Katie’s Stage 3B Colon Cancer Story

Katie was diagnosed with stage 3B colon cancer after experiencing symptoms she initially attributed to long COVID and strep throat. Her first signs of illness included extreme fatigue, shortness of breath, and heartburn, but no gastrointestinal abnormalities or blood in her stool. Despite her active lifestyle, Katie could not perform daily activities without feeling exhausted. Blood tests revealed severe anemia, prompting further investigation.

Interviewed by: Nikki Murphy
Edited by: Katrina Villareal

After undergoing various tests, including an endoscopy and pelvic ultrasound, Katie finally had a colonoscopy, which uncovered a large tumor in her transverse colon. Her initial reaction was disbelief and fear, but her medical team assured her that the cancer had not metastasized, offering a sense of hope. Katie underwent laparoscopic surgery to remove a third of her colon. Post-surgery, she began chemotherapy, which included six cycles of infusion therapy paired with oral medications. She opted for a port for easier administration of treatments.

Throughout chemotherapy, Katie experienced side effects such as nausea, neuropathy, and cold sensitivity. Despite these challenges, she maintained her routine, including working and spending time with her family. Regular check-ups, including ctDNA tests, provided reassurance that she had no evidence of disease (NED) post-treatment.

Katie emphasizes the importance of emotional support, therapy, and connecting with others in similar situations. Therapy helped her confront fears and live in the moment. She advises against excessive online research, which only fuels her anxiety, and stresses the importance of leaning on friends, family, and even unconventional support networks. As she continues to heal physically and emotionally, Katie focuses on staying active and finding balance in life.

• Name: Katie I.
• Age at Diagnosis:
  • N/A
• Diagnosis:
  • Colon Cancer
• Staging:
  • Stage 3B
• Symptoms:
  • Extreme fatigue
  • Shortness of breath
  • Heartburn
• Treatments:
  • Surgery: Partial colectomy (laparoscopic colon resection; removed one-third of the colon)
  • Chemotherapy: infusion with oral medication

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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