Karyn Murillo has had her share of rough days in the past year. Still nothing compares to the day in April when she was diagnosed with Stage 2A rectal cancer.

     The mother of four had been having gastrointestinal issues for a couple of years. However, it was always dismissed as IBS.

     After going through a marriage separation, Karyn found herself starting a new life plan and enrolled in college for the first time at age 44.  

   She also took this time to find out what was really going on with her body. It was after going in for a colonoscopy in April that she received the news of her diagnosis.

     "I cannot express how important it is to pay attention to those red flags and that tiny little feeling in your gut. Never put yourself and your health on the back burner," says Karyn, a patient of Dr. Ochs and Dr. Hernandez.   

     Despite putting college on hold to begin daily radiation and weekly chemotherapy treatment, Karyn says faith and her kids keep her going.

     "Sometimes the plan we have for ourselves is not the plan that God has for us," Karyn says. "I look forward to beating this bump in my road. I'm too positive to be doubtful, too optimistic to be fearful, and too determined to be defeated."  

    Karyn's message of hope to other survivors is one about living on faith: "Life is a roller coaster, and sometimes a rough one, but it will always be worth the ride."

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