An unexpected diagnosis changed Wendy Coker’s life in an instant.
On April 25, 2024, Coker learned she had stage III colorectal cancer. What followed were months of chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. Even after undergoing surgery in January 2025, her journey was far from over. She spent the next 14 months in pelvic floor therapy as part of her recovery, continuing the long road back to health. Today, she is using her experience to encourage others to prioritize screenings, trust their instincts and see medical attention when something doesn’t feel right.
When Coker noticed blood in her stool one day, she knew something wasn’t right.
“There was just a gut feeling,” Coker said. “I knew there was something wrong.”
Although her primary care physician initially suggested it could be something as common as hemorrhoids, Coker trusted her instincts and pushed for further testing. A colonoscopy revealed the diagnosis she never expected: stage III colorectal cancer.
“It was a really large tumor,” she said.
Looking back, Coker says that symptom was the only warning sign she had.
“That was it,” she said. “I didn’t have any other signs.”
Her diagnosis marked the beginning of months of intensive treatment. Starting in June 2024, Coker underwent chemotherapy through both IV infusions and oral medications. After several months, she completed 28 consecutive radiation treatments, five days a week, while continuing chemotherapy pills to help shrink the tumor before surgery.
In January 2025, Coker underwent surgery. However, recovery did not end there. She spent the following 14 months in pelvic floor therapy, continuing to heal from the effects of treatment and adjusting to life after cancer.
Now, Coker is using her experience to encourage others to take colorectal cancer seriously and advocate for themselves if something doesn’t feel right.
“I really wish they would lower the age of screenings to 35,” she said. “There are so many people in their 30s and 40s being diagnosed right now, even some in their 20s.”
She believes one of the biggest mistakes people can make is assuming they are too young to develop the disease.
“It you think you have the slightest inkling that something is wrong, tell your doctor,” Coker said. “And if they tell you you’re too young, keep telling them or go somewhere else. Nobody is ever too young. Cancer doesn’t discriminate by age, race, or gender.”
While at-home screening tests such as Cologuard can be helpful, Coker says colonoscopies remain one of the most effective tools for preventing colorectal cancer because they can detect and remove precancerous polyps before they become cancerous.
She encourages anyone with symptoms, concerns or a family history of colorectal cancer not to delay getting screened,
For Coker, listening to that inner voice made all the difference. Today, she hopes her story reminds others that paying attention to their bodies and seeking medical care early could save their lives.
“I always tell people,” she said, “go get your colonoscopy.”
