Author: Chris Sanchez

Jessenia’s Stage 3 Rectal Cancer Story

Post author By Chris Sanchez
Post date September 27, 2024
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September 27, 2024

Jessenia’s Stage 3 Rectal Cancer Story

Interviewed by: Taylor Scheib
Edited by: Chris Sanchez

Jessenia, a 35-year-old mother from New Jersey, shares her emotional journey of being diagnosed with and treated for stage 3 rectal cancer, a type of colorectal cancer.

Jessenia’s story begins when she was pregnant with her son. One day, after noticing blood after using the toilet, she went for a checkup and the doctor initially diagnosed her with hemorrhoids. However, persistent pain and symptoms led her to seek further medical help, culminating in a visit to the ER. Although an unempathetic doctor brushed her off, she was eventually diagnosed with rectal cancer.

Jessenia describes her shock at the diagnosis and the fear that followed, especially as she had recently lost a loved one to cancer. Despite these fears, she leaned on the support of her husband, who never left her side through the grueling treatment process, which included 6 weeks of radiation and oral chemotherapy. The treatment left her physically weakened, causing her to drop a considerable amount of weight and experience severe side effects like nausea.

Faced with the possibility of living with a colostomy bag for life, Jessenia initially resisted surgery, opting instead for aggressive chemotherapy and radiation. Unfortunately, the tumor only shrank slightly, and surgery became necessary. She ultimately had a temporary colostomy bag and struggled emotionally with this new reality. Despite her discomfort and initial reluctance to manage the bag, her husband stepped up, learning how to care for it and providing her with unwavering support.

Throughout her journey, Jessenia dealt with physical and emotional pain, from dealing with the side effects of her treatments to undergoing a full hysterectomy to reduce the risk of the cancer spreading. The loss of her reproductive organs was difficult to accept, especially as she only had one child. However, she and her husband made peace with the situation, focusing on their love for their son.

Jessenia learned to adapt, even eventually embrace life with her temporary colostomy bag, and resumed her daily activities. She reflects on her experience, offering advice to others facing health challenges: accept your situation, stay positive, and avoid stress. Her strength and determination helped her through the darkest times, and she emphasizes the importance of advocating for oneself in the healthcare system.

In the end, Jessenia shares her realization that one should live one’s life fully, regardless of one’s circumstances. She traveled and made memories throughout her cancer journey, determined to spread awareness and inspire others to get checked for symptoms. Her message is clear: don’t let fear stop you from living, and always seek help when something feels wrong.

Name:
- Jessenia L.
Age at Diagnosis:
- 35
Diagnosis:
- Rectal cancer
Staging:
- Stage 3
Initial Symptoms:
- Constipation
- Bloatedness
- Bleeding after using the toilet
Treatment:
- Chemotherapy (including oral chemotherapy)
- Surgery (full hysterectomy)
- Radiation

This interview has been edited for clarity. This is not medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider to make treatment decisions.

Thank you for sharing your story, Jessenia!

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Sara’s treatment involved numerous medications, which led to long-term complications like compression fractures in her spine. Despite this, her condition worsened to the point where, in 2008, she underwent emergency surgery and woke up with a colostomy bag, marking a major shift in her life. The surgery was life-saving, as her intestines were severely inflamed and she was malnourished. The adjustment to ostomy life was challenging, especially due to societal stigma. Sara hid her ostomy for 15 years, struggling with her self-image and the fear of judgment.

Over time, Sara underwent 4 more surgeries, resulting in a permanent ileostomy. In her late teens and early 20s, she struggled with accepting her condition. She refrained from wearing bikinis or discussing her ostomy openly, and she often Photoshopped her images to hide the bag. Her turning point came when she began opening up to close friends and received their acceptance and support, which motivated her to slowly embrace her new reality.

In 2019, Sara took a bold step by wearing only bikinis during a family vacation to Cuba, challenging herself to overcome her insecurities. This experience marked a milestone in her acceptance of her body and her ostomy. Through time and self-growth, Sara became more comfortable with her condition, even sharing it with her community on social media to raise awareness and encourage others.

