Categories
Chemotherapy Clinical Trials Colon Colorectal Eloxatin (oxaliplatin) FOLFIRI (folinic acid, fluorouracil, irinotecan) FOLFOX (folinic acid, fluorouracil, oxaliplatin) Immunotherapy Patient Stories Targeted Therapies Treatments

Emily’s Stage 4 Colon Cancer Story

Emily’s Stage 4 Colon Cancer Story

Emily, a 32-year-old from Alabama, was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer at age 27, despite having led an active and healthy lifestyle since her youth. Initially, she experienced abdominal pain and blood in her stool, which led to a life-changing ER visit. Doctors found a tumor in her colon, determined that it was cancerous, and also found that it had already spread to her lymph nodes. This discovery began a grueling series of surgeries, chemotherapy, and setbacks, including bowel obstructions and pancreatitis.

Interviewed by: Taylor Scheib
Edited by: Chris Sanchez

Emily endured multiple chemotherapy regimens with debilitating side effects like neuropathy, nausea, fatigue, and early menopause. Despite these challenges, her faith and determination kept her strong. When standard treatments failed, she turned to immunotherapy and clinical trials at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Although some therapies stopped working, she found hope in a clinical trial medicine that reduced her lung tumors by 20%. Despite the trial’s discontinuation, the treatment remains available to her, for which she feels immense gratitude.

Throughout her stage 4 colon cancer journey, Emily and her husband have relied on their faith, community, and a desire to help others. Recognizing the emotional and physical toll of cancer, they founded Fighting with Hope, a nonprofit that sends free chemo care boxes to patients worldwide. These boxes contain over 20 thoughtfully chosen items, such as blankets, ginger candies, and other sweets to help with port flushes, alongside handwritten notes of encouragement. With support from volunteers and media coverage, the organization has delivered just over 1,000 boxes to date.

Emily’s advocacy also emphasizes the importance of early detection. Reflecting on her missed diagnosis due to her young age, she urges healthcare professionals and patients alike to remain vigilant.

Despite ongoing treatments and the unpredictable nature of cancer, Emily remains a beacon of hope. Her faith provides her with peace and strength, enabling her to inspire others through her story and nonprofit work. She advises fellow patients to fight relentlessly, embrace their support systems, and accept help when needed.

Emily’s mission goes beyond her personal battle. She hopes her journey demonstrates the power of resilience, community, and faith in facing life’s greatest challenges. Through her advocacy, she continues to bring light and support to countless individuals navigating the trials of cancer.


  • Name:
    • Emily K.
  • Diagnosis:
    • Colon cancer
  • Staging:
    • Stage 4
  • Age at Diagnosis:
    • 27
  • Initial Symptoms:
    • Abdominal pain
    • Blood in stool
  • Treatment:
    • Surgery
    • Immunotherapy
    • Targeted therapy
    • Clinical trials

This interview has been edited for clarity. This is not medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider to make treatment decisions.


Thank you for sharing your story, Emily!

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Related Cancer Stories

More Colon Cancer Stories
 
Raquel A. feature profile

Raquel A., Colorectal Cancer, Stage 4



Symptoms: Frequent bowel movements, pin-thin stools, mild red blood in stool
Treatments: Chemotherapy (oxaliplatin, 5-fluorouracil, and irinotecan)

Steve S., Colorectal Cancer, Stage 4



Initial Symptoms: Blood in stool, changes in bowel habits, feeling gassy and bloated

Treatments: Surgery, chemotherapy, monoclonal antibody, liver transplant
Jessica T. feature profile

Jessica T., Colon Cancer, Stage 4, BRAF Mutation



Symptoms: Severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, anemia (discovered later)

Treatments: Surgery (hemicolectomy), chemotherapy

Jennifer T. feature profile

Jennifer T., Colon Cancer, Stage 4



Symptoms: Weight loss, coughing, vomiting, sciatica pain, fatigue

Treatments: Surgeries (colectomy, lung wedge resection on both lungs), chemotherapy (FOLFOX & FOLFIRI), immunotherapy (cetuximab)

