Faith and Fitness Helped Nicole Face Stage 3 Colon Cancer
Nicole was only 27 when she found out she had stage 3 colon cancer. It all began with typical stomach pain, which she’d experienced previously. This time, though, the pain grew sharper, and she could point to a spot on her lower left side where it was focused. When her bathroom habits became inconsistent and dark blood appeared in her stool, she knew it was time to run to a doctor. She exhausted various treatments with her primary care physician, and a gastroenterologist later on confirmed via colonoscopy that a tumor was causing the blockage.
Interviewed by: Taylor Scheib Edited by: Chris Sanchez
Hearing the phrase “stage 3 colon cancer” was both disconcerting and surreal, but Nicole faced it head-on. Her faith helped her deal with this unexpected diagnosis. Realizing that this was entirely beyond her control and trusting that there was a plan also helped her ground herself and find peace in the middle of the shock. Her mother, who accompanied her to appointments, was shaken, but Nicole focused on what she needed to do next.
Nicole underwent surgery and chemotherapy. Her surgeon performed an impressive procedure, removing the tumor and 40 lymph nodes. Her gastroenterologist guided her through six months of challenging chemo sessions. Nicole found ways to manage chemo’s tough side effects. She discovered that icing her hands and feet helped reduce nerve damage, and despite having a sore throat from the medication, she made sure to eat nutritious foods whenever possible.
After her stage 3 colon cancer treatment, Nicole wholeheartedly embraced a healthier lifestyle. She admits that her nutrition wasn’t ideal before the diagnosis. Now, she focuses on balanced meals rich in fruits, vegetables, and plenty of water. Fitness became a cornerstone of her new routine. Remarkably, she ran a marathon just eight months after finishing her chemo regimen.
Nicole continues to be rooted in faith. She believes in the power of being present and surrounding herself with positivity. She encourages everyone, not just cancer patients, to reflect on what truly matters, to cherish their health, and to make small, impactful changes. Whether it’s growing a few vegetables, choosing a salad over fast food, or simply finding joy in little things, it all adds up.
Watch Nicole’s video and scroll down to browse her interview transcript for more on:
The subtle symptoms Nicole almost ignored and what saved her life
How she reclaimed her health after stage 3 colon cancer
Why faith and eagerness to reinvent herself became Nicole’s pillars after her cancer diagnosis
Nicole’s nutrition wake-up call: What she wishes she’d known (and done) earlier
The small but meaningful changes that have helped her reorient her life
Name: Nicole S.
Age at Diagnosis:
27
Diagnosis:
Colon Cancer
Staging:
Stage 3
Symptoms:
Dull lower abdominal pain that sharpened and was focused on the lower left side
Appearance of dark blood in stool
Difficulty retaining food due to near-complete blockage of sigmoid colon
Treatments:
Surgery: colectomy
Chemotherapy
This interview has been edited for clarity and length. This is not medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider to make informed treatment decisions.
The views and opinions expressed in this interview do not necessarily reflect those of The Patient Story.
I’m Nicole. I was diagnosed in 2022 with stage three colon cancer, and I was 27 at the time.
When something first felt “off”
My initial symptoms were very normal. It started with stomach pain, and it got progressively worse. Now I’ve had lots of issues growing up. So for me, it’s relatively normal. However, the pain began to increase, and it was almost as if I could point to the spot where I felt the pain, which was my Lower GI. It was on my left side, and I knew exactly where I was experiencing the pain. I could point to it when someone asked, and what made me want to go see the doctor was when I was having issues going to the bathroom, and it wasn’t consistent.
So I went to the doctor. We tried everything. I was convinced that it was a blockage, but it wasn’t a blockage in the sense that I thought. I thought there was some kind of food blocking the way, and that stool softener would help, and all these other medications would help. Well, we exhausted the list, my primary care doctor and I, and then I went to the gastroenterologist.
Right before they had called it was a day or two before, and I had dark blood in my stool, which was an indicator that something was going on, and many people can think hemorrhoids or something like that when there’s blood in your stool, but mine was darker blood. I think that’s an important distinguishing feature.
The moment everything changed
I went into my appointment sooner than I thought, and it was a blessing, such a big blessing, because I don’t know if it would have been stage four by August or what would have happened, but I went in, and they immediately got me in for a colonoscopy.
I woke up from my colonoscopy. Everything went well, and I was told that I had a tumor that was indeed the blockage that I suspected. So I only had a few millimeters for food to get by.
So that’s really interesting to me. I never thought that was a possibility for someone like me, but I will say that I had never really focused on my diet. I had always eaten. I mean, I still eat sort of normally, the somewhat standard American diet, but I have incorporated more vegetables and fruits into my day-to-day, and I think that makes a big difference. More water. Just doing a better job at my nutrition because my nutrition was not good at all before.
I really would have benefited from seeing someone like a nutritionist before I even knew I had cancer. So, I would recommend that for anyone who is having any GI issues or stomach issues, just go talk to someone who’s a professional and have them evaluate your diet, because it’s actually such a significant part of your lifestyle, what you put into your body. So, that was something that I started to focus on after my diagnosis, but it wasn’t that simple and straightforward.
I want to mention that it was in my sigmoid colon, which is actually a very common location for colon cancer.
Because the word cancer had already been thrown around, I think I was just ready for it at that point. I was like, okay, what’s next? And if I had been afraid and too shy or not willing to take that appointment that came up early. Then I think I would have been in a more difficult position, but I think the timing of things was very helpful, and being faithful and trusting that there is a plan that’s greater than yourself. And this is maybe a little bit out of my control. In that way, I was ready for those words, and, yes, it’s a shock initially. I think my mom was more shocked. She went to the appointment with me because you need someone to drive you home. So, she was more shocked, but I think I was ready.
What my treatment plan looked like
Well, my stage three colon cancer had spread to 12 lymph nodes, which is a good amount of lymph nodes. So it had spread, and while my surgeon was amazing. I actually do want to mention my surgeon and my gastroenterologist because they were so incredible.
My gastro oncologist is at Tufts, and she is the surgeon who did my surgery. Her name is Doctor Lillian Chen, and she was so incredible. Specializes in smaller surgeries. Trying to think about arthroscopic surgery, and she was still able to get 40. Not only fix my colon, right, and take out the tumor, but she also took out 40 lymph nodes, which is an incredible amount, and as many as she could around the area near my tumor. So I love her so much. She has an incredible bedside manner.
My gastroenterologist is actually from my hometown, and she did recommend the gold standard, which is first the surgery and then the chemotherapy part. For six months, I did a mixture of two chemotherapy drugs. She was very careful with me when my platelets got low. I highly recommend her because she did such a great job managing that, even though I think that the gold standard of treatment is a tough path. It’s not an easy path, but I loved her too. And her name is Doctor Kim Perez, and she is at Dana-Farber, not Tufts. So, I was treated at Dana-Farber Chestnut Hill.
I did 12 rounds. I think that the chemo part was the hardest because I wasn’t able to eat very healthy. I tried my best to drink healthy drinks, but one of the chemo drugs makes your throat feel like a tiny straw. So, it was really hard to have anything cold, like a smoothie or fresh-pressed drink, because it hurt to swallow, but I still did anyway. I was like, I got to get this in. I need the nutrition. That part was the hardest. I was so interested in ways to game the system and not get the nerve damage, and just get the most out of it. So during chemo, I would ice my hands and I would ice my feet, and I personally think it helped me. I was able to run a marathon eight months after treatment. So, if I could do that, I think that the icing worked for me.
I think it’s looked like an entirely different journey on its own. I didn’t have any really lasting effects from the surgery. I feel like the surgery improved my life, but the chemo has had lasting effects on me.
What survivorship means to me
So, survivorship to me has looked like managing those things that came from chemotherapy and making sure that I’m doing my best job to be a healthier version of myself, and think more positively, and surround myself with people who care about me and pour myself into a passion outside of work. It’s looked like reinventing myself, which is fun. I also would have never had this opportunity to reflect so much if it weren’t for experiencing such a life-changing diagnosis and treatment, and I would highly recommend to anyone listening who maybe doesn’t have a cancer diagnosis to think about this as the check-in that you needed to reevaluate and reflect. Even if you haven’t gone through cancer, to think about what’s important to you, because that’s really been top of my mind, is what’s important to me. What do I want to get out of the rest of my life? Because it’s a lot more fragile than I thought.
How I reprioritized my health
Your health is the most important thing in your life. You know, love, I would say, is the ultimate language of the universe.
However, to feel love and give love, we need to be present. And in a cancer diagnosis, you just have to be present, and your health is everything. There’s nothing else that is more important in that moment. Because you want to be here.
This is my choice. In my health, in my body. What do I want to do? I knew I wanted to continue fighting to live. It was just a whirlwind of emotions all of a sudden, and then realizing, I’m so ready to focus on just my health.
I want to encourage healthy habits to prevent such a horrible thing. Even if you do everything right, there is still a possibility that, even if you did everything right, maybe it still didn’t work. We hear that all the time with all the percentages. What is it? They told me I had a 50% chance of living beyond five years, which I took with a grain of salt, because there are so many things that go into that calculation.
Just don’t listen, drown out the voices that tell you that there isn’t a chance because there’s always a chance. And yeah, I just reframed my whole life to be around my health.
But honestly, it helped me so much in my journey. So I want to tell more people. It’s not that hard. Grow some of your own vegetables if you want. Try it out. Do something different. Or just buy a salad for lunch. It’s as simple as taking a step in the right direction, and you’ll start noticing that that change multiplies in your life. And I’ve gone. I’ve backtracked on my journey. It’s okay to fall short. It’s okay to make mistakes. It’s okay to eat bagels for a whole week. It’s okay. You can mess up.
What I want people to know
Think about just being in the present, and maybe you’re involved religiously. Maybe you’re more spiritual and not religious. You could pray. You could just think about something positive. That would be my biggest piece of advice. Go find your secret place that makes you happy and spend a little time in that place when you feel overwhelmed.
Strength in Family & Advocacy: Chrystal’s Story of Stage 3C Cervical Cancer with PALB2 Mutation
Chrystal, a nurse and devoted mom of three, found out that she had stage 3C cervical cancer in March 2025. She had felt a deep pull towards healthcare after losing her mom to breast cancer when she was only a little older than Chrystal is now. Determined never to feel helpless again, she pursued nursing, focusing on geriatrics and long-term care.
Interviewed by: Taylor Scheib Edited by: Chris Sanchez
Chrystal’s symptoms crept in gradually, including pain during intimacy, abnormal bleeding, irregular periods, extreme exhaustion, and swelling in her groin. She attributed some of these symptoms to other issues, like shingles. But when she discovered a lump under her arm, it spurred her to see her gynecologist. After a series of tests, including a cold knife cone biopsy, Chrystal received the life-changing diagnosis of cervical cancer (squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix, stage 3C, with PALB2 mutation). (Editor’s Note: Squamous cell carcinomas of the cervix are the most common type of cervical cancer. A PALB2 mutation is a mutation of a special cancer-preventing gene that causes it to stop working.)
Chrystal found that mental health was key in her stage 3C cervical cancer experience. She was mentally exhausted trying to deal with the long waiting periods for test results. She found solace in her family, especially her husband, a fellow cancer survivor, who provided not just emotional support but practical advice about chemotherapy. Chrystal also opened up to her daughter, sharing every detail of her diagnosis and treatment. She did this to arm her daughter with information and to encourage her, too, just in case she would have a similar experience in the future. By being so transparent, she sparked an honest dialogue about women’s health.
Caregiver support was equally crucial. Chrystal recognised how deeply her experiences affected her husband and friends. She encourages others to check in on their caregivers, acknowledging that their stress often goes unnoticed.
Education became both Chrystal’s coping mechanism and mission. She actively searched for information about stage 3C cervical cancer and treatments to fill gaps in online resources. Now, she connects with other cervical cancer survivors to offer them guidance and hope. She’s even co-planning a cervical cancer retreat to foster community and support among survivors.
Chrystal now undergoes regular MRIs, mammograms, and follow-ups every six months. She’s also passionate about long-term care advocacy and remains committed to her family. Watch her video and find out more about:
How her medical background shaped her stage 3C cervical cancer experience.
Why caregiver support is as important as patient care.
The frank, open, and empowering conversations Chrystal and her daughter had.
How she took her experience forward into advocacy for cervical cancer awareness.
The unexpected mental health challenges Chrystal faced beyond her treatment.
Scroll down to read the transcript of Chrystal’s interview.
Name: Chrystal M.
Age at Diagnosis:
41
Diagnosis:
Cervical Cancer (Squamous Cell Carcinoma) with Pelvic Lymph Invasion
Stage:
Stage 3C
Mutation:
PALB2
Symptoms:
Pain during intimacy
Irregular menstrual periods
Abnormal bleeding, sometimes heavy
Severe exhaustion
Pain in left leg and groin area (deep vein thrombosis)
Lump in left armpit
Treatments:
Surgery: installation of inferior vena cava filter
Radiation therapy: brachytherapy
Chemotherapy
This interview has been edited for clarity and length. This is not medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider to make informed treatment decisions.
The views and opinions expressed in this interview do not necessarily reflect those of The Patient Story.
I’m 41 years old. I was diagnosed with stage 3C cervical cancer in March 2025.