Sara highlights the importance of building a supportive community for those with IBD or ostomies. She stresses that exposure and setting small challenges can help overcome fears and stigma. Connecting with others who share similar experiences, she believes, can offer comfort and help in adjusting to life with an ostomy. Sara’s journey also emphasizes self-acceptance, growth, and the importance of not comparing oneself to others but instead focusing on personal progress. After years of struggle, she now lives openly with her ostomy and works to inspire others with her story.

Name:
- Sara L.
Age at Diagnosis:
- 3
Diagnosis:
- Crohn’s disease (IBD)
Initial Symptoms:
- Bloody stool
- Loss of appetite
- Frequent bowel movements
- Severe pain
Treatment:
- Corticosteroid therapy (Prednisone)
- Tumor necrosis factor-alfa inhibitors
- Chemotherapy
- Immunosuppressive
- Anti-inflammatory agent

This interview has been edited for clarity. This is not medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider to make treatment decisions.

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Madison’s Stage 4 Melanoma Story

Post author By Chris Sanchez
Post date September 20, 2024
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September 20, 2024

Madison’s Stage 4 Melanoma Story

Interviewed by: Taylor Scheib
Edited by: Chris Sanchez

Madison, a 28-year-old physician assistant from Kalamazoo, MI, was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic melanoma, a kind of skin cancer. She discovered a lump on her left upper arm in the spring of 2023, but didn’t have it examined until a dermatology appointment later that summer. Because she and her doctor initially believed it to be a benign tumor, she agreed to wait until after her wedding and honeymoon for an excision. However, in October 2023, her doctors diagnosed metastatic melanoma.

When she was 18, doctors had previously biopsied a suspicious mole on Madison’s left forearm, and incorrectly diagnosed it as non-cancerous. Her modern-day medical team reviewed her past medical records, and discovered that the mole was actually cancerous and should have been fully excised. This delayed diagnosis allowed the melanoma to potentially metastasize, a known risk of melanoma reoccurring years after the initial diagnosis.

Following her melanoma diagnosis, Madison underwent a PET scan that showed no signs of disease elsewhere, which was reassuring. She opted for surgery at the primary and metastatic site and continued with regular scans. In March 2024, however, Madison found another lump on her right back. Subsequent scans revealed a brain tumor in the right temporal lobe and additional subcutaneous tumors in her back and hip, leading to her stage 4 diagnosis.

Madison began immunotherapy in April 2024. She tolerated her first session well, but after the second, she experienced severe side effects, including high fevers and a rapid heart rate. She went to the hospital, where she was diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis, a potential side effect of immunotherapy. While hospitalized, her liver enzymes spiked, leading to suspicion of cytokine release syndrome—a rare but serious complication. Eventually, after an infusion, her liver enzymes stabilized, and she continued to taper off steroids.

Despite the challenges, Madison’s latest scans in July showed no evidence of disease in her body. Her brain tumor had shrunk by half, though she still faces the decision to proceed with radiation therapy. She remains realistic but hopeful, acknowledging the slim chances of further shrinkage without radiation. Madison’s outlook has been positive, driven by her innate optimism and belief in holistic approaches to health, though she recognizes the importance of conventional treatments when necessary.

Throughout her journey, Madison emphasizes the importance of second opinions in cancer treatment, as they can provide different perspectives on treatment options. She encourages others to trust their instincts, be advocates for their health, and take care of their bodies. Her message is clear: listen to your body, seek multiple opinions, and prioritize your well-being above all else.

Name:
- Madison C.
Age at Diagnosis:
- 27
Diagnosis:
- Melanoma
Staging:
- Stage 4
Initial Symptoms:
- Abnormal mole on arm when she was 18 (misdiagnosed)
- Hard lump on upper left arm
Treatment:
- Surgery (excision at primary and metastatic site)
- Dual-agent immunotherapy
- Radiation (pending)

This interview has been edited for clarity. This is not medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider to make treatment decisions.

Thank you for sharing your story, Madison!