Categories
Patient Stories Surgery Thyroid Cancer Thyroidectomy Treatments

Lizzie’s Thyroid Cancer Story

Lizzie’s Thyroid Cancer Story

Interviewed by: Nikki Murphy
Edited by: Chris Sanchez

Lizzie, a 27-year-old living in New York City, shares her journey with thyroid cancer. A former collegiate diver at Duke University, she transitioned to running marathons post-COVID. Her health challenges began in her teens when she discovered thyroid antibodies. Despite years of monitoring and medication for thyroid dysfunction, Lizzie was able to stop her medication in 2023, as her thyroid normalized.

In the summer of 2024, Lizzie began experiencing fatigue, which she initially attributed to marathon training and work stress. After an unsatisfactory doctor’s visit, she sought a second opinion. This new doctor conducted a thorough examination, discovered a thyroid nodule, and promptly ordered a biopsy. The results confirmed thyroid carcinoma. Lizzie quickly mobilized, consulting multiple specialists in New York City and ultimately opting for surgery at MD Anderson in Houston. Her procedure, which involved removing part of her thyroid and some lymph nodes, took place less than a month after her diagnosis. Post-surgery, she was declared NED.

Recovery was challenging but brief. Despite being advised to rest, Lizzie remained motivated by her goal to run the Chicago Marathon just 6 weeks after surgery. Supported by her family and friends, she maintained light training and successfully completed the marathon, achieving a personal record. This accomplishment highlights her resilience and determination and underscores her belief in overcoming obstacles.

Lizzie reflects on the importance of self-advocacy and early discovery and surrounding herself with a strong support system. She credits her friends, family, and medical team for helping her navigate the physical and emotional challenges of her diagnosis and recovery. Sharing her journey publicly, including on her Instagram account, also brought unexpected encouragement from her social circle and strangers alike.

Lizzie plans to continue running and aims to complete all six World Marathon Majors. She acknowledges the need to let her body heal while balancing her passion for running with self-care. Lizzie’s story highlights the power of persistence, self-awareness, and leaning on others during difficult times.


  • Name:
    • Lizzie F.
  • Age at Diagnosis:
    • 27
  • Diagnosis:
    • Thyroid cancer (papillary thyroid carcinoma)
  • Initial Symptoms:
    • No outright signs or symptoms; evaluation by new doctor found a nodule
  • Treatment:
    • Surgery (right thyroid lobectomy)

This interview has been edited for clarity. This is not medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider to make treatment decisions.


Thank you for sharing your story, Lizzie!

Inspired by Lizzie's story?

Share your story, too!


Related Cancer Stories

More Thyroid Cancer Stories

Carmen Y., Papillary Thyroid Cancer, Stage 1



Symptom: Swollen neck
Treatments: Thyroidectomy (entire removal of thyroid), radioactive iodine treatment
...

Jamie K., Papillary Thyroid Cancer, Stage 1



Symptoms: Difficulty swallowing, lump on neck

Treatments: Thyroidectomy (entire removal of thyroid), radioactive iodine treatment
...

Sarah J., Papillary Thyroid Cancer, Stage 1



Symptom: Enlarged thyroid
Treatments: Thyroidectomy (entire removal of thyroid), partial neck dissection, radioactive iodine treatment
...

Greg S., Metastatic Papillary Thyroid Cancer, Stage 2



Symptoms: Fatigue, lump in neck near Adam’s apple

Treatments: Thyroidectomy (entire removal of thyroid), radioactive iodine treatment
...

Jenna C., Metastatic Papillary Thyroid Cancer, Stage 2



Symptoms: Hoarse voice, painful talking, lump in neck

Treatments: Thyroidectomy (entire removal of thyroid), radioactive iodine treatment
...

