Tag: early onset CRC

Maddee’s Stage 2 Colon Cancer Story

Post author By Katrina Villareal
Post date October 4, 2024
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October 4, 2024

Maddee’s Stage 2 Colon Cancer Story

Interviewed by: Taylor Scheib
Edited by: Katrina Villareal

Maddee was diagnosed with stage 2 colon cancer in February 2023, following months of unusual symptoms that she initially attributed to other causes. She began experiencing significant fatigue and intermittent abdominal pain in December 2022, which she dismissed due to her active lifestyle. The symptoms escalated, including a burning sensation in her stomach, dizziness, and shortness of breath. Despite seeking medical advice, her condition was not immediately diagnosed, as initial assessments from urgent care and her gynecologist did not reveal the underlying issue.

The turning point came when a naturopath, who was evaluating her hormone levels, discovered she was severely anemic and suspected a slow internal bleed. This led to an expedited colonoscopy in February 2023, where a large tumor was discovered, too big for the scope to navigate. The doctor suspected Lynch syndrome, a genetic condition associated with a higher risk of colon cancer, especially given Madeline’s family history—her father had passed away from pancreatic cancer at the age of 47. Subsequent tests confirmed the presence of the tumor but fortunately showed that the cancer had not spread beyond the colon.

Surgery was scheduled quickly, during which about a foot of Maddee’s colon and 40 lymph nodes were removed. The procedure, though more invasive than initially expected due to the tumor’s size, was successful. Post-surgery, Maddee’s recovery was challenging, involving significant pain and the need for a blood transfusion. Despite some setbacks, including a slow return to physical activity, her resilience and proactive attitude helped her navigate these difficulties.

Maddee chose not to undergo chemotherapy, a decision influenced by her desire to avoid the side effects and protect her reproductive health. Her oncologist supported her choice, given that the cancer had not spread to her lymph nodes. She remains vigilant, undergoing regular blood tests and scans to monitor her health, and is aware of the potential for cancer recurrence due to her Lynch syndrome diagnosis.

Mentally, the experience has been taxing, and Maddee has relied on therapy to help manage the stress and anxiety associated with her diagnosis and recovery. She emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy, listening to one’s body, and enjoying life despite the uncertainties that come with a cancer diagnosis. Participating in clinical trials, Madeline hopes her experience will contribute to better understanding and treatments for younger colon cancer patients.

Name: Maddee M.
Age at Diagnosis:
- 35
Diagnosis:
- Colon Cancer
Staging:
- Stage 2 (borderline stage 3)
Symptoms:
- Severe fatigue
- Burning sensation in the stomach
- Intermittent lower right abdominal pain
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty walking up inclines
- Anemia
Treatment:
- Surgery: hemicolectomy & lymphadenectomy

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, Maddee!

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Jessenia’s Stage 3 Rectal Cancer Story

Post author By Chris Sanchez
Post date September 27, 2024
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September 27, 2024

Jessenia’s Stage 3 Rectal Cancer Story

Interviewed by: Taylor Scheib
Edited by: Chris Sanchez

Jessenia, a 35-year-old mother from New Jersey, shares her emotional journey of being diagnosed with and treated for stage 3 rectal cancer, a type of colorectal cancer.

Jessenia’s story begins when she was pregnant with her son. One day, after noticing blood after using the toilet, she went for a checkup and the doctor initially diagnosed her with hemorrhoids. However, persistent pain and symptoms led her to seek further medical help, culminating in a visit to the ER. Although an unempathetic doctor brushed her off, she was eventually diagnosed with rectal cancer.

Jessenia describes her shock at the diagnosis and the fear that followed, especially as she had recently lost a loved one to cancer. Despite these fears, she leaned on the support of her husband, who never left her side through the grueling treatment process, which included 6 weeks of radiation and oral chemotherapy. The treatment left her physically weakened, causing her to drop a considerable amount of weight and experience severe side effects like nausea.

Faced with the possibility of living with a colostomy bag for life, Jessenia initially resisted surgery, opting instead for aggressive chemotherapy and radiation. Unfortunately, the tumor only shrank slightly, and surgery became necessary. She ultimately had a temporary colostomy bag and struggled emotionally with this new reality. Despite her discomfort and initial reluctance to manage the bag, her husband stepped up, learning how to care for it and providing her with unwavering support.