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Lauren, from Houston, Texas, is living with stage 4 breast cancer and stage 4 colon cancer. Her journey began in 2014 when, after breastfeeding her second child, she discovered a lump in her breast. As her doctor initially dismissed it as fibroadenoma, Lauren did not undergo further testing. 2 years later, she developed pains in her breast and noticed that her left nipple looked strange, and upon further examination, doctors diagnosed her with stage 3 breast cancer. She underwent chemotherapy, a mastectomy, and radiation, followed by hormone therapy for several years.

In 2021, Lauren began experiencing stomach pains and noticed blood in her stool. Following a colonoscopy, she was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer after doctors discovered a cancerous lymph node. She underwent surgery and chemotherapy but struggled with side effects. Lauren also began to explore alternative treatments like high-dose intravenous vitamin C and fasting, inspired by research on treating KRAS mutation cancers, which are known to be particularly aggressive and difficult to treat.

In 2022, after experiencing further stomach pain, a PET scan revealed that the cancer had spread to Lauren’s abdominal lining and spine. Her oncologist gave her a terminal prognosis, estimating that she had around 10 months left to live. Desperate, Lauren intensified her vitamin C treatments, fasting, and other therapies. Remarkably, by December of that year, her PET scan showed no evidence of disease, although her doctor cautioned her to remain vigilant.

Lauren’s journey took another turn when a biopsy revealed that her spinal cancer was not colon cancer but a recurrence of her breast cancer, which had resurfaced and spread while her immune system was weakened. Although she has had to deal with recurring spots of cancer in her spine, Lauren has successfully managed her colon cancer, with her tumor markers remaining low. She credits her alternative treatments, alongside traditional therapies, for keeping her cancer at bay.

Now, Lauren undergoes PET scans every 3 months to monitor her condition. While managing cancer has become part of her daily life, especially with gastrointestinal side effects from her colon surgery, she remains proactive in her treatment and hopeful for the future. Despite the challenges, Lauren emphasizes the importance of staying informed, advocating for oneself, and maintaining hope, especially for those dealing with KRAS mutation cancers.

Name:
- Lauren B.
Age at Diagnosis:
- 31
Diagnosis:
- Breast cancer
- Colon cancer
Staging:
- Stage 4 for both
Initial Symptoms:
- Lump in left breast that grew
- Strange appearance of nipple
Treatment:
- Surgery (radical left mastectomy, lymph node removal; removal of part of colon and appendix)
- Chemotherapy (Doxorubicin and Taxol; Oxaliplatin and Xeloda)
- Radiation therapy
- Hormone therapy
- Complementary treatments (fasting, high-dose intravenous Vitamin C)

This interview has been edited for clarity. This is not medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider to make treatment decisions.

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Lindsay’s journey is marked by her resilience and determination to live for her children, fiancé, and stepchildren. She emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive outlook and manifesting health, crediting journaling and daily affirmations for helping her through the darkest times. Her story has inspired others, leading her to share her experiences on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, where she provides support and encouragement to others facing similar battles.

A key message Lindsay shares is the importance of advocating for oneself in the healthcare system. She stresses the need for patients to be proactive, informed, and unafraid to seek second opinions or change doctors if necessary. Her persistence in finding the right oncologist and treatment has been crucial to her survival.

Lindsay’s story is a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit in the face of life-threatening illness. Her advocacy and outreach continue to offer hope to others battling cancer, showing that there is always a reason to fight and hope for a better tomorrow.

Name:
- Lindsay W.
Age at Diagnosis:
- 41
Diagnosis:
- Stage 4b Lung Cancer Adenocarcinoma, ALK+
Initial Symptoms:
- Severe pain in her side
Treatment:
- Chemotherapy (targeted therapy)
- Radiation: SBRT cervical and thoracic spine and hip SRS radiation to brain tumor

This interview has been edited for clarity. This is not medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider to make treatment decisions.

Thank you for sharing your story, Lindsay!

