883: Marisa Peters: Mission-Driven Rectal Cancer Survivor

Marisa Peters is a rectal cancer survivor, women’s health thought leader, and founder of BE SEEN. Marisa was diagnosed with Stage 3 rectal cancer in 2021 when she was 39 years old despite being an otherwise healthy and active mother of three young boys. She is on a mission to help other people take their colorectal health very seriously because it is, well, very serious. This conversation was so informative and, dare I say, even fun! The timing could not have been more perfect as we recorded this right before I was scheduled for my second colonoscopy as someone who has a family history of colon cancer. This gave Marisa and me much content for fodder!  

Friends, listen to this episode, go sign the BE SEEN Pledge, and then get yourself scheduled for a colonoscopy. This is critical self-care. 

Listen in to hear Marisa share:

• Symptoms of colon cancer to be looking for: blood loss through poop, increased urine urge, stomach pain, extreme fatigue 
• What you should be asking your doctor for if you have any concerns about color-tectal symptoms
• Her journey of being dismissed by doctors as she experienced symptoms over the course of 5.5 years before finally being diagnosed
• Your different options for your colonoscopy prep
• What to expect during your first colonoscopy
• How she talked to and continues to talk to her children about her cancer diagnosis and treatment
• What family support looked like and how they had to learn how to receive support as people who were used to being the givers of support in their community
• How to hold space for family and friends after they have gone through treatment - when they may be cancer free, but are still recovering physically and emotionally
• Why you and your family should take the BE SEEN Pledge to take steps toward maintaining colorectal health

Links mentioned:

• Connect with Marisa and Be Seen: beseen.care
• Take the Be Seen Pledge: https://beseen.care/take-the-be-seen-pledge
• Marisa and Be Seen on IG
• Marisa and Be Seen on FB
• Marisa on LinkedIn

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