Categories
CAR T-Cell Therapy Chemotherapy Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Patient Stories Radiation Therapy Treatments

Yiwei and Summer’s Stage 3 Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Story

Yiwei and Summer’s Stage 3 Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Story

Interviewed by: Nikki Murphy
Edited by: Chris Sanchez

In this father-daughter interview, Yiwei, a software engineer originally from China, shares his journey with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, from the initial symptoms to his recovery, alongside his daughter Summer. Yiwei describes how he first experienced severe itching and shortness of breath in early 2022, which led to a series of medical appointments. Despite initially suspecting an allergy, doctors ultimately discovered a large mass in his chest in July 2022. He was diagnosed with primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma (PMBCL).

Yiwei reacted calmly to the diagnosis, despite having being a healthy individual for over 20 years. His family, however, was shocked when they first learned of his cancer, particularly his daughter Summer, who recalls how the news interrupted a casual dinner outing. Summer, like her father, had initially thought he had contracted COVID-19, making the cancer diagnosis even more unexpected.

Yiwei underwent 6 rounds of chemotherapy followed by radiation, which he tolerated well, experiencing minimal side effects beyond hair loss. However, soon after completing his initial treatments in early 2023, his cancer relapsed, with tumors returning in his chest and appearing in his liver. This led to a second round of chemotherapy combined with CAR T-cell therapy. By August 2023, scans showed no evidence of cancer, and follow-up PET scans have continued to confirm his remission.

Summer highlights the long, complicated diagnosis process as a key reason for sharing their story on social media. Through her TikTok account, she raises awareness about the possible early signs of cancer, such as the persistent skin issues her father experienced, and the importance of advocating for one’s health. Her videos have connected with a broader community of cancer patients and survivors, helping others identify concerning symptoms and seek timely medical advice.

Yiwei further elaborates on CAR T-cell therapy, which uses the body’s own immune cells to fight cancer. He expresses admiration for this innovative treatment, noting its effectiveness in his case despite some potential side effects, including a temporary drop in his platelet count.

Both Yiwei and Summer emphasize the importance of mental strength during treatment. Yiwei advises others to stay calm and not to worry excessively, as stress can negatively impact recovery. Summer adds that loved ones can offer reassurance and practical help to support patients through their treatment. Together, they hope their story inspires others to stay vigilant about early symptoms and remain hopeful throughout their cancer journeys.


  • Name:
    • Yiwei T.
  • Age at Diagnosis:
    • 50
  • Diagnosis:
    • non-Hodgkin lymphoma (Primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma [PMBCL])
  • Staging:
    • Stage 3
  • Initial Symptoms:
    • Intense itching and rashes
    • Shortness of breath
    • Extreme fatigue
    • Elevated heart rate
    • Lower than normal blood oxygen levels
  • Treatment:
    • Chemotherapy
    • Radiation
    • CAR T-Cell Therapy

This interview has been edited for clarity. This is not medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider to make treatment decisions.


Thank you for sharing your story, Yiwei and Summer!

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Related Cancer Stories

More Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Stories

Arielle R., Primary Mediastinal (PMBCL)



1st Symptoms: Swollen neck lymph nodes, fever, appetite loss, weight loss, fatigue, night sweats, coughing, itchy skin, trouble breathing
Treatment: R-EPOCH (dose-adjusted) chemotherapy, 6 cycles

Keyla S., Primary Mediastinal (PMBCL), Stage 1



1st Symptoms: Bad cough, slight trouble breathing
Treatment: R-EPOCH (dose-adjusted) chemotherapy, 6 cycles

Donna S., Primary Mediastinal (PMBCL), Stage 1-2



1st Symptoms: Visible lump in center of throat, itchy legs, trouble swallowing
Treatment: R-EPOCH (dose-adjusted) chemotherapy, 6 cycles

Patrick M., Primary Mediastinal (PMBCL), Stage 2



1st Symptoms: Bump pushing up into sternum
Treatment: 6 cycles of DA-EPOCH-R (dose-adjusted) chemotherapy at 100+ hours each

Crystal Z., Primary Mediastinal (PMBCL), Stage 2



1st Symptoms: Chest pain
Treatment: 6 cycles of R-CHOP chemotherapy