Fighting for Her Life: Rosa Rodriguez's Incredible Journey Battling Rare Cancers
Rosa Rodriguez was living an active, normal childhood when at age 12 her world was turned upside down. After suffering concerning gastrointestinal symptoms, Rosa was diagnosed with the rare genetic disease FAP (Familial Adenomatous Polyposis).
FAP causes hundreds to thousands of precancerous polyps to develop in the digestive tract, mainly in the colon and rectum. If left untreated, these polyps can become malignant.
Already Rosa had developed over 200 dangerously large polyps in her colon. Doctors said immediate surgery to remove her entire colon was necessary to save her life.
At just 13 years old, Rosa endured radical colon removal surgery, waking up to a frightening new reality with a colostomy bag.
Coping With Major Surgery as a Child
Undergoing such radical surgery at a young age was traumatizing. Rosa had to quickly learn to manage her colostomy bag and cope with her altered body.
With tremendous support from her family, Rosa recovered and went on to live a relatively normal childhood despite her anatomical differences.
But immense hardship still lay ahead for this brave girl.
Battling Stomach Cancer in Her 20s
At 22 years old, Rosa became very ill. Doctors discovered she had developed hundreds more precancerous polyps, this time in her stomach.
Tragically, some polyps had advanced to malignant stomach cancer. Rosa was facing the same disease that had killed her mother at age 29.
To save Rosa’s life, doctors said removing her entire stomach was necessary. At just 26, Rosa underwent full stomach removal surgery.
The emotional and physical trauma was almost too much to bear. Yet Rosa persisted, her resilience and positivity intact.
Living Life to the Fullest Without a Stomach
Today at 39 years old, Rosa has defied the odds and lived fully without a stomach for 13 years. She maintains a highly restricted diet and has dealt with considerable gastrointestinal issues.
But Rosa’s vibrancy and will to overcome any challenge remains strong. She now advocates for rare disease awareness, wanting to give hope to others facing similar battles.
Rosa Rodriguez’s story illustrates the human capacity to heal and find meaning, even in darkness. She is a true warrior, fighting for her life from a young age. Rosa serves as an inspiration to us all.
Watch her captivating episode HERE
