My friend Shelley Hanson was only 47 years old when she passed away. She was diagnosed with colon cancer at the age of 42 and fought a hard battle. She left behind 3 grown children, Jason, Heidi & Heather and her husband Merlyn. Shelley was the type of person who had a strong faith, loved people, and loved entertaining – she also loved shopping, she could be leaving the hospital after surgery and would ask to walk through the gift shop “just in case there's anything I can’t live without." She always made me smile. However, there were those difficult phone calls and conversations when she just needed to talk about her prognosis and the uncertainty of her future when I just listened and wept with her. She wasn’t afraid of dying…she just didn’t want to leave her family and friends—I admired her very much.

Linda
Colon Cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the colon. The colon is part of the body’s digestive system. The digestive system removes and processes nutrients (vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and water) from foods and helps pass waste material out of the body. The digestive system is made up of the esophagus, stomach, and the small and large intestines. The first 6 feet of the large intestine are called the large bowel or colon. The last 6 inches are the rectum and the anal canal. The anal canal ends at the anus (the opening of the large intestine to the outside of the body). Age and health history can affect the risk of developing colon cancer. Possible signs of colon cancer include a change in bowel habits or blood in the stool. Tests that examine the rectum, rectal tissue, and blood are used to detect (find) and diagnose colon cancer. Certain factors affect prognosis (chance of recovery) and treatment options.