I am a mom to three beautiful children. I am a nurse who is passionate about geriatrics and long-term care. I’ve worked mostly in the nursing home, and it’s definitely my life’s work. My father and I have been to several baseball games this year. That was my treat to myself during treatment. We love to go out, be outside in the sunshine, experience different things, and we just like to do things outside.
I did not start in the medical profession; I started in my parents’ business. They owned a flooring business. I became a mom. And then my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer; she passed away at 43, she lost that battle, and I did not know how to help her. I felt useless and helpless, and I was very worried. My father called me and was trying to kind of explain things, and he’s not medical either, and so I just felt this calling. My spirit just felt pulled to medicine. And I never wanted to be in the dark again.
How I knew something was wrong
My first red flag was something that kind of incrementally increased over about three years. That was pain during intimacy. At first, it was just kind of positional, and then it kind of led to some bleeding. And then it got to being almost full menstrual blood, and so that was very concerning, aside from the fact that it was very painful. I began to have irregular periods where I might have a full period every two weeks and then may go, say, six weeks without one. My hormones were just all over the place. I was exhausted. I’m a nurse, so I understand, we all have those things that wear us out, but I was more exhausted than usual. I also began to have pain in my left groin area, almost like where your lymph node is, it began to get very swollen and painful, but at the time, I wrote it off because of shingles. I actually experienced shingles every so often, so I thought maybe it was something to do with that.
And it wasn’t until I experienced or felt a knot in my left armpit one morning in the shower. It was a Friday morning, and I remember going to work and then casually mentioning it to a coworker, and she was like, You should probably get that checked.
The doctor I went to first
I had been seen by a gynecologist here locally; he is a great, fabulous guy. I had an abnormal PAP about three years ago. He wanted to do a colposcopy, so we did that. Then he scheduled another LEEP procedure about a year later. And I said, no, absolutely not. I just could not even think about confirming that appointment, it made me nauseous. So fast forward to, I’ve not gone to any appointments for about a year and a half. And that’s when I went to a gynecologist to talk to them about the lump under my arm. And that’s when she said, We need to do a pap smear.
I don’t even have a PCP, okay. To this day, I still don’t. I’ve had cancer, but I don’t have a regular routine doctor that I go see and get meds from. So she was talking to me both as a PCP, as a woman, and as the gynecologist that was like, hey, we really need to check this out. So she said, why didn’t you have the procedure, why didn’t you want to have the colposcopy? And she got to the root of it, which was my fear because it’s painful. I have an immediate reaction to epinephrine, which is commonly used to control the bleeding. It makes me feel like I’m going to have an absolute heart attack. All of it is bad for me. And she said, well, why don’t we do this? I’ll do a regular little PAP smear in the office, no pain, no problem, which I agreed to. And then she said, I’m going to see what the results are, and if they’re abnormal, like we suspect that they might be, I will schedule you for a cold knife cone biopsy in the O.R., that way you can be put under general anesthesia, you won’t feel a thing.
Researching my symptoms
I had no idea what was going on with my body at the time, so I’m on the Google machine trying to search for my symptoms. And whenever I went to social media, because that’s where I tend to get a lot of information these days, nobody really had a lot of information about what I needed. So I honestly just sat and waited, I waited for the scan appointment, I waited for the results. I waited, and I was in MyChart all the time.
The results came back, they were cervical dysplasia or cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 3, which is the high-grade abnormal cells. And she said, I want to get you in for the cold knife cone biopsy to take the biopsy under general anesthesia. I’m going to call the O.R. and see when we can get you booked. I went into the O.R. two days later. and then just kind of casually clicked into place, and I was able to get seen pretty quickly.
The moment when everything changed
It took me nine days to get my biopsy results; that was a really long time. I checked MyChart every hour, both at work and at home. I called the lab and said, Hey, I had a biopsy done nine days ago, and within an hour, they sent me the results, but I was at work when I read the report, and I was numb immediately, like, Okay, well, we’ll just deal with that whenever we get home. My husband was running some errands.
He comes home, and he is still unpacking the vehicle, you know, unloading the groceries, and I gave him a hug. And when I squeezed him, I pulled him to me, and I was looking behind him, so he’s facing over my shoulder, and I’m facing over his, and I said, I can’t look at you when I say these words, but I have cancer. And he lost it, he was just like, Chrystal, I don’t know what I’ll do without you. And so we hugged and cried and hugged and cried for about two days, not even wanting to leave each other to go to work or to go to this or that. We stayed together for about two days there. And then we started to pray, and I actually got anointed at church not too long after that by one of the church elders. And I’m not here to tell you that it did or didn’t work, but I certainly felt support from the community. My friends started to come out of the woodwork, old colleagues that I had not talked to in years, and routinely check on me today.
How I found my care team
I asked my doctor what her recommendation was. She was part of a network, and I went to a university hospital, which turned out to be a great thing for me, the patient, because they inundated me with resources. They have somebody to help you with everything, and then they have lots of educational materials, which I really found helpful. They made me a whole binder of phone numbers and different materials that I would need during my treatment, so that’s kind of what led me to where I ended up going. It just seemed like every time I talked to another doctor, I would mention it to somebody, and they’d say, “Oh, he’s great.”
“Doctor so-and-so is wonderful, you’ve got the best doctor.” I just felt really comfortable. I’ve worked in healthcare, so you kind of know, this doctor is very personable, their bedside manner is wonderful, they’ve answered all of my questions, and they’ve treated me well. And so I have zero complaints about any of the people who provided my care.
My treatment plan
I had a complication, and the doctor who had to see me for the complication was new to me. I was new to her, and she had a heart-to-heart conversation with me. One evening, late one night, she stayed late to take my case, and she said, “If it comes back that the cancer is in more than one place, we’re not going to do a hysterectomy because I don’t want to get in there.” Because my first question is, how soon can we get it out? Can we go in there and just remove all of it? I’m done with my uterus anyway, just go ahead and do a hysterectomy, I’m fine with that. And she said, “Actually, if we get in there, the tumor can be adhered to your bladder, it could be adhered to your kidneys, you could come out of there with a new appliance, like a colostomy or something like that. She said, I don’t want to go in there and stir it up. So what we’re going to do is 28 days of external radiation, 6 to 7 chemotherapy appointments, and then, for brachytherapy or high-dose radiation treatments at the end of therapy.
When the reality of my diagnosis hit me
I was in the office with another nurse, and he was going over my patient’s instructions for external radiation. And that’s when I started to realize how serious this was. He mentioned the side effects, and he was talking about the team and the fact that the team included so many people. But the one that got me was the nuclear physicist, that’s when I realized I had cancer, that’s when it hit me. Because I’m such a strong personality, I’m so used to controlling the outcome of as many things in my life as possible. I try really hard to steer things in the direction that I want them to go. This was something that I could not do with this; I could not will it out of my body, I could not go take a medication, and it would immediately be gone. There’s not like this definitive, okay, you have it today and you don’t tomorrow kind of line, which is what I was trying to get to. I think that’s what I really needed.
My husband was able to relate to what I was going through
My husband is also a cancer survivor. He had testicular cancer when we first met, so he had a lot of advice as far as chemo because he did chemotherapy. And so we were talking about things. One of the concerns that I had and maybe someone else too, was that chemo immediately makes you feel like a horrible person, like it immediately just makes you feel so sick. And he said he pictured it in his mind, something like lethal injection or something with an immediate, horrible, terrifying response. And he said, “But it’s not like that. You won’t feel bad for several days, and then you just kind of treat the symptoms.” And so that really helped me understand at least that part of it. My biggest chore was trying to educate myself more on the external radiation, so the nurses gave me as much information as they could. But then I went to the internet to try to see functionally out here, in the world, what are we doing? What kind of groceries are we buying? What kind of activities are we doing? Do I need to sleep extra or is it really not that bad?
I had side effects from my treatment
Initially it wasn’t terrible. I was a little tired, but again, that was one of my primary symptoms going in, so I wasn’t new to doing things in life exhausted, I was used to that. But the nausea did not set in after my first chemo for about 3 or 4 days. They had given me a drug that covers you for nausea for about 72 hours. She said, “You normally won’t feel nauseous for 3 to 4 days.” And about day 4 to 5 routinely, I would start to feel bad. The cumulative effect of all of the treatments together, though, you start with the external radiation, you’re doing that every day, that makes you tired. It’s pretty stressful to make sure that your bladder is the same amount full at the same time every single day, and that means you can’t go tinkle. That means you’re a cough or sneeze away from disaster, to be honest. They make you drink tons of water whenever you’re nauseous, and sometimes that didn’t go well. But as far as the fatigue, I would say at about two weeks, that’s when I had to quit my job, two weeks after I started radiation and one week after I started chemotherapy. Then with the chemo, we ended up just doing five treatments because when I was scheduled for the sixth chemotherapy, they actually put me in for the HDR, and he didn’t want me to do chemo and HDR at the same time, so I just did my high dose radiation on a Tuesday and Thursday of two different weeks.
I had to do high-dose rate brachytherapy
With the HDR, I showed up at the hospital at about six in the morning. I had not had anything to eat since 6 p.m. the day before, nothing to drink since noon the day before. They take me in, put an IV. They go over a ton of consents, you meet with anesthesia, the doctor, the O.R. nurses, they take you back into surgery, they put you to sleep, and then they place this device with a little tube coming out of it. You are lying flat when you wake up in recovery. The nurses are quick to manage your pain. They gave me something, and then they attached me to a PCA, which is a patient-controlled analgesic, so that I didn’t have to ask for pain medication. I just had a little button to give myself medication whenever I needed it. That was very, very helpful not to have the anxiety of like, is this going to hurt? After you come out of surgery, you go into recovery. My family met me in the recovery room, and I waited for about an hour while they planned my scans and all that good stuff. Then they took me into the radiation therapy room, where they placed radioactive seeds on my cervix to be circulated in and out for about ten minutes.
They played some music while I did this; it was not painful at all. I would say the most uncomfortable part, it’s not even super painful, but it was just pressure and uncomfortable, was whenever they removed it, but the doctor was very good. He warned me before he touched me. He warned me before he did anything and what it was going to cause. This is going to cause pressure; you’re going to feel a little bit of pain here, hit your pain pump, those kinds of things. All I had to do after that, and they would literally wheel me down the hall back to my room. I would use the restroom, and as soon as I could void my bladder, they would let me go, and I just did that four times. The biggest thing with that was just making sure that I followed the diet regulations or recommendations. They wanted me to stay clear of liquids only after 6 p.m. the day before, which is a nightmare because I eat late, so I felt like I was starving by the next day when I got out.
I had more testing done
The doctor did the initial cold knife cone biopsy. It was positive at 19 out of 20 margins. So the cancer had spread beyond just this little sample that they took. So then she took me in. I had some hemorrhaging going on, and they had to take me into the O.R. to stop it. She also did another biopsy then because she wanted to get the rest of it. So she went in and took out another big chunk, and there was less of the cassettes. I don’t remember how many, but there was less cancer in that tumor, thankfully. They scheduled me for my Pet scan, and while I was waiting for the Pet scan.
My cancer spread
The pathology came back on the tumor, which said it was PALB2 positive, which is hereditary. My mother, who passed away from breast cancer, and her mother, who passed away from breast cancer, were also PALB2 positive.
They did the genetic testing, and then they also found that there was extensive lymphoma with lymphovascular invasion in my tissue, on my cervix. We go to a PET scan, and they shoot you with a radioactive tracer in an IV. Other than that, it’s painless. And then they scan your body, and you get results a few days later.
I went to this appointment by myself, and the doctor read my results with the radiologist, and she said, “It spread to your pelvic lymph nodes, you have stage three cancer.” And my brain just said no, I’m too young for that. My brain said, No, no, no, you got something wrong, there’s no way it could be stage three.
It felt like I need my mom. It was an immediate. And I don’t have many of those moments because I’ve been grown with kids for a long time, and I’ve not had my mother for 17 years, but that was a moment where I just needed a woman older than me who knew more than me. Who knew that it was going to be okay to just wrap me up and hold me, that’s what I needed. There was a nurse there that day, and I don’t know how she knew, she didn’t say anything, she just walked up to me in her cute periwinkle colored scrubs, and she squeezed me as hard as she could, so much so that I left makeup on shirt, and I needed that. And I told her, I said, you have no idea how much that was needed, I needed that so much. But it was just like a gut punch, like, this is wrong, something’s wrong. Where’s my mom? She’ll know, like, tell mom to figure this out because this is all wrong.
What have been the most challenging parts of my diagnosis
My biggest concern was how am I going to be able to function? My husband has to work, I’m supposed to be working. We have a young child in the house, and then I found out that I had a grandson on the way, and I was just like, I don’t have time for this. And then I thought, okay, we’ll just chip away at it, and then by the end of the summer, you’ll be done with it.
Because I found a lump under my arm first, I went into my mammogram hyperventilating because I thought that my cervical cancer was a metastasis of breast cancer. I thought that it started up here, and so I went in for a diagnostic mammogram, and that just happened to be the day that I was hemorrhaging, so I was having a complication. I was bleeding down my legs and I mean with a full diaper pad on. It was so much like I said, they took me into the O.R. and that was a whole thing. But yeah, I nearly bled to death, and I thought, I have breast cancer, and this is the end. And then my brain started thinking of all the things that if I were going to die, that I would do or not do, and I started to do those things. I said, if you want to own a library, go buy those books, and I started hoarding books. And then I decided that if I wanted to go watch baseball, I was going to go watch baseball because I didn’t know when I’d be able to.
