Every March, Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month is celebrated. For many it’s an opportunity to shed light on research efforts and for others it’s a time to remember loved ones who are fighting or have fought against the disease. While it is commonly found in people older than 50, recent data shows that 1 in 5 diagnosed cases happens to patients under 54. This topic has become especially dear to my heart because it hits home for me. In September of 2018, my husband, Jeremy was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer at the age of 33. Today, he is sharing his testimony and how he’s fighting every day.

Update: As of January 2021, Jeremy has been in remission!

Story:

Ryce:

Jeremy, we’ve come a long way since 2018. Tell us what life was life for you prior to your diagnosis.

Jeremy:

Prior to my diagnosis I was a gym rat. If I wasn’t at work or church, I was in the gym. I went 6 days a week (sometimes twice in the same day) every week. I didn’t go to a gym on Sundays but would still go to the park for cardio. My days were structured. Specific types of workouts at certain times to pair with my meal plan. My goals were all focused on body fat percentage, muscle mass and how I looked in certain clothes. I pretty much had a set routine everyday and rarely got off track.

Ryce:

I remember you working so hard to put on weight and how muscular you were. Can you share what your life was like after you got the news of your diagnosis and how that affected your view of your career and life in general?

Jeremy:

My initial response was shock and disbelief. I struggled for a while accepting what I was up against. When it finally set in, my perspective on what was important changed. Projects at work weren’t as important. Material things were irrelevant. All I cared about was being healthy.

 

 

Overcome:

Ryce:

Looking back on it, things happened pretty fast after you were diagnosed. What are some of the biggest obstacles you had to overcome to get to where you are now?

Jeremy:

The mental battles that I have to face are just as important as the physical ones. But the most important one was accepting that this was completely out of my control. That structured schedule I talked about earlier was a thing of the past. All of my plans were put on hold and replaced with surgeries and numerous hospital visits. I had to put my pride aside and accept help from friends and family. Going to the infusion center as an AYA (Adolescent/ Young Adult) patient was awful at first. I remember walking around just looking at the other patients. Everyone seemed to be 70+ and here I am at 33. One time a nurse told me “I must have the wrong person because you’re too young to have this diagnosis.” That made me feel all alone.

Ryce:

Your dad was diagnosed with a different form of cancer a couple of months prior to your diagnosis. How has that played a role in how you viewed your life/diagnosis?

Jeremy:

Ok, this one was tough. It still is really. Talking with him throughout treatment gave me strength. It was great to have someone who could relate to what I was going through. I would tell myself “if he can go through it and be positive, so can I.” I feel like we got even closer. That was the good part. Unfortunately our bodies had different responses to cancer and his reached a point where it was no longer treatable.

Ryce:

Knowing that you and your dad were both going through treatment, how did that make you feel and how did you overcome those feelings?

Jeremy:

Initially I felt like it wasn’t fair. Like I was being punished for something that I didn’t do. There were times that I felt guilty about my condition improving while Pops was getting worse. I wouldn’t celebrate any of my progress because I thought it was selfish knowing all that he was going through. I overcame it by reading God’s promises and being open with how I was feeling, good or bad. Going to therapy was a huge benefit in helping understand my feelings and keeping them in the proper perspective. I would recommend that to anyone. Finally, I would say that sharing my story has been the most helpful for me. We overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony. Sharing my testimony has been therapeutic and just as beneficial for me as it has been for others.

Action:

Ryce:

I remember looking up scriptures and telling you that John 9:3 said it all. We’ve been using it ever since. You are in such a good place right now. How did you make peace with your diagnosis?

Jeremy:

I realize that everyone has something they are overcoming. Life doesn’t always go according to plan and we all face obstacles. Obstacles are meant to develop you, not destroy you.

Ryce:

I like that. What would you say your obstacles developed in you?

Jeremy:

They helped strengthen my faith. I had to learn how to trust God and not depend on my own level of understanding. I also gained more empathy for others and what they may be going through. Sometimes we have a tendency to get so caught up in our own lives that we forget that others have difficulties they are learning to overcome too.

Ryce:

Since you were diagnosed, I know that you’ve been contacted by numerous young people that received the same diagnosis, what do you say to them?

Jeremy:

Try to stay positive. It won’t always be easy. Some days are good and others are character-building. Get help when you need it. Don’t try to go through it alone. A strong support system is important. If people are willing to help, let them. Don’t worry about the worst but believe for the best!

Plan:

Ryce:

You’ve had a wild ride over the past two years and are still waiting to ring the bell. In the meantime, what’s next for you?

Jeremy:

I wish I knew! I just pray that whatever is next is exactly what God wants. His will over my goals. Instead of me praying to be healed instantly, I pray that I learn all that God is teaching me while going through treatment. I’m just putting my trust in Him and believing my healing will come.

Ryce:

For those who are looking for encouragement in their own stories, what words of wisdom can you share?

Jeremy:

I hope my story offers some hope for others. Cancer is not an automatic death sentence. My prognosis and statistics say that I should not be here today. That being said, I try to be open and realistic. Chemo is not fun and can have some intense side effects. Some days will be difficult but it gets better.

Hopefully others will hear my story and it will change some of the stereotypes about cancer and especially chemotherapy. I just want to be a source of inspiration and support. I’m happy to talk to anyone or just listen if you want to vent.

 

If you want to learn more about how you can support colorectal cancer research, check out: Colorectal Cancer Alliance and American Cancer Society.

Jeremy’s Favorites!