Colon Cancer at 36: How Crystal Faced Diagnosis and Found Connection
Crystal’s account is a heartfelt narrative about confronting colon cancer, grappling with mental health, and letting in support.
Interviewed by: Taylor Scheib
Edited by: Chris Sanchez
For years, Crystal noticed blood in her stool, but dismissed it as hemorrhoids. Fast forward to 2022, when symptoms she couldn’t shrug off, including excruciating abdominal pain and recurring urinary tract infections (UTIs), finally pushed her to seek medical help. A CT scan revealed something alarming — an abnormal mass intruding into her bladder. After several tests, the diagnosis was confirmed: colon cancer. The news, while devastating, wasn’t entirely shocking to Crystal, who had long neglected her health habits. Yet, the emotional weight of hearing, “You’ve got cancer,” hits differently, no matter how prepared one thinks one might be.
Getting on with life after a colon cancer diagnosis was far from easy. Crystal underwent surgeries to remove her bladder, right ovary, and uterus. She also endured the placement of both colostomy and urostomy bags. Adjusting to life afterward was daunting. The urostomy bag, in particular, brought anxiety about potential leaks in public, often triggering feelings of vulnerability and self-consciousness. However, Crystal realized that survival and quality of life trumped these fears.
Crystal’s mental health took significant hits throughout her experience with colon cancer, which weighed heavily on her. But it was during these dark times that she discovered the strength of her support system. Friends showed up, both emotionally and physically, breaking through the walls she had built around herself for years. She realized that accepting help wasn’t a sign of weakness but a testament to the deep connections she had with her loved ones.
Crystal’s story is a beacon for others facing similar challenges. She shares that while living with an ostomy bag can be tough, it’s not the end — it’s just another chapter. Her advice? Let people in, lean on your support system, and never underestimate the power of sharing your story.
Take a look at Crystal’s video to get into:
- How she found strength after her devastating colon cancer diagnosis.
- Why accepting help changed Crystal’s mental health for the better.
- Living with a urostomy bag: her real talk on the challenges and triumphs.
- The signs Crystal missed — could you recognize them?
- From isolation to connection: How colon cancer reshaped her relationships.
- Name:
- Crystal W.
- Age at Diagnosis:
- 36
- Diagnosis:
- Colon Cancer
- Symptoms:
- Blood in stool
- Intermittent severe lower abdominal pain
- Urinary tract infection (UTI) with strong odor
- Fistula
- Treatments:
- Surgeries: cystectomy, oophorectomy, hysterectomy
- 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.
Inspired by Crystal’s story?
Share your story, too!
More Colon Cancer Stories
Nathan G., Colon Cancer, Stage 4 (Metastatic)
Symptoms: Persistent heartburn, feeling full after eating, severe abdominal pain
Treatments: Surgeries (colectomy, cytoreductive surgery, lymphanadectomy), chemotherapy (FOLFOX, HIPEC or hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy)
Mariana T., Colon Cancer, Stage 4 (Metastatic)
Symptoms: Bloating, anemia, appearance of blood in stool
Treatments: Surgeries (bowel resection, oophorectomy, salpingectomy), chemotherapy (oxaliplatin, fluorouracil, FOLFOX), immunotherapy (bevacizumab)
Helen D., Colon Cancer, Stage 4 (Metastatic)
Symptoms: Pelvic pressure and pain, burning with urination, bloating, constipation for a short period, low energy or fatigue, discomfort sitting, night sweats
Treatments: Chemotherapy (FOLFOX, FOLFIRI, hepatic artery infusion pump therapy), targeted therapy (panitumumab), surgeries (liver resection and ablations, colon resection, full hysterectomy)
Jim S., Colon Cancer, Stage 4 (Metastatic)
Symptom: Back pain, especially when sleeping for long periods
Treatments: Surgery (partial colectomy), chemotherapy (FOLFIRINOX, bevacizumab, oxaliplatin, irinotecan)
Meagan M., Colon Cancer, Stage 3C
Symptom: Appearance of blood in stool
Treatments: Surgery (partial colectomy), chemotherapy (FOLFOX)
Leave a Reply