Mary Lynne was never a stranger to doctor’s offices. She had been receiving treatment for her rheumatoid arthritis (RA) since she was 20. Her RA could be very painful at times but as a young college student, then a college graduate with a new career, a new bride and eventually the mother of two young children she didn’t have time to let it slow her down. When stomach pains started, she talked to her doctor about her symptoms and was diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). For Mary Lynne IBS was another inconvenience but something she tolerated. When her IBS symptoms seemed to change and worsen, her growing sense that something else was wrong proved true. In 2006, Mary Lynne was diagnosed with a rare adenocarcinoma in her appendix.
Surgery and chemotherapy have been used to treat her cancer.
“Trust your instincts and address your concerns with your health care provider.”
Mary Lynne’s message to anyone who is concerned about a health change is to trust your instincts and be sure to address your concerns with a health care provider in a timely way.
Symptom
- stomach pains
