The Nicol Family-cancer support fund

My story and journey on getting my colon cancer diagnosis. In September 2023 I went in for a routine physical with my doctor, and it was discovered that I was severely anemic. I was sent to the hospital where I received blood transfusions and IV iron. Upon a follow up in order to discover the underlying reason for the unexplained anemia, I was sent for a colonoscopy and endoscopy. I was not responding to the oral iron at the time, so they also began to administer IV iron, infusions weekly. All the doctors were not expecting a thing from my scopes and much to their surprise they found a mass in the right side of my large intestine. The location of the mass was rare and quite large, causing almost a full obstruction, and within a few weeks I was being scheduled for surgery. I had my surgery the Monday after Thanksgiving and spent the next few weeks recovering. The biopsies from the surgery showed that I was in fact, stage three as the cancer had spread to some lymph nodes in the surrounding tissue . I spent December in a state of shock and disbelief. Thankfully we had a previously planned family vacation to celebrate my 40th birthday at Disney so it was quite the distraction. Upon my return right after the new year January 2, I was getting my port placed and preparing for my first round of chemotherapy the following week . I will be undergoing 12 rounds total and hopefully all my scans will come back clean. I will be sure to share updates along the way. Thank you for sharing my story and please be sure to listen to your body get routine checks and when it’s time, get your colonoscopy, it could save your life.

As many of you know, Stephanie has been battling colon cancer. Unfortunately, many of the side effects you read about sound bad on paper and are much worse in reality therefore she has not been able to return to work.

Cancer is rarely a solo journey, the whole family must endure the challenges of treatment. If you are interested and able to help they would appreciate it. The family has lost one income and the deductible for this life saving treatment is a tough pill to swallow.

From the family: “ We truly appreciate everyone’s love and support during this difficult time for our family. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”