery. Initially hesitant, she eventually embraced her ostomy, even giving it the endearing name, Stella. Her journey towards self-acceptance is a powerful testament to the human spirit's unyielding nature.
Despite the challenges she faced, Kristi didn't let her cancer diagnosis and ostomy define her. She continued to live an active life, working out regularly, and even achieving her first box jumps with her ostomy. Her story serves as an inspiration to others facing similar hurdles.
Kristi's commitment to spreading awareness about colon cancer is unwavering. She encourages everyone to advocate for their health, get necessary medical appointments promptly, and remove the stigma associated with ostomies. By sharing her story, she hopes to inspire others to take control of their health.
If you'd like to hear Kristi's full story and her inspiring journey, you can listen to this episode on the Beautiful Bag Podcast. You can also find the episode on popular podcast platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more.
