Living Boldly After Stage 3 Colon Cancer: Chloe’s Empowering Message

In early 2024, Chloe was unexpectedly diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer (adenocarcinoma of the colon) after suffering from symptoms of bloating and other stomach issues. Later on she began to experience weight loss, fatigue, lack of appetite, and abdominal swelling. However, these symptoms were dismissed as effects of her pre-existing anemia. She regularly consulted her general practitioner throughout December to have tests conducted. They only revealed minor infections but didn’t uncover the underlying issue. Moreover, her health continued to worsen.

Interviewed by: Taylor Scheib
Edited by: Chris Sanchez

Chloe paid a visit to the local infirmary, where doctors subsequently discovered and were concerned about high ketone levels in her urine. However, she was still treated for gastroenteritis. Her symptoms persisted, leading her mother to realize that her condition was far more severe than everyone thought and insist on a hospital visit. Significantly, a CT scan revealed a mass in her large bowel and multiple perforations. Doctors accordingly performed emergency surgery, and Chloe woke up afterward with a stoma bag, an unexpected and significant adjustment for her.

The diagnosis was shocking: Chloe’s condition was stage 3 colon cancer. Furthermore, these findings were exacerbated by a rare genetic disorder, familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), which had gone undetected until that point. This gene caused polyps to clump together and form a large tumor. Following her surgery, Chloe subsequently underwent four rounds of chemotherapy over three months, with sessions involving both IV and oral forms of treatment. Thankfully, post-treatment scans showed no remaining cancer cells. By June 2024, Chloe was finally declared in remission.

Emotionally, Chloe found the process challenging. She consequently had to grapple with the stigma of having cancer as a young individual and adjust to life with a stoma. She concurrently navigated the mental health impacts of her stage 3 colon cancer and bloating, including PTSD and anxiety, around hospitals through counseling and support from loved ones.

Watch Chloe’s video to learn more about:

• How to embrace a bolder outlook on life and seize opportunities that you may once have feared.
• The importance of listening to your body.
• Why it’s crucial for you to persist with medical inquiries if you suspect stage 3 colon cancer and bloating.
• How to avoid letting feelings of embarrassment stop you from seeking help.

• Name: 
  • Chloe W.
• Age at Diagnosis:
  • 25
• Diagnosis:
  • Colon Cancer (Adenocarcinoma of the Colon)
• Staging:
  • Stage 3
• Symptoms:
  • Severe abdominal bloating due to stage 3 colon cancer
  • Weight loss
  • Lack of appetite
  • Fatigue
  • Vomiting
  • High ketone levels in urine
• Treatments:
  • Surgery
  • Chemotherapy

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

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