I thought I was really, truly not going to make it. I thought, well, you better make the most of the time you have, sweetheart, because it’s almost the end. And so whenever I found out that my mammogram was negative, I was in shock. I thought, well, as much as I was in denial about the cancer itself, I can’t believe how hard it is for me to accept a negative mammogram. But it really was. I was very worried at first. The doctor actually ended up doing an ultrasound of the lump under my arm, and she said it’s nothing, it was because I had recently lost some weight.
Where I’m at now with my diagnosis
I am trying to fill my plate again, so I have started working with some cervical cancer warriors, survivors. I message several girls routinely, one of the people that I’ve met on the internet has volunteered to co-host a cervical cancer retreat of sorts in her state of Oregon next year, and she’s actively in treatment right now, she’s still finishing that up. Whenever she’s done with that, we’re going to hit the gas and move forward on getting together with other ladies, just because it’s a lonely disease, it’s lonely to be treated for this disease. We want to have some camaraderie and meet with other girls and just discuss and vent and cry and hug and have lifelong friendships from it, so we’ve got that coming up. And then I have become much more vocal on social media as of late, and I’m working with several organizations to try to change some things in long term care. That field is a passion of mine, and those residents mean more to me than life itself, so I am serving that community actively, and I have some job opportunities that have come along the way or come up as a result of that. I’m very excited about the future. focusing on my family, making it the healthiest it can be. Cancer is hard on your family. Trying to catch up with my husband and compare notes after the fact. He was very worried. It affected him in subconscious ways and more obvious ways, and speaking with him afterward, I did not realize how unwell he was. He just would not bother me at the time, or he thought that it would be a burden to me to discuss it. And generally speaking, most of the men in my life were pretty quiet about things like that, so we don’t discuss feelings.
It’s weird whenever you’re worried about how your disease is going to affect someone else. And then whenever you see it happen, you feel responsible in a way, but then you also realize that’s what life is, that’s what my husband signed up for, that’s what I signed up for, so we just got through it. I’m so happy to be on the mend. I’m so happy to feel well. I feel better than I have in years.
What my monitoring is like
I do have a negative MRI, which is why I say no evidence of disease. Every six months, I have a follow-up with someone. It will either be with the high-risk breast clinic that I see, so they picked me up, and they want me to be. I have an MRI every six months and then the mammogram, the traditional mammogram. And then the doctor wants me to come in about every six months, the gynecologist, to have a pap smear, be seen, and do some labs. I’m doing something every six months.
I wanted to be open with my daughter
I felt compelled to tell somebody. My mother was very private about her struggle with breast cancer, and there was a lot that I did not know, that I still don’t know, even with my nurse brain trying to fill in the blanks of what she must have been going through. I shared every intricate detail with my daughter so that if, heaven forbid, she ever were to find herself in a situation where she needed that information, she would know that it’s survivable. She would know that the treatment is so advanced. I tried to include my daughter in that as best I could so that she could understand without scaring her. So I tried to put it into 16-17-year-old girl terms. And that opened a dialogue for her and me to discuss women’s health differently. Which is hard for parents, you know, the reproductive system. And you don’t want to talk to your daughter about her reproductive system, necessarily, but in this case, I felt like knowledge was power.
And so that’s how you turn something into a benefit. That’s how you make it better. I can tell you that external radiation really wasn’t that bad; I didn’t get any burns. I can tell you my story, and you can hear my voice and see that I’m okay, so that you have hope that you can get through it, too. The nature of 80% of the messages that I read and respond to are ladies who are saying, “Hey, I just got diagnosed,” or, “I saw your video about external radiation.” And it helps so much, and I don’t say that to compliment myself, I’m just sharing what happened to me. And in no special way or format, I’m just telling people that I have it, too. And that by itself, I think, has helped so many people, like, hey, this is not a gross, ugly thing. Not just horrible people have it, and it’s not taboo. Several of us are struggling with this, and this is how we took care of it. So I’ve met some lifelong friends from this, and even people who are not in this country. I have made friends who live in Canada and the UK and different places all around the world, just because we have this thing in common.
What I want others to know
Put one foot in front of the other and just keep going. There will be days when, if you think about it, you will talk yourself out of it, or you will make yourself believe that you cannot do it. But just put a foot in front of the other, and you will eventually be finished with the treatment. That was my biggest thing. I just thought, oh my gosh, that seems like a terribly long time, if you will just put a foot in front of the other.
Check on your caregivers whenever you have the bandwidth, whenever you can, check on your caregivers. It’s important. Those people are stressed out, too. They’re not actively being treated, necessarily, but they’re right there with you in the trenches. And they sometimes need to decompress, too.
Symptoms: Heavy periods, abnormal bleeding, large blood clots, severe cramping, severe abdominal pain, pain radiating down the left leg, loss of mobility in the left leg, loss of appetite, fatigue
Robin’s Zest for Life Helped Him Overcome Stage 4 Melanoma
Robin, an architect born and raised in France and now based in the USA, shares his experience with stage 4 melanoma. In 2023, he discovered a tiny bump on his chest. He showed it to his dermatologist, who thought it was just a cyst. After closer inspection, the doctors discovered that the bump was actually melanoma and it had already metastasised to Robin’s liver.
Interviewed by: Taylor Scheib Edited by: Chris Sanchez
Robin was overwhelmed, confused, and numb all at once, but he refused to cave in. He didn’t isolate himself; instead, he looked for the right support. He understood that facing such a situation would be easier with a strong community behind him.
Robin found that the hardest things for him to face weren’t the treatments for stage 4 melanoma (which is a type of skin cancer), but the weeks of uncertainty before he was fully diagnosed and could receive proper treatment. This uncertainty left him struggling to maintain his footing. However, the moment that his oncologist introduced the option of a clinical trial, his fear, anxiety, and numbness faded, and his perspective shifted for the better.
Robin passionately advocated for himself. He emphasized the power of making informed decisions. He dove headfirst into understanding the trial and kept asking questions so he could regain control over his health.
Under the clinical trial, Robin’s treatment included three months of chemotherapy combined with immunotherapy, followed by 18 months of immunotherapy maintenance. He’d read about all the potential side effects in the clinical trial booklets and braced himself for a rough experience. Happily, the side effects he ended up experiencing turned out to be minimal.
His positive mindset bolstered his psychological well-being. Instead of viewing his treatment days with fear and dread, Robin approached them like regular activities, for instance, like going to the office or visiting friends. This made a significant difference in his healthcare.
Throughout his stage 4 melanoma experience, Robin kept up his active lifestyle. He continued working, traveling, and spending quality time with his loved ones. His zest for life and people gave him strength, and he stayed true to himself even in the thick of his health challenges.
Today, Robin is thriving. His recent scans show no signs of tumors or metastasis. He looks forward to having regular check-ups every six months for the next five years, then annually.
Watch Robin’s video and:
Discover how his love for life helped him through stage 4 melanoma.
Learn how a little bump changed his life, but couldn’t dampen his spirit.
Discover the moment Robin’s fear turned into fearless patient advocacy.
Find out the unexpected reason he found joy in hospital visits.
Learn why Robin views clinical trials with gratitude, not fear.
Name:
Robin A.
Diagnosis:
Melanoma
Staging:
Stage 4
Symptom:
Appearance of a small bump on the chest
Treatments:
Chemotherapy and immunotherapy (under a clinical trial)
This interview has been edited for clarity and length. This is not medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider to make informed treatment decisions.
The views and opinions expressed in this interview do not necessarily reflect those of The Patient Story.
Sam Chooses Hope in the Face of Grade 2 Brain Cancer
Sam is a passionate photographer and a proud mom to a six-year-old boy named Felix. Her life took a terrifying turn when a series of seemingly minor symptoms led to a diagnosis of grade 2 brain cancer (astrocytoma with IDH1 mutation).
Interviewed by: Nikki Murphy Edited by: Chris Sanchez
Sam’s experience began subtly, with feelings of being “off.” She attributed this feeling to holiday stress and the hustle of running her business. She also experienced occasional fatigue and what she thought was food poisoning. But little did she know that things would soon escalate.
One night, Sam collapsed in her bathroom and suffered what would be the first of many seizures. Her husband acted swiftly, calling 911. She woke up in the ER to the shocking news that they had found a mass in her brain that was causing her seizures. An MRI confirmed the diagnosis, and Sam had to undergo emergency brain surgery.
Grade 2 brain cancer (astrocytoma with IDH1 mutation) had more than just physical effects; it also deeply impacted Sam and her family’s mental well-being. (Editor’s Note: An astrocytoma is a tumor that develops in the brain or spinal cord and grows from star-shaped or astrocyte cells. An IDH1 mutation is a mutation in the enzyme-making IDH1 gene, which can result in cancer.) Sam spoke with her son Felix honestly, aiming to teach him about what was happening to her instead of making him afraid. Her husband was overwhelmed by the sudden shift in their family dynamics. Sam realized the importance of open and honest dialogue, emotional check-ins, and seeking professional support in helping her family maintain its mental health.
After her surgery, Sam had to have radiation treatments and chemotherapy. She found the treatments grueling, given the lifestyle adjustments, dietary restrictions, and emotional hurdles she had to deal with as a result. But through it all, she was still able to find light in the darkest moments, whether through joking with medical staff or cherishing time with her son and husband.
Sam’s message is clear: seek medical advice when something feels off, prioritize self-care, and embrace support from those around you. Watch her video and find out more about:
How a seizure led to a completely unexpected diagnosis.
The subtle symptoms Sam thought were due to holiday and work stress.
How she prepared her young son Felix for really tough news.
The surprising realities of being awake during brain surgery.
Why mental health is so vital in cancer care.
Scroll below to read the full transcript from Sam’s interview!
Name: Sam D.
Age at Diagnosis:
37
Diagnosis:
Brain Cancer (Astrocytoma with IDH1 Mutation)
Grade:
Grade 2
Symptoms:
Consistently feeling overwhelmed
Seizures
Treatments:
Surgery: awake craniotomy
Radiation therapy
Chemotherapy
This interview has been edited for clarity and length. This is not medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider to make informed treatment decisions.
The views and opinions expressed in this interview do not necessarily reflect those of The Patient Story.
I am a mom to an amazing six-year-old boy. He is the light of my life. I own a photography business that brings me so much joy.
I remember going into the bathroom and brushing my teeth afterward. And I remember setting my toothbrush down, and I very vaguely remember falling backwards. But I don’t remember anything beyond that.
I was so stunned at the entire event. And I think, knowing that when you hear you have a mass in your brain, I don’t think I registered immediately that that meant I have a brain tumor.
When I first noticed something was wrong
I started feeling a bit off. The weekend before I was admitted to the hospital, I started just feeling off, and I thought it was compounding stress. We were in the closing window to Christmas, and we hosted Christmas. My initial thought was that I was just stressed to get to the end of the year. And I had said something to my husband, we were snowboarding that day, and I said, I just don’t feel 100%. I don’t feel like myself. I feel like I’m just too stressed to make commitments. And I think he brushed it off like, yeah, we’ve got a lot going on. And as did I. And then we went back to Denver and stayed. We’re getting ready for the week, the weekend to end into the beginning of the week.
And on Sunday night into Monday we I ended up experiencing what I thought was food poisoning. And I was experiencing that every once in a while for the last few years, and I just assumed that I was maybe developing an allergy to something or developing a food intolerance. But what led me to be sick for a solid four hours? The last time I got up, I fell in my bathroom and fell into a seizure. Thankfully, my husband was home and caught it immediately and called 911 when he realized I was seizing. And that it was a very short time, I think, in the grand scheme of things. And I don’t know if I would have ever assumed that food poisoning like symptoms, and maybe not being able to bear the weight of stress was causing me to, or showing me that I had something going on internally.
What happened next
I got admitted to the hospital. The newest and greatest one, actually, which was really lucky timing for me. I had my seizures around 4:30 in the morning, and I came to between 730 and eight in the morning. And by that time, I was in an emergency room. I was admitted into an emergency room, an actual room. And my husband and son were sitting on the waiting room chair there. And when I woke up, my husband said, Sam, you had several seizures this morning. They did a CT scan when you got here. They found a mass in your brain. They’re prepping you for an MRI, and a neurosurgeon is coming to talk to you.
So that was the first thing I heard when I woke up. And I believe, or I feel like I asked him to repeat that because I was so not only out of it, but extraordinarily confused that I was in an emergency room and had zero recollection of how I got there and the events that led up to it. I went in for my MRI. Very shortly after, the neurosurgeon was in the office or in the emergency room with me. And he said, You have a mass in your frontal right lobe. It is putting pressure on your brain, which is now causing these seizures. You need to have surgery immediately in order to survive.
The moment everything changed
I was so stunned at the entire event. And I think knowing that when you hear you have a mass in your brain, I don’t think I registered immediately that that meant I have a brain tumor. It did take me a little bit of time to become more cognitively aware later that day, and just really sit with the fact that I have a brain tumor and they’re just going to remove it and everything’s going to be fine. And that’s really where my head and positivity came from. And that’s far from the reality of what having a brain tumor really is. And it was a little bit disheartening knowing that reality later.
And as things went on, I think it took me a while to really process what it meant to have a brain tumor and to hear that you have a brain tumor. I had just turned 37 the month prior, so I was just recently I was hitting my late, late 30s and making jokes about getting older. But I believe that getting older is a blessing, and I wasn’t quite prepared to be the youngest person in a treatment center for the condition that I have.
