Jolie’s Story

Site created on June 6, 2023

My friends have set up this page to get the word out to everyone we love what’s been going on with my recent cancer diagnosis and keep updates all in one place.  First and foremost, thank you to my Rizzi, family and dearest for ALL the love, support, and prayers.  To those that are finding out this way, I’m so sorry we couldn’t get to you personally, this has all come out of left field and moved really fast… It's only been 3 weeks b/w diagnosis, scans, results, type of cancer changing, and surgery being moved up to 4 days from now.    So... here’s my story:

On May 17th, I went in for a routine colonoscopy, the GI Dr. found a concerning tumor (zero symptoms) that they could not remove that day b/c of size, location, and had to biopsy… he rushed results and on May 19th I was diagnosed with colon cancer: invasive adenocarcinoma (in rectosigmoid area/distal sigmoid colon). Medium size tumor, type/grade: moderately differentiated. So most important, I am proof why screening and early detection is KEY…

Unfortunately, I found out on a Fri, left that weekend to photograph a 4-day corporate in Las Vegas and the first appt I could get with initial Oncologist was weeks later.  I was shaken but determined.  Not only did Rizzi advocate for my 1st appt to get moved up, fortunately, one of my closest girlfriends already courageously battling breast cancer and in middle of chemo, forwarded all my info/pathology to her Oncologist and she was able to see me way quicker… She took blood work THAT day, ordered MRI stat, in addition to the 3 initial CT  scans (chest, abdominal and pelvic) already in the works. 

Days later, on Fri., 6/2, based on another referral from a close friend, we saw a colorectal surgeon, who we IMMEDIATELY loved also. He’s definitely our kind of people, with a great sense of humor (how could you NOT in this field?!) He had JUST received the CT scans and our 1st bit of great news was the cancer had not spread to other organs.  However, the biggest deciding factor would still be the rectal MRI (also on 6/2) to confirm if it was colon or rectal cancer, (the location of the tumor is a matter of 3 cm difference b/w the two cancers…  He explained, same as oncologist, that w/ rectal cancer= it's typically chemo/radiation 1st… and with colon cancer= typically surgery 1st, treatment after.  My surgeon also explained w/ colon cancer it’s not the size of the tumor, it’s the depth of how far tumor has invaded the tissue/colon wall & spread to lymph nodes that will determine staging 1,2 or 3 (but at least not 4!!) however treatment… would still be decided post-surgery.  During surgery, he will need to take 6-8 inches of my colon & reattach… but said I will not need a colostomy bag.  He scheduled my surgery just in case, for 6/20, but said we’d make final decisions based on MRI results. Although it was weeks away, we were relieved to have a plan.  Unfortunately, Rizzi was going to have to leave on 6/21 to go play his 1st gig with The Romantics at Summerfest in Milwaukee and there was NO way I would allow him to miss this once in a lifetime opportunity that he's been rehearsing for, basically since 1982.  :)  Of course, our tribe immediately stepped up to make a plan to be there to help.

This past Monday, my surgeon called to let me know that the cancer was a little lower than what the original colonoscopy showed, and that it was in fact rectal cancer.  However, b/c he feels it’s still early enough, technically stage 1, but RIGHT on cusp of stage 2 (still contained w/in rectal wall), and good chance there is no lymph node involvement (w/ 70-85% accuracy), even though it’s rectal cancer, he feels confident we can proceed with plan of surgery 1st. His final call was to get it out and done as soon as possible‼️ So he has moved my surgery up to NEXT week on Wed. 6/14, prep begins day before… I already had my pre-op and pre-testing appt yesterday.   Another positive, is I’m SOO grateful that now Rizzi will not only be able to be here for my surgery, but for my post-surgery after care, pain management, etc. the week after as well.  Barring no complications, I will be in Northside Cherokee Hospital for 3 days, 2 nights and I could be home as early as eve of Fri 6/16…  with a few weeks recovery.  Afterwards, he and my oncologist will still need to evaluate biopsies and pathology from surgery to determine if chemo and radiation will be necessary.  My next appt. with Oncologist to discuss that will be 6/27.

