Joyce Frisbie

I am a Familial Adenomatous Polypsis warrior. I was diagnosed at 24 and within 5 months of being diagnosed I was in the OR for my first surgery. At the start, they thought I had 100s of polyps. However by the time my surgery was done the number was in the 1000s and I was told I was a step away from colon cancer. I had a 2 step surgery. My entire colon and rectum was removed with the creation of a j-pouch. I had a temporary stoma for 6 weeks. In the 6 weeks, I had a terrible time because an ostomy bag never stuck. I was pretty much bed ridden. About a year and a half later, I was diagnosed with Desmoid Tumors. I am on my 3rd type of oral chemotherapy – Nexavar. It is a hope this works because my next option would be IV chemotherapy.

I have had a very trying time, however many people can’t believe the outlook and high spirit I have. I don’t always have the highest of spirit, but I have a strong support system with friends and family.