How I prepared for surgery
It was an emergency call to my lawyer to make sure my will and my living will were up to date. And that was really where my stress was. I was making sure that my son Felix was just taken care of if something were to happen to me. His dad’s passing when he was two is incredibly tough. And just him having to go through all that, and him and I together, and then now getting married again last year, just a few months before I found out I had a brain tumor.
I wanted to protect Felix. Even while being in the hospital and being tended to by the nurses and doctors, Felix was there too. I really wanted to make it positive and that being in the hospital wasn’t always scary, and that they are there to help fix the problem, and that that’s what they went to school for. So I’m trying to use that with him to be positive. But I was terrified for him. And later, we had those conversations too. He’s pretty in touch with his emotions and seemed pretty scared. My husband also did. And I think just the burden and weight.
I hate to say burden, but the burden of taking on our entire household and our life all of a sudden at four in the morning, I was suddenly not in the home. I wasn’t able to drive for months and everything, and we had no idea going into it that that was it. But I felt the fear in his voice when he told me, and I can just tell I had felt it over the last few months as we’ve digested and talked about the initial moments and being in the hospital and how much stress that and a burden that he took on himself to go ahead. Just taking it in stride together has been the most positive part.
I was awake during my brain surgery
They admitted me to the ICU and monitored me. And he said that very kindly and humbled me in the thought that I was I could leave and come back. I spent the first part of the week in the ICU taking various medications to make sure I didn’t have any more seizures and doing all the bloodwork, etc. to make sure I had I was properly set up for the procedure. And one thing that came up, because it’s on my right side and I’m left-handed, was that I had to be awake for the craniotomy as well. So I spent he prepped myself that it was going to be two hours for the surgery, that I would be in and awake for the entire surgery for two hours, and then I would be done and on my way. The surgery ended up being about 5.5 hours, and I was awake for the entire surgery.
I was a bit surprised to have surgery awake, as I mentioned. But I also was a bit surprised that I was sitting up the whole time, too. They have your head in a vise, and they kept me sitting upright. And what I remember was the anesthesiologist. I was sedated on my right hand side, and the surgeon was on my left hand side. I’m assuming he was kind of coming this way directionally. If I remember correctly, barely. Thankfully, there was enough sedation that I was lucid in that way. So sitting up, and I could hear everybody talking and you know, reacting to things and their interactions as well in terms of the frustration that I could. I could hear the initial grabbing of the tumor. And that’s why it took a little bit longer. They were hoping to also have initial pathology results back during surgery, and make sure they got as much of the tumor as they could. Generally, you can’t, because it does. If they go too far into the brain matter, they can certainly hurt you more than they can help you at that point, too. And that’s where people end up having dysfunction. I do remember him getting frustrated, and maybe he said that I got a little anxious because I reminded him that the Broncos were still playing every hour.
And they did call my husband and told him. Sam’s still saying that the Broncos are on tonight, so she’s in good spirits and really looking forward to this game. But the surgery itself was a bit shocking to be in and awake and alert for the actual procedure. The most jarring part was actually getting the incision of the bone out, like you’re sawing the bone, because I was awake for that. And there’s no way you can really make that not painful. So that was the most painful part. And my incision goes all the way. I have hair now. All the way around. I have some great pictures of my incision. But it was much larger than I expected. And the picture I took the night before. They did little shaved spots around where they mapped, where the vise was going to hold my head together. Really lovely photos of that, too. I wish I could capture how sad I felt about losing little tiny bits of hair there, where I did lose a large chunk of hair. With it, they shaved this the during surgery, and I lost more with treatment later.
I got my results five weeks later
A little bit of relief came when the doctor came in and he said, You have a grade two astrocytoma and a few mutations with it, one of them being IDH1. And that can be hereditary or it can be environmental. I found out after thinking that I had the hereditary one, that I actually have the environmental one. It can be stress or exposure to toxins and things like that. And there’s no way of knowing when or what toxins or what you can do to avoid that exposure. And the other mutation I have is that it has a very slow-growing brain tumor. I’ve had the actual tumor for years, if not decades. And the astrocytoma, at one point, mutated into that grade of tumor. And that’s likely what the stress and the IDH1 mutation are.
I was in shock. Yeah. And I felt like at that point, especially along the way, and the months following and the weeks before that, I had zero alone time. I most frequently hear that nobody wanted me to be alone if I did fall into a seizure or something happened, or I needed something that I was not able to do yet because I wasn’t able to, like, lift anything heavy or, you know, do a lot of normal, functioning things within the day. So I think the shock was a bit of biggest part of it for me was that I just was like, okay, I do have cancer. Like what’s next? And that I was really more focused on what the path forward is. Like, am I going to die, or is this like what is going to happen? And that is a very hard thing to hear, regardless. I found myself. Later on, any moment that I would be alone, especially in those first few weeks of really processing, I would find my little times to just like, have a little cry, or just shed a few tears just to feel like just to feel. But I didn’t want to. I didn’t feel like I was the doom and gloom, and I didn’t want people to feel sorry for me in that way. I did try to hold it to be a little bit more of a private grieving on that side.
I told my son a few days after I found out that I wanted to make sure it was an educational opportunity for us. I don’t think that when I was six years old that I understood or knew what cancer was or understood the impacts on the close circle. I kind of prepped everybody, and I said, Please don’t cry like I have cancer and have brain cancer. And encapsulated what my treatment plan was going to look like. And the positive side of extending my life and the quality of life. But the hopes that this doesn’t come back. And my husband. That’s a good question. But we were together, and I think he just really held a lot of space for me and just really wanted me to kind of lead with what emotions we wanted. We’ve had some cries. It’s been a hard year. First year of marriage. That’s been compounded on that.
What my treatment options were
One option that I did not get in the hospital before the surgery was you do nothing. Because I believe that before the surgery. And they did believe, too, that if I did nothing, my chances of surviving within days were probably a little to nothing. So, thankfully, my oncologist did say you can do nothing. And live with post-surgery and the chances of recurrence for the brain tumor to grow back, and to be more aggressive, and to ultimately take over. My chances of survival for five years were under 20%. Statistically, and for astrocytoma specifically, they generally have two types of chemo treatments along with radiation. So they do one that’s one, a single pill, and a radiation combination. And the other one is a cocktail of three different types of chemo and a radiation combination. The one with the three different chemos that you take has been around a little bit longer, and they’ve seen a lot of people live into multiple decades. And that one has a lot of research and positive results because it’s been around longer. The other new chemo, like single chemo and radiation, has not been around as long. And that one doesn’t have as much in terms of longevity that they know about yet, because it hasn’t been around long enough that they’ve used it on brain cancer patients.
But the other one seemed a little bit more positive. And I’ve since joined a bunch of brain tumor support groups and specifically for astrocytoma. And several people have lived for multiple decades with astrocytoma and have had the same treatment. So it made me feel much more comfortable going with that route. The oncologist did recommend the chemo route, which I went over the other one, just due to research, but he said both he felt very comfortable saying and hearing your life expectancy going up to 70 percent for over ten years. I measure the time with my son. If I were to pass in under five years, he would lose both of his biological parents before he’s 11 years old. And how was that fair to him? And that’s really what was making me most emotional. Was that fight for him and not putting him in a place in his life that he deserves? Hearing that and just mentally preparing to go through radiation and chemo was a big lift. I did call and make that decision about a week after I found out. And it moved pretty quickly. I was a week later getting fitted with my mask that they put on your face for radiation. And I was in radiation very shortly after. And chemo followed.
My treatment plan
I did kick off my treatment plan with 27 rounds of radiation. It was supposed to be 30, but the doctor had said that that was the higher end of treatment for me. But the way my resection for the brain tumor went and the way my scan looked right before, they felt comfortable reducing the session. I went five days a week, Monday through Friday, into these sessions, which were relatively easy for what they sound like. I enjoyed the nurses and the staff there. We had a good time, and I was coming in with funny jokes instead of saying my birthday every day because we all knew it. We were all friends there. Now that I would say, oh, did you know on my birthday this happened or that this happened that year? Or what was the top song in America? It was a fun way to bring things together in that way.
And about four weeks post, I started chemo. They did break that up. And I do a mixture of three different medications. Day one, it’s four cycles, and each cycle is 42 days long. And within those 42 days, I take three different medications.
One is an IV into our oral pills that I’m able to take at home. Day one is a single medication that I take. And it makes you kind of sick for a few days after. And I experienced quite a bit of nausea. I do manage through nausea, medication, and things that make it a little bit easier. And then I go in and do an IV infusion, and I start another medication for two weeks. And that one’s the most aggressive. I am not allowed to eat cured meats, aged cheeses. Most sauces or soy sauces. Anything that has any alcohol or soy, like any source. In general, I can’t touch rubbing alcohol. So there are a lot of restrictions, and it’s very difficult to eat out. I’ve utilized AI to upload different menus at restaurants and asked, “What can I eat at this restaurant with this medication that I’m taking?”
The plan moving forward
I’ve not had any clinical trial discussions. And my plan moving forward after this, for my understanding, is just to monitor. I’ll be getting MRIs every three months. My last one was in May and had positive signs of progress from the radiation treatment. My next one in three months should be this month in August. And I’ll have one more at the end of the year. So every three months for the foreseeable future, I’ve heard anywhere from 5 to 10 years. So that’s going to be a big stretch of that. But I’m hopeful that is something, and being patient with going every three months, that if anything does happen or anything does recur, we’re able to find it quickly, and maybe mitigate it from being too invasive. I would love not to have brain surgery again. But another fun fact that I found out is that once you find out you have a brain tumor, the chances of recurrence are high. No matter what you do. So I’m hoping that if that does happen, I’m 105 years old and it will be okay. But my other hope is that it just doesn’t. And this is maybe a one-time blip in my earlier life than expected.
The challenges of my diagnosis
My biggest challenge has been being able to live with it comfortably. I have had a full head of hair my whole life, and I think it just changed my appearance so much, especially at the beginning when I was missing all my hair. And I had a very noticeable scar that I couldn’t cover. That I had to really become comfortable with that, or who I was. I found myself very often justifying, like I have brain cancer, or just telling that to somebody. My son even said it to people at school. They’re like, You look so different. Felix’s mom, what’s different about you? And he would even say it. She has brain cancer. Leave her alone. So, whether I want this to be a traumatic event for everybody, it kind of is. I think it’s been hard to come to terms with and hard to keep private, as it’s so physically obvious in my appearance. But I’ve gotten a little bit better, and I’m trying to own it now.
I feel like initially, maybe it’s going to take a little bit of time in this drastic change in my life. Is it just being treated a little bit differently? People started treating me differently or acting as if I were more delicate or needed extra padding around me. I’m very much independent, but I’m also going to push myself in every way I can, and I think the bubble around me, or people hoping to give me the ability or to protect me, has become a big change in my life. Improving that has been a little bit challenging as well. Just being like, I can do this. I’m good. I’m. They said I can do my normal activities. I’m not trying to be extreme by any means. I only got one day of snowboarding in last year, and I’m hopeful that that is not the end of it for me. They promise that I can do all that, but it’s a little bit hard to overcome that aspect as well. Just hearing that somebody had brain surgery. Even my mom, when I called her, said, Wow, I can’t believe how well you’re talking. I just assumed you wouldn’t be able to talk if you had your brain operated on, which I can see is a very valid deduction, but I don’t know if it’s something that we know enough about.
My message of hope
We all go through extraordinarily hard times in life, and if we want to live in or ruminate in the negative and live in that, and it can make us sick, we can go under and live in the stress and the the disheartening feeling of being like, I have a brain tumor, I’m going to die, and this is what’s going to kill me, and it’s the end of the world and living in that is so toxic and so bad for you that living within the positive side of things, or feeling positive and optimistic that you can overpower this and that it’s mind over matter everywhere. And I try to be as mindful of that for myself all the time, losing my husband and becoming an only parent, and then finding out I have brain cancer four years later. I cannot let the burdens and the hurdles in my life take over. What is more positive? And seeing the joy on my son’s face and giving him the best experience in life together, and making memories that last.
I would say if I had one piece of advice for anybody, it would be to take care of yourself. Know that if you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed, or if something’s not right, it’s okay to just go and get a checkup and look. And maybe that stress can be something else. What most often do we hear? Don’t give yourself an ulcer. Don’t get so stressed. You get an ulcer. But in my world, I’m wondering if I got so stressed that I gave myself a brain tumor. I made my existing brain tumor worse. So. Self-care. Taking care of yourself in every way you can. And that would be my best advice. And finding out and being preventative.
Heart and Humor: Jeanine’s Stage 3 (T3bN0M0) Rectal Cancer Story
Jeanine found out she had stage 3 rectal cancer (stage T3bN0M0) in January 2025, but her health experiences goes much further back. She had been experiencing rectal bleeding in her mid-20s. She had a colonoscopy back then, but it found nothing more serious than hemorrhoids. This made it easy for her to attribute these recurring symptoms over the years. As time passed, there were new symptoms and they worsened, including urgency to use the restroom, mucus in her stool, and stool that was narrower than usual.
Interviewed by: Taylor Scheib Edited by: Chris Sanchez
Her intuition told her that she was experiencing something far more serious than just hemorrhoids now. Jeanine looked up her symptoms online, and based on her research, began to suspect cancer even before she was properly diagnosed. She consulted doctors, and her research paid off when a new colonoscopy revealed that she had stage 3 rectal cancer (T3bN0M0). (Editor’s Note: A T3bN0M0 tumor has grown into the outermost layers of the rectum, but hasn’t spread to nearby lymph nodes or distant sites.)
