A Mississippi nurse who initially believed blood in her stool was caused by hemorrhoids has shared her experience after being diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer at the age of 33. Bryce Ramsey hopes her story encourages others to take persistent symptoms seriously and seek medical evaluation, even if they seem easy to explain.
Symptoms
Bryce Ramsey first noticed occasional blood in her stool when she was 26. At the time, she believed the bleeding was related to hemorrhoids caused by childbirth or large bowel movements.
Ramsey had recently given birth to her son, who weighed more than 10 pounds, making the explanation seem reasonable. She also experienced ongoing fatigue but attributed it to her demanding job as a registered nurse, where she regularly worked 12-hour shifts.
Although the symptoms continued for several years, she did not immediately seek specialized medical care.
Diagnosis
By 2019, the bleeding had become more frequent, prompting Ramsey to schedule an appointment with a gastroenterologist.
Despite being only 33 years old and having no known family history of colon cancer, her doctor considered the symptom concerning enough to recommend a colonoscopy.
The procedure revealed a large polyp that could not be removed during the examination. Further testing confirmed that Ramsey had stage 3 colon cancer, which had already spread to nearby lymph nodes.
She later underwent surgery that removed approximately three feet of her colon along with 13 lymph nodes.
Treatment
Following surgery in November 2019, Ramsey began chemotherapy in January 2020. Her treatment included both intravenous and oral chemotherapy.
Despite the physical challenges, she continued working as a branch manager for a home health agency, often bringing her computer to treatment appointments.
Ramsey experienced significant side effects from oral chemotherapy, including severe illness, a 17-pound weight loss, and cold sensitivity that made everyday activities, such as opening a car door or drinking cold water, painful.
She said staying focused on her young son and her engagement helped motivate her throughout treatment.
Recovery
Only a few months after completing chemotherapy in March 2020, Ramsey learned she was unexpectedly pregnant.
Although she initially worried about her baby’s health because of her recent cancer treatment, she later gave birth to a healthy son, Emree Lucas-Ray Ramsey.
Ramsey said becoming a mother again brought hope during her recovery and marked an important chapter after completing cancer treatment.
Genetics
After her diagnosis, Ramsey underwent genetic testing, which revealed she has Lynch syndrome, an inherited condition that significantly increases the risk of colorectal, uterine, and ovarian cancers.
The diagnosis prompted several members of her family to undergo cancer screening.
According to Ramsey, her brother was diagnosed with stage 1 colon cancer, her father later received treatment for colon cancer, and her aunt was diagnosed after what she believed were gallstones turned out to be cancerous masses.
She now receives annual colonoscopies, scans, and blood tests to monitor her health and remains in remission.
Awareness
Ramsey has become an advocate for colorectal cancer awareness and genetic testing. After being crowned Mrs. Mississippi Plus America in 2024, she used the platform to educate people about recognizing symptoms and understanding inherited cancer risks.
She encourages people not to ignore warning signs, even when they appear to have a simple explanation.
| Key Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Bryce Ramsey |
| Age at First Symptoms | 26 |
| Age at Diagnosis | 33 |
| Diagnosis | Stage 3 colon cancer |
| Main Symptom | Blood in stool |
| Surgery | Removal of 3 feet of colon and 13 lymph nodes |
| Genetic Condition | Lynch syndrome |
| Current Status | In remission |
Bryce Ramsey’s experience highlights the importance of paying attention to persistent symptoms and discussing them with a healthcare provider. While blood in the stool can have several causes, it should always be medically evaluated to rule out serious conditions. Her story also underscores the value of genetic testing for families who may be at increased risk of inherited cancers.
FAQs
What symptom did Bryce Ramsey ignore?
She ignored recurring blood in her stool.
At what age was she diagnosed?
She was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer at 33.
What genetic condition does she have?
She was diagnosed with Lynch syndrome.
Is Bryce Ramsey in remission?
Yes, she is currently in remission.
Why is Lynch syndrome important?
It increases the risk of several types of cancer.
