Jennifer’s Stage 4 Colon Cancer Story
Jennifer was diagnosed with early onset colon cancer in 2017 (stage 3) at the age of 23, which progressed to stage 4 in 2020. Her diagnosis came after an iron deficiency flagged by her endocrinologist led to further testing and a colonoscopy revealing a 5 cm tumor. Before her diagnosis, she experienced scattered symptoms including weight loss, coughing, vomiting, sciatica pain, and persistent fatigue, which were initially attributed to depression, stress, and other conditions.
Interviewed by: Taylor Scheib
Edited by: Katrina Villareal
Treatment began with a colectomy in December 2017, followed by six months of FOLFOX chemotherapy. Despite an initial remission, Jennifer’s cancer returned in her lungs in 2020, discovered during post-stroke scans after a medical complication left her blind in one eye. Subsequent treatments included FOLFIRI chemotherapy, cetuximab immunotherapy, and two lung wedge resections to remove nodules.
Jennifer candidly discusses the challenges of navigating complex medical care that came with her early onset colon cancer diagnosis, including periods of insufficient oncology support, medical advocacy struggles, and emotional tolls. She credits her recovery to persistence, familial support, and pushing for surgeries against her oncologist’s preference for extended chemotherapy. A wake-up call from her health crises led her to improve her lifestyle, take control of her medical care, and stay deeply involved in her treatment plans.
Reflecting on her experiences, Jennifer emphasizes the importance of advocating for oneself, accepting past circumstances, and maintaining a focus on the present. Her message to others is clear: trust your medical team but actively participate in decisions, avoid panic over statistics, and focus on actionable steps toward treatment and recovery.
- Name: Jennifer T.
- Age at Diagnosis:
- 23
- Diagnosis:
- Colon Cancer
- Staging:
- Stage 3 (2017)
- Stage 4 (2020)
- Symptoms:
- Weight loss
- Coughing
- Vomiting
- Sciatica pain
- Fatigue
- Treatments:
- Surgeries: colectomy, lung wedge resection on both lungs
- Chemotherapy: FOLFOX, FOLFIRI
- Immunotherapy: cetuximab
This interview has been edited for clarity. This is not medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider to make treatment decisions.
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Jennifer T., Colon Cancer, Stage 4
Symptoms: Weight loss, coughing, vomiting, sciatica pain, fatigue
Treatments: Surgeries (colectomy, lung wedge resection on both lungs), chemotherapy (FOLFOX & FOLFIRI), immunotherapy (cetuximab)