Jeanine didn’t feel overwhelmed by this diagnosis. She instead felt that it validated her concerns and knew that this was a big step forward in helping her get better. She tirelessly and fearlessly advocated for herself, pushing for answers, seeking second opinions, and switching medical teams to feel more understood by a team that also understood another medical condition she had. Her experience shows how important it is to feel comfortable with healthcare providers and communicate effectively with them.
Her treatment for stage 3 rectal cancer included chemotherapy (with adjustments to manage severe side effects) and radiation therapy. Although Jeanine may need to undergo the surgical procedure known as abdominal perineal resection or Barbie butt surgery, there’s a chance she won’t need it if the tumor responds well.
One of Jeanine’s biggest strengths is her positive outlook. It shines through her creative coping mechanisms, like naming her tumor “Chester McButt Sprout” and sharing funny updates on social media. These approaches not only help her process her experience but also help her loved ones stay informed, amused, and connected.
Jeanine’s identity has evolved through her diagnosis and treatments. It’s not defined by cancer, and is enriched by her perspectives regarding life, joy, and connection. She draws strength from her late mother’s resilience and tries to live authentically through all of the challenges she faces.
Watch Jeanine’s video for more on:
How she transformed her stage 3 rectal cancer diagnosis into a story of empowerment
Jeanine’s surprising (and funny) creative approaches to coping with cancer
Why self-advocacy can be life-saving — her bold healthcare decisions
From confusion to clarity: Jeanine’s 20-year health puzzle
How her resolve and resilience helped her take her cancer experience forward
Name:
Jeanine B.
Age at Diagnosis:
46
Diagnosis:
Rectal Cancer
Staging:
Stage 3 (T3bN0M0)
Symptoms:
Rectal bleeding
Pain in the tailbone
Urgent need to use the restroom
Unusually narrow stools
Presence of mucus in stools
Fatigue
Treatments:
Chemotherapy (FOLFOX)
Radiation therapy (coming soon)
This interview has been edited for clarity and length. This is not medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider to make informed treatment decisions.
The views and opinions expressed in this interview do not necessarily reflect those of The Patient Story.
The Patient Story Podcast: I’m a Young Cancer Patient
(Ep. 01) From Cancer Caregiver to Patient: Taylor’s Story
What do you do when you get a cancer diagnosis? Where do you go? Whom do you call? How do you become your own patient advocate?
There are so many overwhelming questions that hit the people who’ve been diagnosed and those in their closest circles. Here is the first-ever episode of a new video podcast hosted by The Patient Story founder and lymphoma survivor Stephanie Chuang.
This inaugural episode features a special guest: Stephanie’s colleague at The Patient Story and fellow former TV journalist, Taylor Scheib, who shares her experience navigating a cancer diagnosis, shifting from her role as a patient advocate and the daughter of a cancer survivor — her mom, Kelly — to becoming a cancer patient, herself.
Interviewed by: Stephanie Chuang Edited by: Chris Sanchez, Stephanie Chuang
Taylor shares the moment she discovered her diagnosis. She was sitting on her couch and casually checking her MyChart when the words “oncocytic carcinoma of the thyroid gland” appeared. (Editor’s Note: Oncocytic carcinoma of the thyroid gland is a rare, aggressive kind of thyroid cancer. It’s also known as Hürthle cell carcinoma.)
She was devastated by the diagnosis, but her background in patient advocacy helped her regain her footing. Her experience and knowledge built from working closely with both patients and caregivers helped her recognize symptoms and push for answers. This reinforces a crucial message: You are your own best advocate.
Taylor’s ability to listen to her body played a pivotal role in her experience. She had first noticed a nodule in her neck three years before her diagnosis, and had continued monitoring it through regular check-ups. When the nodule grew, she trusted her instincts and insisted on further evaluations, even when her concerns weren’t met with urgency. This underscores the vital lesson of trusting your body and speaking up when something feels off.
Taylor experienced further challenges when she tried to navigate the healthcare system. Her patience was tested by insurance hurdles, delays in scheduling surgeries, and having to wait for tumor board evaluations. She candidly discusses the frustration of feeling like just another case number. But her experience and resilience won through as she managed both the system and the mental toll of cancer. She found strength in support from her husband, family, and friends.
Taylor’s patient advocate experience also underscores the power of storytelling. At the start, it wasn’t easy for her to share her story publicly, but when she did so, she found it cathartic. Through opening up, she not only helped herself heal but also offered enlightenment and hope to others with similar struggles. Taylor’s authenticity is a good reminder that behind every social media highlight reel, real struggles do exist, and sharing them can be profoundly empowering.
Please scroll below to read the full transcript from The Patient Story Podcast Episode 1!
Name:
Taylor Scheib
Age at Diagnosis:
30
Diagnosis:
Thyroid Cancer (Oncocytic Carcinoma of the Thyroid Gland)
Staging:
Stage 1
Symptom:
Appearance of neck nodule that grew over three years
Editor’s Note: This transcript has been edited only for simple clarity.
Podcast Summary
When It Rains, It Pours
Taylor shares her mom’s own brush with cancer and how this was her first touch point in joining The Patient Story.
Taylor and Stephanie talk about the unpredictability of medical challenges, including those faced by cancer patients.
Introducing Taylor: A Patient Advocate Becomes the Patient
Taylor discusses her role at The Patient Story and how it made her more aware of cancer and its impact.
Taylor and Stephanie delve into the unexpected turn Taylor’s cancer experience took.
The Shock of Diagnosis: Getting News from MyChart
The moment Taylor learned about her diagnosis and the emotions that welled up.
The challenges associated with getting life-changing news like she did over a digital platform like MyChart.
Emotional Fallout: Processing a Cancer Diagnosis
The immediate emotional impact when Taylor heard the word “carcinoma.”
The questions that surfaced afterwards.
Self-Advocacy: Trusting Your Instincts and Pushing for Answers
Taylor discusses the importance of self-advocacy and being a patient advocate in healthcare, as well as the power of listening to one’s body.
She also opens up about her persistence in getting her nodule checked and how it helped her get results.
Barriers and Delays: Navigating the Healthcare System
Taylor and Stephanie delve into the problems many patients experience when they try to navigate the healthcare system, including systemic delays and provider shortages.
They also explore the frustration patients can experience when urgent concerns face logistical roadblocks.
The Waiting Game: Coping with Uncertainty and Lack of a Plan
Taylor and Stephanie discuss how difficult it can be to wait for clear next steps post-diagnosis.
They outline and explore strategies to help manage mental health during periods like these.
Community and Connection: Reaching Out and Trauma Bonding
Taylor shares how reconnecting with old friends and the support from her community have been vital during her journey.
“Give yourself grace, but also do it on your own time.”
Telling Others: Navigating Reactions and Support Systems
Taylor and Stephanie reflect on how to talk about a new diagnosis, the variety of reactions from others, and maintaining boundaries in relationships.
Supporting a Loved One: Tips for Friends and Family
They offer tangible advice for supporters: what to say, what not to say, and how to truly show up.
“The small stuff means more.” — Some of the most thoughtful and meaningful gifts aren’t the most expensive ones.
Sharing the Journey Publicly: The Power and Healing of Storytelling
Taylor explains why she chose to be open on social media and the cathartic role of storytelling.
She offers advice for those who are also considering sharing their experiences.
Give Yourself Grace: Final Reflections and Words of Wisdom
In closing, Taylor and Stephanie share uplifting thoughts on the importance of being a patient advocate, self-compassion, and owning one’s narrative.
Introducing Taylor: A Patient Advocate Becomes the Patient
Stephanie Chuang: Hi, everyone. It’s Stephanie here with The Patient Story. I’m just starting something new here. Wanting to be able to touch base more with everyone out there who’s finding us. If you remember, I had my own cancer experience when I was diagnosed suddenly with a non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. I was 31 at the time, two months from getting married, and it was a complete whirlwind, to say the least.
But joining me today, I’m so excited to introduce someone who many people may be familiar with on our channel, Taylor. Taylor is on our team at The Patient Story. An amazing leader. And Taylor’s joining us for not-so-great reasons, but I am so grateful that she’s coming on to share her story. So, Taylor, do you want to share a little bit about yourself first, of course, outside of the cancer diagnosis?
Taylor Scheib: Stephanie, thank you so much for the warm welcome. So crazy being on this side instead of being the one guiding the conversation. I live in the Pacific Northwest with my amazing husband Justin and our dog Sage. She is our world. She’s our Chocolate Lab. And we love to hike. We love to be outdoors, and we love to camp. I’m originally from Illinois, from a really small town. My high school graduating class was 30 people, and so I’m from a very rural area. And I’m so grateful where I grew up, though I have amazing friends and family back home, I’ve lived away from home for a long time, so that’s been an interesting part of navigating my situation. But yeah, my mom is a colorectal cancer survivor. She was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer in November of 2023.
Stephanie Chuang: Taylor has been someone who’s led so many of these conversations with people, with patients, caregivers, care partners, and you know, the first personal touch point in joining The Patient Story was you introducing your mom, Kelly, to the process. She shared her story of going through colorectal cancer. And I’m so grateful again to both of you for being so open about that. But you may see that Taylor has a throat scar. Yep. And that her voice sounds hoarse. She doesn’t normally sound like that. I was on a work trip, actually, and then, got a late text from Taylor, and that was, of course, not usual. So, Taylor, just walk us through what was happening at the time.
The Shock of Diagnosis: Getting News from MyChart
Taylor Scheib: Yeah, it was a Monday night. 5:15 p.m.. I was about two weeks post partial thyroidectomy for a nodule on the right side of my thyroid. And that night, I just got a message from MyChart with my pathology results. And when I got the pathology results, it was out of sight, out of mind, from my surgery. Because not once did anyone say, “Hey, be on the lookout for your pathology.” I knew that the nodule and the mass were going to be sent off, of course, but I never thought that when I got those results, it would read anything but benign. And unfortunately, when I got those results, I was sitting on my couch, my husband’s cooking dinner. I get into MyChart, and the first thing I see is “oncocytic carcinoma of the thyroid gland.”
I immediately shoot up. I’m crying. My husband is like turning off the burners in the kitchen because I just bluntly, out loud go, “I’m pretty sure I have cancer.” And my husband goes, “What? What do you mean?” And that word ‘carcinoma’. I know what that means. And I don’t know if, before starting at The Patient Story and dealing with my mom’s diagnosis that I would have known what carcinoma meant. And so, because I am educated, because I’m privileged to work for such an amazing company where I’m learning so much every single day, I knew carcinoma meant cancer. We immediately came to this very spot, right where I’m sitting. We got on my laptop, we started researching, and the word oncocytic was a word I had never heard. I’d never seen or heard anything. Yeah, you start to Google. And that’s where my patient advocate story began, with my diagnosis.
Stephanie Chuang: Oh, wow. Yeah, there’s a lot there, I know. When I got the message, and then I got on the phone with you and you told me, first of all. I mean, it just took me right back to that feeling of, wait a minute. What’s going on? Right. And cancer and all the things.
And of course, my diagnosis was years previous. I was diagnosed back in December of 2016 and into January 2017. So it’s been a minute, which I’m very grateful for. But really, no matter how long the time, I remember that feeling of, What the hell just happened? And in your case, to spell it out for people, they would go, “Oh, you have this nodule, and you need to get it removed.” It’s benign, though, and nowhere, never did anyone ever say it might be something.
Now, I can understand, by the way, why, without the information of a biopsy and without other, maybe contextual clues that they might say this is benign. But at the same time, there’s this whole thing of, oh, my God, you said the results had actually been in for a while, and then it just popped up on MyChart. What was hitting you in that moment about your life? What were the thoughts and the emotions?
Emotional Fallout: Processing a Cancer Diagnosis
Taylor Scheib: Yeah. I already have tears in my eyes thinking about this answer. Because when you work for an amazing organization like The Patient Story, you’re hearing these stories every single day. You’re writing scripts and you’re creating this beautiful content. The underlying thing is tragic, and that is a cancer diagnosis. And so I would be lying if I said I never thought I’d get cancer. I’ve thought it. And you become just so much more aware of your body and the feelings that you’re feeling, and going to the doctor and getting your checks, getting your women’s health exams when you’re listening to these incredible people every single day.
And then when your mom goes through it as well. So I was shocked. But when the dust settled, I wasn’t that shocked because cancer can happen to anybody. And so being so young, I had just turned 30. My husband and I just came back from this incredible trip to Puerto Vallarta that he planned for my 30th birthday.
And this year was going to be filled with amazing trips and celebrating friends who are getting married. And you know, we’re doing all of those things still, of course. But in that moment, I just thought, what are the next six months going to look like? I’m such a planner, as Stephanie knows.
And I just kept thinking, what is this going to look like for me? And then the unknowns started. That started the spiral of, How do we know for sure that it’s all gone? But, going back to the emotional part of it, it was devastating for my husband and me. We have heard about cancer a lot in our families, so cancer was not new to us even before starting my job. But it was still just heartbreaking, devastating.
How could cancer be growing in my body for three years and I not know it, because I found the nodule three years ago? And so it was a hard moment. But because of my husband and his personality, and how just fun and outgoing and level-headed he is. It didn’t take me long from the initial spiral to come down and realize, this is not going to be my whole life. This is hopefully going to just be a moment in time. That was sad and devastating, but we’re going to look back at the beauty of it.
