Jazz, a resident of Texas, shares his journey of being diagnosed with stage 3, borderline stage 4 colorectal cancer. His story began during a vacation in Hawaii when he experienced frequent bowel movements, discomfort, and rectal bleeding. Initially attributing his symptoms to hemorrhoids, Jazz delayed seeking medical attention until his girlfriend noticed his weight loss and urged him to see a doctor.

After a visit to the ER, Jazz’s hemoglobin count was dangerously low, leading to the discovery of a tumor causing internal bleeding. He underwent a colostomy surgery and learned that the tumor was cancerous. Despite the overwhelming emotions, Jazz remained positive, focusing on the support of his girlfriend and healthcare team. Over time, he also encountered other cancer patients, finding strength in their resilience and the uplifting environment in the chemo room.

Jazz describes his experience with chemotherapy, noting that although it was exhausting, he avoided severe side effects like hair loss or vomiting. He also reflects on the emotional toll of having a colostomy bag, which initially caused feelings of depression, but he learned to adapt. During his treatment, another tumor was discovered in his stomach, but doctors were able to remove it.

As part of his ongoing treatment, Jazz underwent chemotherapy, radiation, and will eventually have surgery to remove the remaining tumor. Despite the challenges, Jazz remains optimistic about his future, crediting his girlfriend’s unwavering support and the care of his doctors. He emphasizes the importance of never giving up, trusting in medical professionals, and finding strength in loved ones.

Jazz advises others to listen to their bodies, seek support, and never lose hope, believing that with the right mindset and help, it’s possible to overcome even the toughest battles.