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Interviewed by: Taylor Scheib
Edited by: Chris Sanchez

Lonnie V., 54, from Indianapolis, IN, was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer in September 2017. Initially, he experienced symptoms like urination issues and general body pain, which were first attributed to a urinary tract infection, then prostatitis. Despite antibiotics, the symptoms persisted. In a critical moment of severe lower body pain, Lonnie visited his doctor, who discovered an irregular prostate during a physical exam and recommended a biopsy. The results, with a PSA level of 685 (normal is below 4), confirmed stage 4 prostate cancer.

The diagnosis brought overwhelming sadness and fear. Lonnie described the period following the diagnosis as disorienting, with a mental state fluctuating between despair and an urgent need to plan for end-of-life arrangements. His oncologist proposed immediate chemotherapy, but Lonnie opted to delay and explore other options. Instead, he began treatment with a testosterone blocker, and made significant lifestyle changes, including altering his diet and abstaining from alcohol, to support his treatment.

Initially, the testosterone blocker effectively lowered Lonnie’s PSA levels, but after 8 months, the cancer became castrate-resistant, meaning the medication was no longer effective. Faced with new treatment options, including clinical trials, Lonnie chose to participate in a clinical trial while continuing his testosterone blocker. Although the trial’s side effects were challenging, the treatment proved successful for almost 3 and a half years, stabilizing his cancer and PSA levels.

As the clinical trial’s effectiveness waned, Lonnie faced rising anxiety. He sought therapy to manage the psychological toll, which helped him cope with the constant fear of the cancer progressing. In January 2023, Lonnie was removed from the trial due to declining efficacy. He then discussed alternative treatments with his oncologist, including chemotherapy, and eventually continued the trial medications outside the trial after they were FDA approved. Despite small increments in PSA levels, the treatment was somewhat effective until October 2023.

Lonnie then decided to take a treatment break in October 2023 after 6 years of continuous treatment, as he felt mentally and physically exhausted. Surprisingly, his PSA levels continued to drop during this break, but a recent PET scan revealed significant new cancer activity, prompting a return to the trial medications.

Throughout his journey, Lonnie has remained motivated by a love for life and a drive to advocate for cancer awareness. He uses his experience and social media presence to support and educate others, particularly on proactive cancer screening and patient advocacy. Despite the hardships, his focus remains on helping others through their own battles with cancer.

In closing, Lonnie advises newly diagnosed cancer patients to take their time and not rush into decisions. His experience highlights the importance of patient education, mental health support, and the resilience required to navigate the complexities of a cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Name:
- Lonnie V.
Age at Diagnosis:
- 47
Diagnosis:
- Prostate cancer
Staging:
- Stage 4
Initial Symptoms:
- Urination issues
- General body pain
- Severe lower body pain
Treatment:
- Hormone therapy
- Targeted therapy (through clinical trial)
- Radiation

This interview has been edited for clarity. This is not medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider to make treatment decisions.

Thank you for sharing your story, Lonnie!

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This interview has been edited for clarity. This is not medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider to make treatment decisions.

Thank you for sharing your story, Madison!

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Samantha’s Adenocarcinoma Cervical Cancer Story

Post author By Chris Sanchez
Post date September 1, 2024
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September 1, 2024

Samantha’s Adenocarcinoma Cervical Cancer Story

Interviewed by: Taylor Scheib
Edited by: Chris Sanchez

Samantha R. is a three-time cervical cancer survivor from Las Vegas, NV, who has turned her experience into a passion for health advocacy. She emphasizes the importance of listening to one’s body and advocating for oneself in the healthcare system.

Samantha’s story started in 2016 when she first experienced symptoms like irregular bleeding and pain, which led her to visit her OBGYN. After a Pap smear revealed abnormal cells, she underwent a LEEP procedure. However, she delayed follow-up appointments, which allowed her condition to worsen. Eventually, her doctors diagnosed her with cervical cancer at the age of 27, shortly after her wedding.

Samantha and her husband were devastated by her diagnosis, especially since they were eager to start a family. Her treatment involved a radical hysterectomy, which was physically and mentally challenging. The surgery altered her life significantly, affecting her identity as a woman and her future family plans.

