“Primary signet ring cell carcinoma is a tumor most commonly located in the stomach, and less frequently in the breast, gallbladder, bladder, and pancreas. Primary signet ring cell carcinoma of the colon and rectum (PSRCCR) is a rare entity, with a reported incidence of less than 1%.”

A highly malignant type of cancer typically found in glandular cells that line the digestive organs. The cells resemble signet rings when examined under a microscope.

Throughout this journey I’ve joined many support groups in hopes of finding comfort in hearing other’s stories similar to that of my own.  I also joined them to educate myself about cancer as it’s ever changing and it doesn’t discriminate.  It can manifest and attack someone in the blink of an eye so it’s important for me to become knowledgeable and be an advocate for others for getting tested regularly and increasing early detection. The most recent support group that I’ve joined is a SRC group.

Up to this point I had never heard of Signet Ring Cell Cancer and I wish that I didn’t have to learn about it in this manner.  I remember on my first day asking if anyone in the group had the same kind of colon cancer that James had.  In my previous groups I have heard about Stage IV survivors quite frequently so that gave me hope, but I had yet to hear from someone with James’s specific cancer. After joining the group, I had read some very discouraging stories from some of the other spouses.  I could feel my heart aching for this not to be my reality. I pray every day, but even with faith it’s hard to remain positive at all times and sometimes I found myself just wanting to fall to my knees and cry.   

It wasn’t until during one of the group meetings that an angel came to light.  Linda was the woman’s name and she was the hope that I was searching for.  During one of the SRC meetings she randomly responded to a question that I had presented to the group.  Her words were so powerful in that moment in more ways than she will ever know.  She commented “I just wanted to let you know anything is possible.  I’m stage 4 SRC.  It’s come back a few times and I’ve had a few surgeries, up to round 49 of chemo.  I’ve been fighting since March 2015 and right now, I am NED.  Have hope”.  Words cannot describe the amount hope and joy I felt in that moment.  I had finally come face to face with a survivor of the same diagnosis that my husband had.  That moment for me changed everything.  I began to not listen or focus on the negative things I read and began to focus on the hope and the strength of my husband.  She gave me my faith back and I believe again that ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE. 

Thank you, Linda, for being my hero in a time where I was lost and full of doubt!  You are the angel I prayed for and I can’t thank you enough for everything that you’ve helped me regain.  Together we fight, and my husband will not be another statistic!