Hi Sarah,
Yes, you're correct, colon cancer doesn't happen very often in your 20s. I was 21 when I was diagnosed with Stage I. I was really lucky to be taken seriously by my doctors and my cancer was caught before it could spread. I have considered genetic testing, but can't seem to decided whether I think it's worth it (not to mention my insurance won't pay for it). Some of my family members have had pre-cancerous polyps, but the type of cancer I had was so rare, that I don't really know if there is any connection.
I have to agree that getting the news you have cancer is never easy, but when you are young, you don't realize how fragile your life is and would never imagine it could happen to you. When you are faced with your mortality, things change completely. I grew up a lot faster than I ever anticipated. I am very lucky that it was caught early and I haven't had any reoccurances (It's been almost 5 1/2 years). Anyway, if you feel you want to talk ever, feel free to email me at
mags1161@aol.com
Good luck with everything!!!!!
Maggie