Samantha’s cancer’s recurrence, in 2018, was marked by severe symptoms that her doctors initially dismissed as stress or a UTI. After months of her pushing for answers, they finally diagnosed her with a large tumor in her cervix and intestines. This led her to find a new medical team who took her concerns seriously. She underwent surgery to remove the tumor, followed by chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation throughout 2019. By the end of the year, her medical team declared her cancer-free, but her journey wasn’t over.

In March 2020, Samantha faced another recurrence. This time, the cancer had significantly affected her intestines and surrounding organs. Despite being told by one oncologist that nothing more could be done, she sought treatment in Los Angeles. There, she underwent a pelvic exenteration, extensive surgery that removed all organs in the pelvis. The procedure gave her a 50/50 chance of survival, and after two and a half months in LA, she finally entered remission.

Samantha emphasizes that the mental health impact of cancer is often overlooked. The trauma of her experiences left her with PTSD, anxiety, and a constant fear of recurrence. She credits her mental health recovery to therapy and self-compassion, acknowledging that healing from the emotional scars of cancer is a long and ongoing process.

Samantha advises those facing similar challenges to advocate for themselves, seek second opinions, and connect with support communities. She highlights the importance of accessing social workers and other resources available through healthcare facilities. For those without insurance, she recommends seeking help from nonprofits that offer mental health support and community-building opportunities. Above all, she encourages people to offer themselves grace and compassion, recognizing that they are doing the best they can in difficult circumstances.

Samantha’s story is one of resilience, self-advocacy, and the power of community. She has learned to navigate the complex and often frustrating healthcare system and now dedicates herself to helping others do the same.

Name:
- Samantha R.
Diagnosis:
- Early stage cervical cancer, adenocarcinoma
Initial Symptoms:
- Irregular bleeding
- Pain
Treatment:
- Surgery: radical hysterectomy, pelvic exenteration surgery
- Chemotherapy
- Immunotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Hormone replacement therapy
- Hyperbaric oxygen therapy

This interview has been edited for clarity. This is not medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider to make treatment decisions.

Thank you for sharing your story, Samantha!

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This interview has been edited for clarity. This is not medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider to make treatment decisions.

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August 26, 2024

Jennifer’s Stage 4 Melanoma Story

Interviewed by: Taylor Scheib
Edited by: Chris Sanchez

Jennifer’s story is a powerful testimony to resilience, self-advocacy, and the love of life, even in the face of stage 4 melanoma. She discovered her cancer in 2019 after what she thought was a simple bug bite turned out to be something far more serious. Despite the initial shock, confusion, and overwhelming emotions following her diagnosis, Jennifer has remained steadfast in her determination to live life on her terms.

One of the critical aspects of Jennifer’s experience has been her proactive approach to her treatment. After her initial diagnosis, she sought a second opinion at MD Anderson, which she credits with extending her life. Her advice to others is clear: find a specialist in your type of cancer and ensure that you are fully informed about your diagnosis, including getting genetic and biomarker testing done as early as possible.

…find a specialist in your type of cancer and ensure that you are fully informed about your diagnosis…
Jennifer M. – Melanoma

Jennifer’s life as a single mother battling stage 4 cancer adds another layer of complexity to her story. Financial struggles, the lack of systemic support, and the challenges of balancing work with her health needs make her situation particularly difficult. Yet, she finds strength in her love for her children and her sheer will to live. Her perspective on life has changed, focusing more on her own needs and desires, and choosing to live in the moment despite the constraints.

Jennifer’s story also highlights a broader issue — the need for better support systems for single parents and individuals facing severe illnesses. Her experience underscores the importance of self-advocacy and taking control of one’s treatment path, as well as the critical need for awareness and early detection when it comes to melanoma, a cancer often misunderstood as just a “mole.”

Jennifer’s journey serves as a reminder of the importance of living fully, advocating for oneself, and seeking the best possible care, no matter how daunting the circumstances may be.

Name:
- Jennifer M.
Age at Diagnosis:
- 33
Diagnosis:
- Melanoma
Staging:
- Stage 4
Initial Symptoms:
- Night sweats
- Small lump in back, similar to an insect bite
Treatment:
- Surgery: removal of the tumor
- Radiation therapy
- Immunotherapy