January 6, 2025

Ken’s Stage 4 Colon Cancer Story

Ken, 59, from Minnesota, shares his journey battling stage 4 colon cancer, which he was diagnosed with in October 2022. His life prior to diagnosis included an adventurous career as a meteorologist and storm chaser, followed by a long stint as a volunteer English teacher in the Himalayas. However, in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic forced a change of plans, and he settled back in the U.S. with his family.

Interviewed by: Taylor Scheib
Edited by: Chris Sanchez

Initially, Ken ignored concerning symptoms like intermittent bowel changes and blood traces, attributing them to minor issues. His symptoms diversified and intensified in late 2022, with frequent fevers, weight loss, and fatigue. After visiting urgent care, he received a CT scan revealing thickening of the sigmoid colon and metastasis to his liver [making it a stage 4 colon cancer diagnosis]. His oncologist warned him that without treatment, his life expectancy was limited to under a year. Though chemotherapy was initiated promptly, Ken faced immediate complications, including endocarditis, which halted his treatment temporarily and required a PICC line and weeks of antibiotics. The chemotherapy’s side effects left him drained and underweight, sinking to his lowest point emotionally and physically by early 2023.

A critical moment came when Ken experienced an intestinal blockage. Doctors recommended palliative care and hospice, as his heart was too weak for surgery. However, Ken’s cousin, a liver specialist at MD Anderson, connected him to the Mayo Clinic, where surgeons conducted a life-saving colectomy and liver resection, removing 68% of his liver. This marked a turning point in his recovery, as he began to regain weight and strength.

In 2024, after successfully undergoing a heart valve replacement and prostate procedure, Ken faced new challenges as scans revealed minor cancer regrowth. His oncology team pursued aggressive treatments, including ablations for liver and lung spots, as well as new medications, all of which proved highly effective. Despite persistent health challenges and skin reactions, Ken’s latest scan in mid-July 2024 showed that his treatment was working remarkably well.

Throughout this ordeal, Ken’s faith and positive outlook and his strong support network of family and medical teams helped him navigate his complex diagnosis and treatment, underscoring his resilience and determination to overcome each new hurdle.

Name:
- Ken S.
Age at Diagnosis:
- 59
Diagnosis:
- Colon cancer
Staging:
- Stage 4
Initial Symptoms:
- Intermittent appearance of blood in stool
- Occasional diarrhea
- Increase in bowel movement frequency
- Fevers and chills
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
Treatment:
- Chemotherapy
- Surgery