COLON CANCER SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

♦ rectal bleeding or blood in your stool

♦ a change in your bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation, or narrow stool that lasts more than a few days

♦ unexplained abdominal pain or cramping

♦ a persistent urge to have a bowel movement that doesn’t go away after you have one

♦ unexplained weakness and fatigue

♦ unintended weight loss

♦ a diagnosis of anemia

♦ women who have bloating that doesn’t go away or happens with unexplained weight loss

Contact your doctor if any of these problems are severe or continue longer than you think they should. If you have any rectal bleeding or blood in the stool, tell your doctor as soon as possible.

In March Monson is speaking to UND internal medicine students and said her goal is to plant in their brains that, if someone presents with those symptoms — despite their age — they get referred to a gastroenterologist for further evaluation of the colon, so that it becomes part of their practice.

Monson stayed with Rachel for several weeks while she was in the hospital and says, “She never gave up. She did not ever look sick and she took great pride in it.” She adds, “Even when it was difficult for her to breathe because of the lung cancer, she would still have the same smile and was more concerned about others.”

The night Rachel died she was surround by beloved family and friends, who had come from all over to be with her. Her mom says, “We had a party — 12 people, friends and family — and took turns going in and out, singing songs. One of her best friends sang and danced to an old high school song by the Dixie Chicks.”

Rachel longed to make it to Sedona, Arizona — known for its healing energy. Although she did not make it there before she passed, her family went on her behalf in October 2019. Monson says they felt Rachel’s presence, where Rachel sent many signs that were comforting to the family. It became a spiritual journey, Monson says, and they were able to scatter some of Rachel’s ashes there.

Monson finds hope in how the events of the final years of Rachel’s life and her never failing positivity will inspire others to not only go to their doctors, but to be their own best advocates if they believe further diagnosis is needed.

In Rachel’s words:

“If you do one important thing in your life, do this, and LISTEN TO YOUR BODY. Love yourself enough to stop and listen to YOU. You are the most important thing in your own universe. When something isn’t right, your body will tell you.”

From Rachel’s blog, “Rachelsremarkableride.”

Rachel Ellingson was diagnosed with colorectal cancer on October 30, 2015, and passed away on January 6, 2019.