Throughout her journey, Jessenia dealt with physical and emotional pain, from dealing with the side effects of her treatments to undergoing a full hysterectomy to reduce the risk of the cancer spreading. The loss of her reproductive organs was difficult to accept, especially as she only had one child. However, she and her husband made peace with the situation, focusing on their love for their son.

Jessenia learned to adapt, even eventually embrace life with her temporary colostomy bag, and resumed her daily activities. She reflects on her experience, offering advice to others facing health challenges: accept your situation, stay positive, and avoid stress. Her strength and determination helped her through the darkest times, and she emphasizes the importance of advocating for oneself in the healthcare system.

In the end, Jessenia shares her realization that one should live one’s life fully, regardless of one’s circumstances. She traveled and made memories throughout her cancer journey, determined to spread awareness and inspire others to get checked for symptoms. Her message is clear: don’t let fear stop you from living, and always seek help when something feels wrong.

Name:
- Jessenia L.
Age at Diagnosis:
- 35
Diagnosis:
- Rectal cancer
Staging:
- Stage 3
Initial Symptoms:
- Constipation
- Bloatedness
- Bleeding after using the toilet
Treatment:
- Chemotherapy (including oral chemotherapy)
- Surgery (full hysterectomy)
- Radiation

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, Jessenia!

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In 2021, Lauren began experiencing stomach pains and noticed blood in her stool. Following a colonoscopy, she was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer after doctors discovered a cancerous lymph node. She underwent surgery and chemotherapy but struggled with side effects. Lauren also began to explore alternative treatments like high-dose intravenous vitamin C and fasting, inspired by research on treating KRAS mutation cancers, which are known to be particularly aggressive and difficult to treat.

In 2022, after experiencing further stomach pain, a PET scan revealed that the cancer had spread to Lauren’s abdominal lining and spine. Her oncologist gave her a terminal prognosis, estimating that she had around 10 months left to live. Desperate, Lauren intensified her vitamin C treatments, fasting, and other therapies. Remarkably, by December of that year, her PET scan showed no evidence of disease, although her doctor cautioned her to remain vigilant.

Lauren’s journey took another turn when a biopsy revealed that her spinal cancer was not colon cancer but a recurrence of her breast cancer, which had resurfaced and spread while her immune system was weakened. Although she has had to deal with recurring spots of cancer in her spine, Lauren has successfully managed her colon cancer, with her tumor markers remaining low. She credits her alternative treatments, alongside traditional therapies, for keeping her cancer at bay.

Now, Lauren undergoes PET scans every 3 months to monitor her condition. While managing cancer has become part of her daily life, especially with gastrointestinal side effects from her colon surgery, she remains proactive in her treatment and hopeful for the future. Despite the challenges, Lauren emphasizes the importance of staying informed, advocating for oneself, and maintaining hope, especially for those dealing with KRAS mutation cancers.

Name:
- Lauren B.
Age at Diagnosis:
- 31
Diagnosis:
- Breast cancer
- Colon cancer
Staging:
- Stage 4 for both
Initial Symptoms:
- Lump in left breast that grew
- Strange appearance of nipple
Treatment:
- Surgery (radical left mastectomy, lymph node removal; removal of part of colon and appendix)
- Chemotherapy (Doxorubicin and Taxol; Oxaliplatin and Xeloda)
- Radiation therapy
- Hormone therapy
- Complementary treatments (fasting, high-dose intravenous Vitamin C)

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, Lauren!

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Through it all, Tracy wrestled with feelings of shame and guilt, questioning whether her past choices led to her diagnosis. However, she ultimately embraced her situation, using it as an opportunity to advocate for self-awareness and early detection, particularly through colonoscopies. Tracy’s message is clear: listen to your body, advocate for your health, and turn pain into purpose by helping others.

Name: Tracy R.
Age at Diagnosis:
- 41
Diagnosis:
- Colorectal Cancer
Staging:
- Stage 2B
Symptoms:
- Bloating and inflammation
- Heaviness in the rectum
- Intermittent rectal bleeding
- Fatigue
Treatments:
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation
- Surgery