Kama M.

Kama is a devoted single mom to AJ, 11 years old. Since 2005, she’s taught at Alberni District Secondary School, Eighth Avenue Learning Centre, South Surrey/ White Rock Learning Centre and John Howitt Elementary School. In her free time, she enjoys yoga, hiking and sharing her favourite local restaurants, social causes and local businesses on social media as a blogger.

Kama had experienced bloating, painful and heavy periods, and was told it was “just something women go through” and asked if it was something she could live with. Her answer, “Well, it’s uncomfortable, but yes I guess I can live with it”.

In July, Kama suddenly came down with severely painful cramps and very low iron. Something was seriously wrong. Five trips to Emergency later, her concerns were finally taken seriously and an emergency hysterectomy was scheduled for early August.

Because of her age, she was never considered for a colonoscopy by her doctors, who assumed her symptoms were only gynaecological.

While she was opened up, the surgeons discovered what turned out to be stage IV colorectal cancer with metastasis to the peritoneal lining and liver, with a BRAF mutation. Part of her colon was removed, including a lime-sized tumour. When Kama woke up, it was a shock to receive this news, along with a very poor prognosis.

Kama chooses to believe the diagnosis, but not the prognosis!! She is responding well to chemotherapy, and is also working closely with a naturopathic doctor with good results.