Kelly Navigates Life With Stage 4 Colon Cancer
Kelly was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. She reflects on the subtle signs she overlooked — persistent constipation, bloating, and occasional severe abdominal cramps. Like many, she chalked these symptoms up to diet choices and life stress. However, her worsening condition after a recent move pushed her to visit the emergency room. There, a CT scan revealed her diagnosis, and it changed everything.
Interviewed by: Taylor Scheib
Edited by: Chris Sanchez
When she heard the words, “colon cancer”, Kelly felt like the room collapsed around her. Alone in a new state, miles from family, she faced the overwhelming news head-on. Despite her initial denial, especially about undergoing major surgery and having a temporary colostomy bag, the stark reality was clear: accept the treatment or face life-threatening consequences. That pivotal moment shifted her mindset, igniting a determination to do what was necessary to survive.
Initially diagnosed as stage 2, Kelly had the option to undergo chemotherapy but chose not to, feeling hopeful after her surgery. Unfortunately, a year later, she discovered the cancer had metastasized to her liver, upgrading her diagnosis to stage 4 colon cancer. This news devastated her. Yet, amid the emotional whirlwind, she found out she was eligible for surgery to remove the liver tumors, offering a glimmer of hope.
Kelly’s health journey wasn’t just about cancer. Post-surgery, she battled a severe liver infection that left her physically depleted. Surprisingly, that infection felt more life-threatening than cancer itself. Through relentless fevers, night sweats, and unyielding fatigue, Kelly persevered, leaning on sheer willpower and the support of her loved ones.
Reflecting on her experience, Kelly emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy. She wishes she’d pushed harder when symptoms emerged much earlier, like rectal bleeding, once dismissed by her doctor as a minor issue due to her age. She urges fellow patients to trust their instincts, ask questions, and advocate fiercely for their health.
Today, despite the lingering fears that scans and blood tests bring, Kelly embraces life with renewed passion. She cherishes every moment with her children, finds solace in nature, and seeks out new experiences with an invigorated spirit. While there’s a shadow of uncertainty, she remains hopeful and encourages others not to give up. Kelly’s story is a powerful reminder that even in the face of stage 4 colon cancer, life can still be filled with beauty, growth, and purpose.
Watch Kelly’s video for more on:
- How a routine ER visit unveiled her unexpected stage 4 colon cancer diagnosis.
- The overlooked symptoms that Kelly wishes she’d paid more attention to.
- What’s harder — battling cancer or an unexpected post-surgery infection? She shares her truth.
- The emotional toll of living with cancer and why self-advocacy matters.
- How Kelly’s love for nature became her therapy amid life’s toughest health battles.
- Name:
- Kelly C.
- Age at Diagnosis:
- 47
- Diagnosis:
- Colon Cancer
- Staging:
- Stage 4
- Symptoms:
- Constipation
- Bloating
- Severe abdominal pain
- Treatments:
- Surgeries: colectomy, colostomy, hepatectomy
- 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 Kelly's story?
Share your story, too!
More Colon Cancer Stories
Jay W., Colon Cancer, Stage 4
Symptom: Occasional presence of blood in stool
Treatments: Chemotherapy, surgery (installation of port and liver infusion pump, colectomy, hepatectomy, liver ablation, removal of liver infusion pump)
Kelly C., Colon Cancer, Stage 4
Symptoms: Constipation, bloating, severe abdominal pain
Treatments: Surgeries (colectomy, colostomy, hepatectomy), chemotherapy
Marc Anthony S., Lynch Syndrome and Colon Cancer, Stage 2A
Symptoms: Blood in stool, severe constipation, persistent exhaustion, constantly feeling cold
Treatment: Surgeries (sigmoid colectomy, lymphadenectomy)
Crystal W., Colon Cancer
Symptoms: Blood in stool, intermittent severe lower abdominal pain, urinary tract infection (UTI) with strong odor, fistula
Treatments: Surgeries (cystectomy, oophorectomy, and hysterectomy), chemotherapy
Albita G., Colon Cancer, Stage 4
Symptoms: Blood in stool, pain during defecation, constant constipation, steady weight gain in the midsection despite exercising
Treatments: Surgeries (colectomy, hepatectomy, hysterectomy), chemotherapy, radiation
Kasey S., Colon Cancer, Stage 4
Symptoms: Extreme abdominal cramping, mucus in stool, rectal bleeding, black stool, fatigue, weight fluctuations, skin issues (guttate psoriasis)
Treatments: Surgeries (colectomy & salpingectomy), chemotherapy