Bryce Ramsey first noticed a faint trace of blood, easy enough to dismiss. As a registered nurse working grueling shifts, fatigue was her normal. She attributed the bleeding to hemorrhoids after her son’s birth. But by 2019, the signs could no longer be ignored. At just 33, her gastroenterologist ordered a colonoscopy. The result was a shock: stage 3 colon cancer.
“I was just like, ‘Okay, well, we’ve got to get in there and get it out and move on,’” Ramsey recalls. Her pragmatic nurse’s mindset kicked in. Surgery removed three feet of her colon. Then came a brutal dual chemotherapy regimen. The oral chemo caused severe side effects. She lost 17 pounds. Cold sensitivity made opening her car door painful. “Drinking cold water felt like blades were in my throat,” she says.
Yet, her determination was unwavering. Her young son was her primary motivation. “I was determined no one else was going to raise my little boy but me,” she states. This resolve carried her through. Months after finishing chemo in 2020, she received another stunning surprise. She was pregnant.
Initially, fear overwhelmed her. “I’m a complete nervous wreck,” she admits, worried about chemotherapy’s effects. But faith provided solace. She had once dreamed of another son named Luke. She named her newborn Emree Lucas-Ray. His name means ‘strong ray of light,’ a fitting title given his origins.
Ramsey’s journey led to a crucial discovery. Genetic testing revealed she has Lynch syndrome. This inherited condition dramatically raises risks for several cancers. It explained her early diagnosis. This knowledge transformed her recovery into a mission. She became a “whistleblower” for her family. Her advocacy prompted her brother, father, and aunt to get screened. Each found cancer early thanks to her insistence.
| Family Member | Screening Result |
|---|---|
| Brother | Cancer detected early |
| Father | Cancer detected early |
| Aunt | Cancer detected early |
Now in remission, Ramsey’s vigilance continues. She undergoes yearly colonoscopies and scans. A recent hysterectomy alleviated her risk for gynecological cancers linked to Lynch syndrome. But her work extends far beyond her own health. Crowned Mrs. Mississippi Plus America 2024, she uses her platform for urgent advocacy. She lobbies for genetic testing funding and shares her story widely.
Her message is clear and vital, especially for fellow healthcare workers. “What I say in every speech is: ‘If it doesn’t seem right, more than likely it’s not,’” Ramsey emphasizes. “What’s scary is that, as a nurse, I still wasn’t fully convinced this might be cancer.” Her experience underscores a critical gap in awareness. Even medical professionals can dismiss their own symptoms.
Ramsey’s story challenges us to listen to our bodies. It highlights the lifesaving power of genetic knowledge and family communication. As her sons grow, she hopes they will get tested for Lynch syndrome in their twenties. Her battle has rippled out, protecting her loved ones and inspiring strangers. How many silent symptoms do we ignore, simply because we think we have an explanation?
Key Points from Bryce’s Journey:
- Early signs can be easily dismissed
- Importance of genetic testing
- Cancer can affect anyone, regardless of profession
- Advocacy can lead to early detection in family
- Listen to your body
- Remain vigilant after recovery
