Not Just a Miscarriage: The Rare Cancer Shannon Never Saw Coming
When Shannon found out that she was pregnant, it was supposed to be a joyful chapter in her life. But within weeks, things began to feel off. Spotting led to a heartbreaking miscarriage and a D&C (dilation and curettage procedure) followed. Her doctor mentioned a possible molar pregnancy, but pathology came back negative so she was told to try again. Only, she never really felt better. It would be months before she was told she had a choriocarcinoma.
Interviewed by: Nikki Murphy
Edited by: Katrina Villareal
Even as her symptoms — persistent bleeding, clotting, stomach discomfort — continued to raise red flags, Shannon was repeatedly reassured it was “normal” following a D&C. Deep down, though, she felt something just wasn’t right and things weren’t improving. Months later, she visited a walk-in clinic where a concerned provider decided to look deeper. Another ultrasound led to a second D&C, and this time, pathology confirmed a molar pregnancy. From there, things escalated: she was referred to an oncologist, where she finally heard the word choriocarcinoma (a rare cancer most often occurring in the uterus).
Choriocarcinoma is a rare and aggressive cancer that can arise from placental tissue. Shannon was diagnosed with gestational trophoblastic neoplasia, which later turned into choriocarcinoma. After a series of scans, the cancer was found to be contained in her uterus. Weekly HCG blood tests tracked her progress. At first, the numbers dropped, but when they started to climb again, chemotherapy became inevitable.
She opted for the aggressive five-drug regimen, which required hospitalization. The toll was significant, especially emotionally. Losing her hair was devastating. Life outside of her diagnosis stood still. Shannon described feeling like the world kept spinning without her, while she was stuck trying to reclaim a version of herself she wasn’t sure existed anymore.
Eventually, remission brought relief, but four years later, her symptoms returned. A bloated stomach and a heavy gut feeling turned out to be a second encounter with choriocarcinoma — this time bigger, stronger, and more emotionally draining. Shannon underwent a full hysterectomy and another round of brutal chemo. She preserved her ovaries, which helped her hormonally, but the decision not to have children had long since been made due to the risks.
Throughout it all, Shannon leaned on happy distractions — laughter, humor, connection — and clung to her ability to find light in dark places. She speaks openly about losing parts of her identity, especially her mental state, but is also reclaiming herself piece by piece. Most of all, she urges others to advocate for themselves. If your gut says something is wrong, listen to it. Push for answers. You deserve to be heard, supported, and believed.
Watch Shannon’s full video to find out more about her story:
- She knew something was wrong and she was right.
- What happens when your body says “stop” and no one listens?
- Laughing through chemo? How Shannon found joy even in the hardest moments.
- What it’s like to lose part of yourself and slowly build something new.
- Why she didn’t ring the bell after beating cancer a second time.
- Name: Shannon W.
- Age at Diagnosis:
- 35
- Diagnosis:
- Choriocarcinoma (gestational trophoblastic neoplasia initially, recurred as choriocarcinoma)
- Symptoms:
- Molar pregnancy
- Vaginal bleeding
- Overall feeling of unwell
- Cramping
- Weight loss
- Elevated HCG level
- Feeling bloated
- Treatments:
- Chemotherapy
- Surgeries: dilation and curettage (D&C), total hysterectomy
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 Shannon's story?
Share your story, too!
More Rare Cancer Stories
Gestational Trophoblastic Neoplasia
Caroline C., Gestational Trophoblastic Neoplasia & Placental Cancer, Stage 3
Symptoms: Morning sickness & an unusually high beta hCG
Treatment: EMACO chemotherapy
...
Shannon W., Choriocarcinoma
Symptoms: Molar pregnancy, vaginal bleeding, overall feeling of unwell, cramping, weight loss, elevated HCG level, feeling bloated
Treatments: Chemotherapy, surgeries (D&C, total hysterectomy)
...
Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumors (DSRCT)
Gianna C., Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumors (DSRCT)
Initial Symptoms: Urinary tract infection (UTI), consistent pressure in stomach, stomach pains, passing out
Treatment: Chemotherapy, surgery
...
Hamish S., Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumors (DSRCT)
Symptoms: Persistent fatigue, nausea, weight loss, hard abdominal lump
Treatments: Interval-compressed chemotherapy, surgeries (cytoreductive surgery, peritonectomy, HIPEC, right hemicolectomy, low anterior resection)
...
Joe F., Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumors (DSRCT)
Symptoms: Mild abdominal pain, fatigue
Treatment: Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation
...