Stephanie Chuang: Yeah, that is so beautifully said. Thank you, Taylor. What I’m hearing you say is a few things. And by the way, I think this applies to people outside of cancer diagnoses. It’s like anything, anything in general, but definitely with healthcare, something that is about your body, maybe feeling like I’ve heard people, including myself, you know, talk about betraying us, you know, in a way. And you have the initial shock. There’s a lot of sadness, and there’s a lot of, how did this happen?
And then for you, what I’m hearing is that you went, okay, well, now it’s time to tackle this. This is not going to be my life. This is one thing that I’m just going to look at and get and get through. Right. And one of the things I know you exemplify, and I think you did before you started here, and maybe even more so now. But this idea of self-advocacy, which we hear so much about for you, started really early on because no one was really that concerned about your nodule except for you. And I think there’s a message in there. And what is that message for other people?
… you know your body best, and you know how comfortable you are with something inside your body or making a decision.
Self-Advocacy: Trusting Your Instincts and Pushing for Answers
Taylor Scheib: Yeah, that message would be, you know your body best, and you know how comfortable you are with something inside your body or making a decision. And for me, when I found the nodule. It was after my 27th birthday. We had just karaoke all night. It’s one of my favorite pastimes.
And I immediately went to the doctor, got bloodwork, got an ultrasound of the lump, and from there, it was my choice, what I would do with that information. So I continued getting my yearly exams, getting full blood work done. And last year was when I was like, okay, this is getting bigger. People are starting to notice it.
And I want to say this part as well, because I had a friend who, and this is where advocacy comes in many different ways, not only for yourself, but other people doing it for you. She noticed the lump, and her dad had thyroid cancer. So she asked me, “Have you gotten that checked out?” And I said, “Yes, I have.” But at that point, I realized that it’s been a year since I had done it previously. Why not get it done again? So I started the process all over. Routine blood work, ultrasound, you know, did that. And then I just wanted to get it out at that point because it was really large. It ended up being 5.7cm.
And so after that ultrasound, it was up to me to schedule the ENT appointment. You know, getting into the ENT took months. As we all know, those specialty appointments just take a long time to get into. So I finally got into the appointment in November, and my ENT was very casual about it. Looked at the ultrasound.
At this point, no one ever said, “Let’s do a biopsy,” and we don’t know if the biopsy even would have caught it anyway, so I’m not going to dwell on that. But she went, “Yeah, this is benign. The features are all normal. It’s your choice to get it out. Are you ready to have a scar? And I said, “Yeah, let’s go.” I just couldn’t do abs anymore. Like working out without it choking me. Being in bed, lying on it. I could feel it all the time at that point. So I advocated to get it out because I knew that was the best choice of action for me. It was also something my mom was telling me, “Maybe you should just get it out.”
But at this point, it had compromised that whole side of my thyroid. So I was going to have to get a partial thyroidectomy. So I was a little scared. But coming back to the self-advocacy part of this, you know your body best, and it’s okay to push and not necessarily get it removed. Did I push because they got me on the schedule, but I was non-emergent, so very limited spots to get. Surgery was scheduled for surgery in January. My insurance referral did not go through in time. So the morning of that original surgery in January, I’m on the phone with my ENT, and they’re like, well, you could just chance it. And I’m like, facing a large medical bill without the correct referral.
Stephanie Chuang: Right.
Taylor Scheib: And my husband’s in the military, so I knew there were a little bit more hoops to jump through with that type of insurance. And so I was on the books for April. It just automatically got pushed back three months.
Barriers and Delays: Navigating the Healthcare System
Stephanie Chuang: Yeah. So I just have to interject there because I feel like that part of the patient advocate story, right, is like it’s one of the parts of the experiences that we all experience to some degree, but isn’t talked about a lot, which is when you’re dealing with cancer. I remember, you know, getting told that this might be cancer and then being like, but it’s probably mono. And I was like, mono? And then it was like, but you need an ultrasound to one here, one here.
I got on the call to get it scheduled. And they said, “We don’t have an appointment for weeks.” And I’m thinking, you can’t tell me that there’s this thing and that I have to wait. So my point is that there’s the system, there’s like our situations, and this message of self-advocacy is, it truly is the squeaky wheel gets the grease or whatever, because you know, you know your body best what you just said and also you I mean, there’s some things that are out of our control. But you see, the system we’re working with and the unexpectedness of being like, how come I’m the only one who’s concerned about this? Did you feel that?
Taylor Scheib: Yes, I felt that. And it was. That’s been the whole thing over the last six months of seeing the NT. Getting the surgery scheduled is why there is no sense of urgency behind this. Every time I’ve seen my ENT. She’s so busy. When I had my follow-up for my surgery, it was not her. It was her [physician’s assistant] PA.
And it continued past my diagnosis. First of all, I found out through MyChart, which is a story I’ve heard, unfortunately. And every time someone I’m talking to tells me that story, instant goosebumps. Instant. Just feeling what they’re feeling through the screen. Then it was okay. Your case is going to be presented to the tumor board, and I want to make sure that I’m explaining what a tumor board is correctly.
So Stephanie, please help me with this color. But basically, when you have a unique case like mine, where we thought it was benign for three years, the mass was 5.7cm. And then on top of that, it is a less common subtype of thyroid cancer. It’s being presented to the tumor board. Well, they only meet once a month. So and it was at the end of the month when this happened in April, so it wasn’t going to be until a month for the tumor board.
Stephanie Chuang: You talked about self-advocacy, which we’ll talk about throughout the entire conversation. But this idea of waiting, waiting for your appointment, waiting for insurance to approve or not approve, waiting for a tumor board. For me, it was like getting a diagnosis on the phone and then being told by a family friend. You know, oncology is going to take forever at your large academic institution, so just go to the emergency department.
So that’s another tip for people, by the way: just get into the system. So you get seen, and then they put you somewhere that you’re supposed to be. But I was waiting to understand. I remember they did so many procedures, I had biopsies and bone marrow biopsies and lymph node extractions and blood tests upon blood tests. And then it was the whole week in the hospital. What is it like? We know it’s lymphoma. Is it Hodgkin or non-Hodgkin? Are we talking about, you know, aggressive or indolent? Are we talking… So? Not this period, and you’re still in it. That’s what I want to acknowledge, is you’re still in it, is it feels like there’s still no plan of action.
And I think for different people who are dealing with a diagnosis that it varies. Like sometimes it’s very short and, you know, right away for other people like you, you’re waiting weeks to understand, well, what are we going to do about this? So how have you been able to manage the mental part of that, the waiting part of it?
I have my good days. I have my bad days, more good than bad days, which is good. But it’s just about occupying your mind.
The Waiting Game: Coping with Uncertainty and Lack of a Plan
Taylor Scheib: It’s so hard, honestly, and I have my good days. I have my bad days, more good than bad days, which is good. But it’s just about occupying your mind. And when I was diagnosed and I started telling my close friends and family, I think, like trauma bonding, it’s very powerful. I have some friends that I don’t talk to every day, of course, but they’re your best friends no matter what. You pick up right where you left off.
So, as crappy as this was to get this diagnosis, it gave me a chance to actually kind of get closer with some of my friends. That has been such an amazing distraction since my diagnosis, catching up with old friends, catching up with your family again. My dad is calling me so much more, he calls all the time in general, but even more so now, my grandparents are reaching out like every so often. So I would say that’s been one solid thing.
Then the other part has been my husband. He has been my rock, of course, through this. Then we’re super active people. So we went and bought really expensive bikes to get on the trails. Stay active. And we’re just trying to find ways to continue living our lives. And for us, that is planning a trip. So, sorry, Stephanie, in the next year or so, I’m going to be going on some trips.
Stephanie Chuang: Oh, 100%. And you should go out and live your life 100%. No apologies. That’s 100% what you should be doing. And it makes me so happy to hear that. Those are the steps that you guys are taking. So many things came up when you were talking about that. You know, when you talk about trauma bonding, I’ll talk about the flip side of some of the experiences I’ve had, too. But this is the question of why we need a reason? But we do. I love that it just automatically gave this a thumbs up.
Community and Connection: Reaching Out and Trauma Bonding
Stephanie Chuang: People come from different places, whether you’re close. My friends started a campaign called #SpicyStrong. And I think it’s because when I was in my delirium, when they put me under for the lymph node biopsy, I had to go under full anesthesia, and I don’t know if I was going in or coming out, but I was super loopy. And so I was talking to the nurse. And I went, “I’m so spicy and strong,” or something, I mean, ridiculous. And then that just became the hashtag.
They printed shirts, and it got to people, and they were posting on social media. This is making me remember a lot of things I forgot. But people who are super close to me, people who I hadn’t seen in years. And that is such a beautiful part of this, right? One of the silver linings. I’d rather not have this, but the fact that I do and people like me are showing how much they think about me. I mean, what was the most powerful? I mean, I know you had lots of people reach out, but is there one situation where it took you by surprise, or a message that came from someone you hadn’t talked to in a while?
Taylor Scheib: Yeah, there’s one example where, and I’m sure you can relate to this, being formally in the news. You bounce around all these towns and cities, and you have friends everywhere, like I mentioned. And even when I just had the partial thyroidectomy, a group of friends in Denver sent me a care package, and that was before I even got my diagnosis. And so I was just so taken aback and just so thankful for them sending that. And so that was one thing. And then the other has been again, when I was in sports broadcasting, and I’ve heard from so many people from the little towns that I was covering, you know, seven, eight, nine years ago. And they’re commenting on my post, just saying, you know, we’re supporting you. This community is supporting you.
That’s just meant the world to me. And so those have been instances where it kind of stops you in your tracks. I don’t know if you’ve felt that way, but you just think, humanity is good. Yeah, yeah. Decency still. And there is a way to break through the screen. There’s a way to break through the phone call, the FaceTime, the message. And so I’m not sure if you felt that same way in those instances, but it stops you in your tracks, and you just realize, I have so many amazing people in my life.
Stephanie Chuang: Yes, 100%. It does resonate. Taylor. It’s 100% humanity is amazing. These are the beautiful moments of humanity when people come out. And, you know, I think a lot of the social stuff might be we are scared to, you know, reach out to someone from before because we think, well, what if they think I’m weird or they don’t even remember me or whatever? And these situations just take us completely out of that. Right. It’s like, no, I care about this person, or I just want them to know that I’m thinking about them, and it’s okay if they don’t reply or all those things. I think that is beautiful, and I wish more of us could get to that.
Yes, 100%. It does resonate. Taylor. It’s 100% humanity is amazing. These are the beautiful moments of humanity when people come out. And, you know, I think a lot of the social stuff might be that we are scared to reach out to someone from before because we’re like, well, what if they think I’m weird or they don’t even remember me or whatever? And these situations just take us completely out of that. Right. No, I care about this person, or I just want them to know that I’m thinking about them, and it’s okay if they don’t reply or all those things. I think that is beautiful, and I wish more of us could get to that.
… whatever other people’s reaction is, it is not about you. It is, of course, about concern for you and what you’re going through for the people who love you.
Telling Others: Navigating Reactions and Support Systems
Stephanie Chuang: I do want to touch on just because, for anyone who’s tuning in who is dealing with something again, it could be a diagnosis, cancer, or otherwise. It could be something else. When you have something to tell other people that they’re not familiar with. So I don’t know, sometimes I’ve found that military people find that with civilians. It’s like a walking-around language with sickness. Or maybe if someone’s announcing, say, a divorce and other people aren’t familiar with it, it could be any of those things.
I think the way other people react is very – it can be very jarring. And so I’d like to spend some time here, which is that, you know, people have different kinds of people in their lives. Some people have tons of friends, some people have a tighter circle and and all these things. I’ll start with an example, which is a newer friend, but I’d known her for a few years at least. More of a social friend, maybe.
But when I was diagnosed, she kind of disappeared, and she was one of the people I saw more often in that time frame. You know, a lot of my friends, to your point, are scattered around the country. And so it was very disappointing, and it was hurtful because here I am thinking about my mortality, not sure about what I’m going to do, worried about my hair loss, and all these things. I’m 31, and she just dropped off.
I just want to say this, not to harp on her as a person, but really to say, I think what I learned in that is whatever other people’s reaction is, it is not about you. It is, of course, about concern for you and what you’re going through for the people who love you. But for any of the weird stuff or the things that might be surprising, I would just say, broad strokes, the reaction is about their discomfort. They don’t know how to show up. They do care about you, but they’re worried about how they’re going to come across.
Maybe they think other people are talking a bunch to you, and so they’re trying to be respectful of you. Not right or wrong. But I do feel like that’s something I’d want to share with other people who are going through something, because it can be very tough when it’s unexpected. I don’t know if there’s something that resonated for you there a lot.
Taylor Scheib: It is. When I first started telling people, I realized very quickly, the way you present it will help determine how they react. So in the first couple of conversations I had, it was kind of very emotional. A lot of information, whoa, what is going on? But then the more I told people, the more I started setting the precedent of, right at the beginning, I’m going to be fine. I’m going to be okay. And then that’s when I think people went, okay, she’s she’s she’s going to be okay. And I have been very positive throughout this whole situation. And I think that has helped the way people are reacting.
