Active, Determined, Empowered: Paige’s Life with Stage 3 Colorectal Cancer
Paige was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer in January 2025. Her experience began in September 2024, when she noticed blood in her stool — a symptom she initially shrugged off, but took more seriously when it persisted. She consulted a couple of doctors, neither of whom were very concerned due to her youth and health status. But Paige continued to push and finally got a colonoscopy. The result? A cancer diagnosis that shocked her to the core.
Interviewed by: Nikki Murphy
Edited by: Chris Sanchez
Hearing the phrase “colorectal cancer” was terrifying. Paige had always seen herself as healthy: she enjoyed daily exercise, ate a balanced diet, and had no family history of cancer. The diagnosis was surreal, but her partner, family, and friends rallied around her. Her mom was by her side during the procedure and offered welcome comfort when the reality of her diagnosis hit. Paige was reeling and gladly leaned into her support system.
Paige met with her oncologist, and this welcome visit brought some clarity. They agreed on her stage 3 colorectal cancer treatment plan, which was straightforward: six rounds of chemotherapy, followed by surgery to remove part of her colon and rectum. Paige struggled with the side effects of chemo, including exhaustion, nausea, and feeling unlike herself. However, determined to reclaim her life, she powered through and continued working full-time as an engineer. She had an initial six chemo rounds, after which her doctors recommended two more to ensure the best possible outcome before surgery.
Paige’s upcoming surgery will involve the removal of parts of her colon and rectum. Her doctors have told her that she may need to have an ostomy bag, and she’s steeling herself for this possibility. But Paige is focusing on healing rather than the fear of lifestyle changes. She’s expecting her recovery to take about six weeks, with a hospital stay of 2-3 days post-surgery.
Throughout her stage 3 colorectal cancer experience, Paige has drawn strength from her active lifestyle. Inspired by a pro athlete who stayed active during cancer treatment, she’s continued to enjoy her favorite sports — mountain biking, rock climbing, and skiing — when she can. By doing so, she’s felt empowered and less defined by her diagnosis.
Paige’s advice? Never allow a diagnosis to dictate how you live. Stay engaged in activities you love. Keep your spirits high. Paige believes wholeheartedly that sticking to her lifestyle, despite the pain and discomfort she’s experiencing, is key to being resilient. She’s confident that overcoming stage 3 colorectal cancer will make future obstacles feel manageable.
Make sure to watch Paige’s video for more about:
- How she stayed active during chemo, and why this is crucial
- The symptom she almost ignored: Paige’s early warning sign
- Facing cancer at age 24: her unexpected diagnosis
- Why maintaining normalcy is Paige’s secret weapon
- From diagnosis to determination: her heartfelt reflections
- Name:
- Paige S.
- Age at Diagnosis:
- 24
- Diagnosis:
- Colorectal Cancer
- Staging:
- Stage 3
- Symptom:
- Blood in stool
- Treatments:
- Chemotherapy
- Surgery (upcoming): proctocolectomy
This interview has been edited for clarity. This is not medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider to make treatment decisions.
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