Alli’s Stage 4 Appendix Cancer Story

Nine years ago, Alli was diagnosed with colon cancer, but what she actually has is appendix cancer, which she only found out many years later. She is currently NED, or “no evidence of disease,” and in her words, “It’s taken a lot to get here.”

Interviewed by: Taylor Scheib
Edited by: Chris Sanchez

Alli had initially experienced intense abdominal pain, which had been diagnosed as appendicitis. Her appendix was successfully removed, but its “angry” appearance led her doctors to send it to pathology for a closer look. It was initially diagnosed as colon cancer because it behaved like colorectal cancer. She then underwent surgery to remove a portion of her colon.

Alli was declared NED and enjoyed 7 years of being cancer-free before she experienced what seemed to be a recurrence of her colon cancer, but her doctors finally determined that what she had was actually stage 4 appendix cancer.

Alli is sharing her story not only to stress the importance of proper diagnosis and treatment as well as advocating for oneself, but also to help shift perspectives regarding stage 4 cancer and how it may not necessarily be a death sentence; to establish the importance of properly listening to one’s body; and to reframe healing after cancer as an opportunity to build a better, more complete version of the person one used to be.

Alli’s Diagnosis Facts

Name: Alli M.
Diagnosis:
- Appendix Cancer
Staging:
- Stage 4 (Metastatic)
Symptom:
- Severe abdominal pain
Treatments:
- Surgeries: right hemicolectomy, appendectomy, HIPEC
- Chemotherapy: adjuvant chemo, BCapOx (bevacizumab, capecitabine, oxaliplatin)

This is not medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider to make informed treatment decisions.

This interview has been edited for clarity and length. The views and opinions expressed in this interview do not necessarily reflect those of The Patient Story. This content does not replace professional medical advice.