Now, I will say on the positive side, kind of the opposite of what you experienced was I’ve gotten a lot closer to one of my high school best friends, like my childhood best friends. We have been friends literally since kindergarten. Wow. And we talk every once in a while. And when we see each other, we pick up right where we left off, like I’ve said. But we’ve talked more since this happened to me. And even when I just did the partial thyroidectomy, she called me that weekend, and I sounded like crap. Did not have a voice.
Taylor Scheib: She was crying on the phone. And it makes me emotional because that’s an experience where she’s showing up for me. And that, and her mom, and her. They are like my OGs, but I don’t see them very often. And so it’s kind of the flip side of what you experienced. But what you experienced with someone dropping off like that is likely going to happen for me in the next six months or however long this process ends up being.
But my mom experienced that. She was shocked by the people who she didn’t hear from again, or they didn’t show up for, you know, she had a benefit. They didn’t show up for that, or just a text message or a phone call. She was shocked by the couple of people. And you don’t forget those things, but I think it makes you become a better human in a way, and it makes you check up on your people a little bit more. That’s how I’m trying to spin it, at least.
Stephanie Chuang: And knowing you from what I know of you, Taylor, I don’t even think it’s a spin. I think you have that. That’s just the way you approach life. And I appreciate that. Yeah. No, 100%. I would say that was the only example of that. And everything was largely positive. I think I do want to call out that it may not happen to you, by the way. Right. I think it’s good to understand that if it does, though, that it’s normal and it’s not about you. It’s about them. And the other drop off, someone had warned me when I was just going through it, and she had gone through the same cancer just six months before I did. And she said, “Look, I’m struggling now that I’m done with treatment. People are like, you’re fine now.”
And then, the medical help drops off, and then the support also, because, well, you’re all good. And so that’s another conversation for another day. But I think my point is that at different parts of this, you know, it doesn’t mean, oh, I’m past this now. It’s that there’s different versions depending on where we are as patients, as people supporting other people, that these same emotions can come up or these same situations can come up. I also want the chance to drop in this video of my best friend in New York, she flew out with her husband, and at the time, I had to give myself blood thinner injections every day.
And those are freaking large. You know, I did IVF shots to freeze embryos at the same time. So I had to do the little needles and then the spring needles for the blood thinners. And, oh my God, it was terrible. And there’s a video of the way they supported me, trying to make fun sometimes. So, you know, the song that goes, shots, shots, shots, shots, shots, shots, shots. Yeah. So I was about to give one, and they go, “Oh, we’re just gonna sing the song for you.” And those are moments for sure where this is me getting loved on by people who are trying to lighten the situation for me in the way that they think might be helpful. So anyway, I think that’s awesome.
Stephanie Chuang: I want to ask about your mom. I know other people may not have this specific example where it’s like their parent also went through a similar diagnosis, but in terms of other people’s reaction to when you’re telling people what that was like, what’s your guidance to other people who feel like there’s an extra layer there? Whatever the reason is for you, it was that your mom had gone through her cancer recently, even. But for anyone who feels like there’s an added pressure in making sure the other person’s okay, what is your guidance there?
Taylor Scheib: Yeah, I would just say the biggest thing is give yourself grace, but also do it on your own time. That is so important. Yes, there’s pressure to tell people and update people and do all the things. I totally get that. But do it on your own time. You and I also think that what helped as well is I just I’m a very factual person. I’m blunt. I’m not going to sugarcoat things. So I think it was my messaging to them. These are the facts, I know. I don’t know anything else. And then I think that helps with them asking a bunch of questions.
You know, like deep dive spiraling. I think it’s just about giving yourself grace and giving the situation grace and not feeling like you have to always be giving updates to your friends and family or talking to them. Or it can take about a day to respond to someone. And my friends and family know that. They know that I’m very busy. My husband and I, Justin. We live a very active life. We are always doing something. And so yeah, I think it’s also if you get a text message, don’t feel like you have to respond right away or call them back or anything, right? This is on your own time, and that goes beyond just your friends and family. I’ve heard this so many times from people that I interview. You are the CEO of your life, of your body, of what you do. You are the leader of your own life. And I think that’s just so important.
Stephanie Chuang: Yeah. I mean, in the future conversations, I’m going to be pulling up from our patient advocate interviews because they have so much wisdom in what they’re saying. I mean, there are so many things that I want to talk to you about. Let’s talk for three hours. No, that’s fine with the audience. No. But I think, you know, whatever way you want to look at it. In terms of tips. There are some tips for the person who’s dealing with the diagnosis. Diagnosis? I agree with you, Taylor. 100% of the give yourself grace. I think in life in general, we could stand to hear that more often anyway, right? We give other people the compassion we don’t give ourselves. But on that note, give yourself grace and do not worry as much as you can about the other person’s reaction. You don’t have that space to carry that burden. So don’t tip on the other side.
Supporting a Loved One: Tips for Friends and Family from a Patient Advocate
Stephanie Chuang: I would give to people who are looking to support patients, because I’ve heard that a lot. Right? They might go, “Oh my gosh, my friend, my family member was just diagnosed. How can I support them?” I think in terms of messaging, I would always lead with whatever. If it’s an email or a text or whatever, or a voicemail.
No pressure to respond. I just wanted to, and that just takes off the pressure. So you get to send the message, and you’re letting them know. I get that you’re super busy and you’re occupied, and I’m not trying to take away your bandwidth. Another tip would be people ask about, “What can I send someone who’s just been diagnosed with cancer?” I’m going to ask you about this, too, so you can brainstorm. But I’ve often thought, if you can figure out if they know their treatment, I would base the care package on that. So if you know that they’re going through radiation, you can look, and we’re going to create this online to have some guides at The Patient Story, but it is to really look at what that modality of treatment is, and then try to send stuff. So, you know, I’ve sent organic lotions to people because they were going to get dry skin, blankets because one of the side effects was going to be feeling cold, things like that. I don’t know if there are things that you feel would be great advice for people trying to help people dealing with the new diagnosis.
Taylor Scheib: Yeah. You made such a great point. Blankets, things like that. But then I also think, like anything, that the person who’s going through the treatment or diagnosis, self-care, they should just put self-care out there.
So yeah, if it’s maybe organic products or maybe it’s a bath bomb, or of course, depending on their treatment, like we said. But for me, everyone knows I’m going through the waiting period. So I think a lot of people went, “How does she want to relax and sew face masks and bath bombs and electrolytes and different things like that?” So I would say anything that you can think of that person likes, that is self-care.
Books, a journal. You can never have enough journals. Something to preoccupy them, too, whether that’s like a coloring book or, you know, crossword puzzles. Not that I do any of that, I’m not going to lie. But if you know that person enjoys that kind of pastime. Right. Or maybe something like, this is old school, but a CD with their favorite songs on it.
Stephanie Chuang: Right, right.
Taylor Scheib: And I also think, too, when it comes to what you could give that person or send them in these moments, it does not have to be elaborate. The small stuff means more. And so maybe it’s a Spotify playlist, maybe it’s a $15 Amazon gift card, maybe it’s a gift card to their favorite restaurant. The self-care food.
Don’t overthink it. When you want to give something to that person. It can be something very small, even just a Venmo. I had a good friend, one of my best friends from home, send me a Venmo the day of my follow-up ENT appointment, and the caption was, Go get a cheeseburger after this.
Stephanie Chuang: Oh no, I love that it is. It’s the small things. It is that thought that counts. It is true. I think there are a couple of things that came to mind, too. And then we’ll and then we’ll wrap this conversation, which, by the way, I’ve enjoyed having with you. I think one quick note is if people are waiting. You’re not in the hospital. I know when I was waiting, and I was in the hospital for a shorter period of time, the nurses at one point said, “Don’t send flowers, or we’re telling people, don’t send flowers.” And that’s for when people are immunocompromised.
The knee-jerk sometimes is like beautiful flowers, but just to make sure.
… why I decided to share my story so openly was because at the core of who I am, I’ve always been very transparent, very honest, and I am an empath. I need empathy at the core of who I am, and that’s where the storytelling part of my life, like my whole life, has been storytelling at the core.
Sharing the Journey Publicly: The Power and Healing of Storytelling
Stephanie Chuang: The other point that happens to matter both in terms of support, but also in terms of talking about messaging and not having to respond to text messages right away. What was helpful for me was to designate people who knew the information, and if other people needed to know or wanted to know about the diagnosis or where I was in that, specifically, they would go through those people. You know, it’s funny, we both were on TV before, but we were also very private people, actually, and I never imagined that I would bare my soul online or continue to have a presence after my news career.
But I had a blog, and the initial point of the blog was a it just helped. It was cathartic to get stuff out on, like just journaling, essentially. But then it was like, well, two things: if I can help other people not feel alone. And also then it helped in terms of people getting updates without me having to like constantly. But then that slowly became cathartic as a storytelling mechanism.
And by the way, you know, we’ll have like the storytelling, you could share yours. There are the prompts below in the description. But for you, Taylor, what has it been? This is my last question to you. What has it been like? I guess, how did you decide to want to share? I didn’t even realize you were going to share your story on social media. And it happened. But like what? What drove you to want to do that? And what has been maybe the most cathartic part of the process, especially a message for people who do feel like I’m private. I don’t think this is for me. Right?
Taylor Scheib: Yeah. I resonate so much with when you get out of a job that is so public, like we were in in TV, I don’t find myself posting at all anymore, but why I decided to share my story so openly was because at the core of who I am, I’ve always been very transparent, very honest, and I am an empath. I need empathy at the core of who I am, and that’s where the storytelling part of my life, like my whole life, has been storytelling at the core. I’ve always been a storyteller. You know, I can get along with anyone, and I just am amazed and mesmerized by other people.
I just love people so much, and they teach me so much about life and about the way you should live life. You know, there’s no guidebook to that, of course, but when I decided to share it publicly, I just wanted people to know that we say it all the time, that they’re not alone. They might be going through anything, and they’re like, “Wow, this person feels just a little bit like I do.” And that’s what keeps people going. And so behind sharing my story and trying to keep people up to date, I just. It’s kind of. It’s hard to explain. I just wanted people to know that everyone is going through something that is a big part of it, and to social media.
If you look at my Instagram, you will see my husband, my friends and family, my dog, and you go, wow, that girl has a really good life, and I do. We live an amazing life. But behind the curtain, behind social media. I’m going through something that really sucks, and I’m still finding ways to navigate that. So why not be open about that conversation? Let people in. I have a big tribe. I have a lot of people in my corner. I’m so thankful for that. But. Those strangers. Those are the strangers who come to you. Those are so impactful. Just the little comments of, “Wow, I thank you so much for sharing your story.” I’ve had so many people say, “Thank you so much for sharing your story.”
Taylor Scheib: And it’s not even about the cancer. It is about making sure you are getting your physical exams, that you are getting your women, your women, health, health exams, your PAP smears, your full blood work, whatever it may be.
I’m getting emotional about it because I feel like people get so lost in how they’re feeling, and they don’t know if it’s something, if it’s their life, because they’re really busy, or if it’s something underlying. And so I just want people to know that it’s okay to go to the doctor. It’s really scary. I totally get it. I was so scared to get this surgery, and now I’m dealing with voice loss, and I can’t get my voice back. So trust me.
Oh my gosh, it’s so, so scary. But it doesn’t have to be. And find your partner, find your friend. Find your family. Find someone like The Patient Story who can hold your hand through that. So that was really the ‘why’ behind sharing the story publicly. The most therapeutic thing for me in this process, honestly, has been talking freely like this. When I posted those videos, they were maybe 15 minutes long, and I had to cut them down.
But talking so freely about it has been so cathartic and so therapeutic for me. Those are like my blogs, like you did. I’m just doing it as a vlog. And after I get done, I go, “Wow, I kind of look cute.” I’m going to take a couple of selfies, you know? Yeah, go do things anymore.
You know, like those moments. You go, “Wow, I just feel so stinking good.” Yeah. And so that’s been super helpful. And then just keeping the lines of communication open with me, with my partner, with my husband, with my friends and family. You know, I just want to say this one part fast. My mom and I are best friends. We talk all the time, but recently we haven’t been able to talk a whole lot because she’s two hours ahead of me. We don’t work the same hours, or we do work the same hours. So, we’re constantly working. We’re not finding time to talk.
And last night, I told her, I said, “I’m sorry. I have not been able to call you. I have just been so busy. There’s been so much going on.” And she goes, “It’s okay.” And I go, “But it’s not okay.” She goes, “I know, but I don’t know what to say.” And so it’s there, that balance of course, she knows I’m busy. She’s not pressuring me, but she just wants to have a conversation like this. She wants to just openly have the conversation. And we did talk today, and it was very therapeutic for me. So open communication and just kind of setting up my phone and talking. But that’s also because I’ve been doing that for so long, and I’m a storyteller by nature.
Stephanie Chuang: So you are. You really are.
Give Yourself Grace: Final Reflections and Words of Wisdom
Stephanie Chuang: Taylor, I thank you so much for opening up, being vulnerable. You are such an empath. I know you bring it to your life and also to work every day, and I’m so grateful that you’re part of The Patient Story team doing that. Yeah. For anyone who’s you know, wants to hear the tips that were part of this conversation, I think we can come up with something that you can download. We’ll put it into a link somewhere on the description, not at the time of this discussion. Thank you for being such an open book. And looking forward to being able to share more of your incredible voice throughout all of this. So thank you.