I know there is NOTHING I can’t handle… We do believe we’ve caught this early; that this is treatable, curable and I have every intention of kicking my own ass! Because I TRULY believe laughter is the BEST medicine… I’m keeping positive and constantly finding a way to have a good sense of humor about it all…  I mean with colorectal cancer –  the jokes really are ENDless. 🫶🏼  I’m SO grateful for my family and my tribe in and out of ATL, FL and all over in and out of the country that are finding a way to laugh with me and be my strength. Although this is a pain in my (_o_), Rizzi gave me the BEST mantra that I am living by:

It’s all going to be alright… in the end!! ;-) 

Either Rizzi or one of my close friends will post updates here and let you know how surgery goes on Wednesday.  No matter what the outcome or treatment path/journey, I KNOW this will all be BEHIND me soon enough and back to appreciating life even more. Thanks for all the love, prayers, encouraging words and definitely bringing the laughter.

PSA:  The age covered by most insurance to get a colonoscopy is now 45, so I plead to everyone again, take your health and life into your own hands (and butts) and CHECK YO ASSES!!! 💙🤎🫶🏼👈🏼 🤎💙


Newest Update

June 29, 2023~Positive Update: The Worst Is Behind Me

Journal entry by Jolie Rizzi —

Friends & Family~ The last 5 weeks have been a mental and physical whirlwind to say the least.  I finally had my Oncology appt. to discuss the pathology of my surgery and I’m happy & relieved to share this update… Though the last 2 weeks have been painful and uncomfortable … 😖😫😵💊😵‍💫🚽😴😭 ~ the VERY GOOD news is they did in fact catch the cancer early at Stage 1 T2. They took 21 lymph nodes and they all were negative for cancer.👏🏼 Both my surgeon/oncologist agree that the next course of action is NOT chemo and/or radiation… BUTT frequent follow-up, blood-work every 3 mo, scans & annual colonoscopy for next 2 years, then move to every 6 mo for next 3 yrs after that.

Pathology did show the rectal cancer had advanced from grade 2 to 3 (higher the grade the faster the tumor is likely to growth/spread) and T2 (means it spread into the muscle layer) but still not outside the colon wall… anything higher (T3), or any lymph node involvement- chemo would’ve been the treatment. So Thank God!! 🙏🏼  There are complicated feelings around this and my heart is constantly with my friends who have to battle a whole other incredibly long and difficult road.  They are STILL and will always be my heroes 💪🏼 and motivation to move forward with gratitude through the fear.   

I’m still processing, drained, but EXTREMELY happy the news is positive and we can rest a little easier.  I see  the surgeon for my first post-op appt tomorrow and hoping the next 3 weeks can just be about healing/recovering, working through surgery pain, therapy, and the uncomfortable rollercoaster of my “system” getting its groove back…  My best opportunity to keep a recurrence at bay is to focus on mind and body healing: frequent checkups, a healthier diet, a positive mindset, exercise, managing stress/anxiety, and laughter... there must always be laughter .

😂🤎(_o_)🤎😂

I want to say just how much I appreciate ALL your continued prayers, texts, calls, donations/gifts, food, good energy and funny memes you’ve sent my way.  Even if I’ve been unable to respond, I’ve read every single message you’ve sent to me or to Rizzi.  We've felt it ALL and it’s meant the world to both of us.  And to my rock, my ride or die~ Rizzi, me and my ass could NOT have done this without you. 🫶🏼😘

Continued PSA: Please get your colon cancer screening.  I’m over the MOON hearing from over 20 of you that have booked or gotten your colonoscopies already! It does make sharing something so uncomfortable worth it.  I believe my story could’ve had a much different ending if I had waited even a few more months. So please, just go get that ass checked 🍑 and trust it’s way better to have a shitty 24hrs, than deal with something a whole lot more.  Again, from the BOTTOM of my heart, thank you and love you all. 💙🤎🫶🏼🤎💙

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