Taylor Scheib: Yes. Thank you. And I’ll just leave this here. We’ll talk about it more, of course. But when I got my diagnosis, I didn’t feel overwhelmed. And that’s because, of course, in moments I did, but I didn’t overall because of The Patient Story. And I’ve said this so many times to my friends and family and to people who I’ve told my story to when I’m interviewing them, because now I’m openly sharing my story, is that when someone gets a diagnosis, I never want them to feel overwhelmed, and I want them to have a place like The Patient Story where they can go and think, wow, okay, I have someone, I have an organization that can support me. So when I got that diagnosis, I didn’t feel overwhelmed. And I want other people to feel that way. And that’s why I’m so passionate about our work at The Patient Story.
Stephanie Chuang: Yay! I couldn’t say that better. That was amazing. Thank you. Taylor. All right. And this was like the first of many conversations that will happen with Taylor with different folks. Really looking forward to this. All right. Great. So for The Patient Story, that’s Taylor. I’m Stephanie. Gift yourself grace. Take care. And we hope to see you next time.
This interview has been edited for clarity and length. This is not medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider to make informed treatment decisions.
The views and opinions expressed in this interview do not necessarily reflect those of The Patient Story.
Will’s Experience with Stage 4 Liver Cancer is Marked by Moments of Joy
Will found out that he had stage 4 liver cancer in December 2022. Before that, his life felt like a blur. He struggled with unexplained exhaustion, frequent diarrhea, sporadic vomiting (especially after eating pork or rich food), and a sense of discomfort he couldn’t put his finger on.
Interviewed by: Taylor Scheib Edited by: Chris Sanchez
One day, in the middle of a badminton game, Will felt an unusual hardness in his abdomen. This led him to seek medical advice. He ended up going to a hospital, where doctors ran tests and procedures and eventually uncovered a massive tumor that took up nearly 70% of his liver.
The ER doctor compassionately delivered the grim news that Will had liver cancer, and this thoughtfulness and consideration helped him find his footing despite the overwhelming odds. He also found solace in actionable steps. He initially underwent immunotherapy and targeted therapy. These treatments weren’t successful, but he and his medical team didn’t stop there. Clinical trials offered Will hope and insight into medical advancements. These trials were grueling, but they supported his resilience and determination to get better.
Stage 4 liver cancer introduced a new rhythm to Will’s life. He learned to accept his situation, which became his basis for adaptation and also formed a surprising foundation for moments of joy. He found that physical activity helped him feel free and helped him reclaim his autonomy. Despite Will’s physical limitations, sports, including swimming and cycling, became a refuge and source of comfort. His ambitions grew bolder: he aimed to complete a triathlon. Every move he made, further emboldened his defiance against any thoughts of despair and helped him enjoy life’s simple freedoms.
Will’s tumor shrank significantly, and his health stabilized remarkably, thanks to treatment, which was made available through applying for compassionate-use medication or using a new treatment not yet approved even if you are not taking part in the clinical trial. Uncertainties linger regarding his stage 4 liver cancer, but he remains laser-focused on living fully. He urges fellow patients to be proactive regarding their health management and to ask questions, prepare for medical appointments, and embrace discomfort as part of the process. He’s found that happiness isn’t dependent upon one’s health status; one can enjoy meaningful moments even during times of adversity.
Watch Will’s video to find out more about:
How badminton led him to uncover a stage 4 liver cancer growing right under the surface of his abdomen
The unexpected role that swimming and cycling played in his health transformation
Why a dead phone during Will’s diagnosis became an oddly pivotal moment
How he found happiness amid treatment for advanced cancer
The power of asking the right questions during medical appointments and pushing for compassionate use medication
Name:
Will M.
Age at Diagnosis:
29
Diagnosis:
Liver Cancer
Staging:
Stage 4
Symptoms:
General uneasiness
Exhaustion
Diarrhea
Hard mass in the abdomen
Worsening abdominal pain in the upper right quadrant
Treatments:
Surgery: kyphoplasty
Chemotherapy
Targeted therapy
Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE)
Radiation therapy
Clinical trial
This interview has been edited for clarity and length. This is not medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider to make informed treatment decisions.
The views and opinions expressed in this interview do not necessarily reflect those of The Patient Story.
Maria’s Self-Advocacy and a 2nd Opinion Found Her Stage 4 Breast Cancer
Maria’s experience being diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer began when her young nephew accidentally kicked her breast while they were playing. She checked her breast afterwards and found a marble-sized lump. She first dismissed it as a cyst, partly because she has a history of ovarian cyst issues, and the doctors she’d seen before had told her that hormone fluctuations could cause benign growths.
Part 1: Diagnosis
Interviewed by: Nikki Murphy Edited by: Chris Sanchez
Over the next few months, Maria started to experience more serious symptoms, including burning sensations, skin changes, the inversion of her nipple, and night sweats. After several ER visits and numerous tests, including ultrasounds, she was given a diagnosis of granulomatous mastitis, which was later found to be inaccurate. (Editor’s Note: Granulomatous mastitis is a rare, benign breast cancer condition that can cause symptoms like pain, tender lumps, and nipple inversion.)
Finally, Maria had an accidental encounter with a breast cancer survivor, who suggested the Every Woman Counts program, which offers free breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnostic services in California. Maria’s persistent self-advocacy paid off when she was correctly diagnosed with stage 3 ductal carcinoma, which later progressed to stage 4 breast cancer when it metastasized to her bones and lungs.
While Maria found her first chemotherapy sessions manageable, she experienced intense side effects during the next sessions: hair loss, severe nausea, neuropathy, skin changes, and emotional distress. Maria faced these challenges head-on, focusing on practices like meditation to help promote positivity and mindfulness.
Although Maria’s family has been there to support her, she has still felt lonely facing breast cancer without a partner or children of her own. A part of that is struggling with the harsh realities of the effect of illness on daily life and finances — dealing with evictions, having to live with family members, and missing her sense of self. She was also affected by the physical changes she experienced, including those due to surgical scars.
Maria wants to emphasize that stage 4 breast cancer patients and others in situations like hers should never lose hope. There are many helpful things that they can do for themselves, like self-advocating fiercely, trusting their instincts, and surrounding themselves with supportive people. She adds that cancer doesn’t determine whether one deserves love, rest, or joy.
Have a look at part 1 of Maria’s video and:
Discover how a playful moment led to her life-changing stage 4 breast cancer diagnosis
Learn why Maria’s persistence saved her life
Feel the emotional impact of metastatic cancer
Explore the struggles of living with stage 4 breast cancer and its treatments
See how Maria’s strength and positivity shine, even in her most painful moments
Stay tuned for Part 2 where Maria tells her treatment story including chemo, radiation, surgery, and targeted therapy.
Name:
Maria S.
Age at Diagnosis:
30
Diagnosis:
Breast Cancer
Staging:
Stage 4
Symptoms:
Intermittent but severe pain, including a burning sensation on the side of the breast
Appearance of a cyst and a lump
Abnormally warm and pink-colored breast
Nipple inversion
Strangely liquid menstrual periods
Unusual underarm odor
Darkening and dimpling of the nipple
Severe fatigue
Night sweats
Treatments:
Chemotherapy
Surgeries: mastectomy, lymphadenectomy
Radiation therapy
Targeted therapy
This interview has been edited for clarity and length. This is not medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider to make informed treatment decisions.
The views and opinions expressed in this interview do not necessarily reflect those of The Patient Story.
Life Without a Stomach? Graham’s Stomach Cancer Surgery Story
At 61, Graham found out that he had stomach cancer. He’d been vigilant for years due to his family’s history with Lynch syndrome, and so he started having annual screenings. These reassured him, but eventually also brought him the life-altering news about his health.
Interviewed by: Taylor Scheib Edited by: Chris Sanchez
Graham discovered he was positive for Lynch syndrome, a commonly inherited cancer syndrome that increases cancer risk, after his cousin was diagnosed with colon cancer and his family underwent genetic testing. Two decades followed, during which he had regular screenings. Nothing turned up suspicious, but everything changed in 2023. A routine endoscopy revealed something worrisome and, soon after, Graham was told he had stomach cancer, specifically early-stage diffuse gastric adenocarcinoma with signet ring cell features, poorly differentiated. (Editor’s Note: Signet ring adenocarcinoma is a rare and aggressive subtype of adenocarcinoma. Diffuse stomach cancer is a rare form of stomach cancer. Poorly differentiated adenocarcinomas spread faster than other carcinomas whose cells are better differentiated.)
Graham was devastated by his stomach cancer diagnosis. Thankfully, his wife, Christina, was with him when he had that fateful conversation with his doctor. She absorbed all the crucial information and helped him stay calm when his mind drifted due to shock, fear, and uncertainty.
Dealing with everything after diagnosis involved coming to grips with stomach cancer and his treatment, which included adjusting both emotionally and physically. Graham underwent a total gastrectomy, which meant that he needed to learn to live without a stomach. Recovering from surgery wasn’t just about physical healing; it also involved redefining what was normal for him. Graham’s weight plummeted while he struggled to deal with the loss of his stomach. He also worked to find foods that his digestive system could manage, and he had to make do without the usual hunger cues.
Graham’s consultations with dietitians were crucial. Their guidance helped him learn to focus on nutrient-dense foods and supplements that could counter dietary deficiencies. He found that emotional support was also important. Graham found solace in counseling and an online support group where he connected with others, exchanged practical tips, and found mutual encouragement.
When Graham attempted to re-enter his social environment, he found new challenges. Because food is part and parcel of social gatherings, he faced “food anxiety” and thought twice about joining even friendly gatherings. Over time, though, he gradually became more confident as he found new ways to engage with his friends and family and became less pressured by eating norms.
Graham’s advice regarding stomach cancer is clear: talk to your doctor about screenings, regardless of your age. Early detection saved his life, and it may well save others’ lives, too.
Watch Graham’s video to learn more about:
How does one live without a stomach? Graham’s story reveals the answer
Graham’s candid reflections on life after stomach cancer
The unexpected challenges of social life after a total gastrectomy
The vital role of emotional support in Graham’s recovery from stomach cancer
Why talking to your doctor about screenings could save your life: Graham’s heartfelt plea
Name:
Graham L.
Age at Diagnosis:
59
Diagnosis:
Stomach Cancer (Diffuse Gastric Adenocarcinoma with Signet Ring Cell Features, Poorly Differentiated)
Staging:
Stage T1bN0
Symptoms:
None; a stomach polyp discovered during his annual screening tested positive for cancer
Treatments:
Surgeries: total gastrectomy, lymphadenectomy
This interview has been edited for clarity and length. This is not medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider to make informed treatment decisions.
The views and opinions expressed in this interview do not necessarily reflect those of The Patient Story.
Devon found out she had stage 4 rectal cancer in March 2023, when she was only 30 years old. She started to experience her first symptoms a month before that: frequent bathroom visits (up to 20 times a day), discomfort that became pain, and, in some instances, passing mucus instead of stool. She initially thought she had irritable bowel syndrome, but her gut feeling (literally and figuratively) convinced her to look for medical advice.
Interviewed by: Taylor Scheib Edited by: Chris Sanchez
Devon took a proactive approach to her diagnosis. This included closely tracking her symptoms and how they progressed, as well as persistently communicating with doctors. Thanks to her approach, she was able to land a quick appointment with a gastroenterologist. Within just 20 minutes of meeting her and conducting an exam, the doctor detected something amiss and recommended that she undergo a colonoscopy immediately. The diagnosis? Stage 4 rectal cancer.
Devon was shaken by her diagnosis. Because she had neither a family history of rectal cancer nor any of the typical risk factors, it felt surreal. However, she didn’t fixate on asking, “Why me?” Instead, she asked, “What’s next?”
Devon’s doctors conducted a flurry of tests and scans and referred her to other doctors, but she ended up returning to Seattle for comprehensive care. However, her symptoms worsened while she was making her way back, resulting in an emergency ostomy surgery in San Francisco. It was a painful procedure, but she felt better afterwards.
After surgery, Devon’s stage 4 rectal cancer treatment plan included six weeks of daily pelvic radiation, low-dose chemo pills, and four months of traditional chemotherapy. Although she initially responded well to these treatments to the point of being declared no evidence of disease, the cancer returned. She then started a more intense second round of chemotherapy. But Devon has refused to buckle despite this setback and has managed this new phase of her treatment with courage and support from her loved ones.
Devon and her doctors now rigorously and closely monitor her health. She offers simple but powerful pieces of advice to others: listen to your body and find your community. Because the adolescent and young adult cancer community played such a crucial role in her emotional recovery as a young adult who faced cancer, thanks to offering understanding and solidarity that’s hard to find elsewhere, she recommends that other patients find their people, too.
Watch Devon’s video and:
Learn how the “small” but ominous symptoms she struggled with led to a big discovery
See what it’s like to face stage 4 rectal cancer, which is usually associated with older people, at just 30
Rethink what you think you know about rectal cancer — Devon has neither family history nor risk factors for it
Find out how she navigates life with rectal cancer: from symptoms to survival
Name:
Devon B.
Age at Diagnosis:
30
Diagnosis:
Rectal Cancer
Staging:
Stage 4
Symptoms:
Pain when trying to move bowels
Increased frequency of bowel movements, alternating with periods of constipation
Passing mucus instead of feces
Narrow stools
Treatments:
Surgery: ostomy surgery
Radiation therapy
Chemotherapy
This interview has been edited for clarity and length. This is not medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider to make informed treatment decisions.
The views and opinions expressed in this interview do not necessarily reflect those of The Patient Story.
