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Chemotherapy FLOT (fluorouracil, leucovorin, oxaliplatin, docetaxel) FOLFOX (folinic acid, fluorouracil, oxaliplatin) Gastrectomy Patient Stories Radiation Therapy Robotic distal gastrectomy Stomach Cancer Surgery Treatments Xeloda (capecitabine)

How Faith Sustains Maria Through Incurable Stage 4 Stomach Cancer

How Faith Sustains Maria Through Incurable Stage 4 Stomach Cancer

Maria’s life changed dramatically in 2021 when what she thought was a simple stomach issue turned out to be stage 4 stomach cancer. She was an energetic, vibrant former model and devoted mom, busy moving during the pandemic. Her initial symptom seemed minor, but rapid, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, and vomiting pushed her to seek urgent care. An emergency endoscopy revealed something far more serious.

Interviewed by: Nikki Murphy
Edited by: Katrina Villareal

From that shocking diagnosis onward, Maria faced the disease on multiple fronts — physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. She leaned deeply on her faith, her church community, and her close-knit family. Prayer became a daily anchor, not just for comfort but as a source of strength and hope. She joined her church’s prayer team, finding meaning in supporting others even as she navigated her illness.

Maria C. stage 4 stomach cancer

Physically, Maria stayed active even on her weakest days. She walked on a treadmill, sang, and did small acts that made her feel good because they reminded her she was still living. She embraced a healthier diet, adapted her routines, and refused to let cancer completely define her daily life.

Medically, Maria’s path was complex. After initial chemotherapy, she underwent laparoscopic surgery at Memorial Sloan Kettering, which removed the tumors blocking her digestion while preserving her stomach. For a time, things looked promising. But multiple recurrences brought more chemotherapy, changes in treatment, and targeted radiation. She sought second opinions at top cancer centers, navigated genetic testing, and made thoughtful decisions about her care, always emphasizing self-advocacy.

Spiritually, Maria experienced a transformation. Before her diagnosis, she wasn’t a particularly spiritual person, but cancer shifted her perspective. She says faith not only changed her outlook but also helped her body heal. She credits her medical team, prayer, and staying active for getting her to where she is now: living without current signs of active cancer, with only a small area of uncertainty that doctors are monitoring closely.

Maria is honest about the ongoing challenges, like fatigue, physical limitations, and the ever-present fear of recurrence. However, she emphasizes the importance of hope, gratitude, and the power of community. Her advice is to stay engaged in life, ask questions, and take an active role in your care. “Hope is what keeps us going,” she says, and her story proves it.

Watch Maria’s video to know more about her story:

  • Maria thought it was just an upset stomach until the endoscopy changed everything
  • Why staying active even on her weakest days became her lifeline
  • How faith transformed her cancer experience in ways she never imagined
  • The self-advocacy lessons Maria wants every patient to know
  • How prayer and worship gave her hope despite incurable stomach cancer

  • Name:
    • Maria C.
  • Age at Diagnosis:
    • 50
  • Diagnosis:
    • Stomach Cancer
  • Staging:
    • Stage 4
  • Symptoms:
    • Rapid weight loss
    • Fatigue
    • Inability to hold food down
  • Treatments:
    • Chemotherapy
    • Surgery: robotic distal gastrectomy
    • Radiation therapy
Maria C. stage 4 stomach cancer
Maria C. stage 4 stomach cancer
Maria C. stage 4 stomach cancer
Maria C. stage 4 stomach cancer
Maria C. stage 4 stomach cancer
Maria C. stage 4 stomach cancer
Maria C. stage 4 stomach cancer

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.


Maria C. stage 4 stomach cancer
Thank you for sharing your story, Maria!

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More Stomach Cancer Stories

Alyssa B. feature profile

Alyssa B., Stomach Cancer, Stage 4



Symptoms: Fatigue, elevated resting heart rate, heartburn, difficulty swallowing, weight loss
Treatments: Chemotherapy, surgery (gastrectomy & oophorectomy)
...

Brittany D., Stomach Cancer, Stage T1b



Symptoms: Choking suddenly while eating and attempting to speak, neck and right shoulder pain, neck tightness, trouble swallowing certain food items

Treatments: Surgeries (subtotal gastrectomy, D1 lymphadenectomy, gastric bypass)
...
Camilla C. stage 4 stomach cancer

Camilla C., Stomach Cancer, Stage 4



Symptoms: Issues swallowing, swollen gland in the neck

Treatments: Palliative chemotherapy was offered but declined, nutritional changes to support her comfort and energy, meditation and mindfulness practices, self-directed healing methods

...
Emily D. stage 4 stomach cancer

Emily D., Stomach Cancer (Gastric Adenocarcinoma), Stage 4



Symptoms: Persistent postpartum stomachache, early satiety, difficulty swallowing, vomiting

Treatments: Chemotherapy, immunotherapy

...
Maria C. stage 4 stomach cancer

Maria C., Stomach Cancer, Stage 4



Symptoms: Rapid weight loss, fatigue, inability to hold food down

Treatments: Chemotherapy, surgery (robotic distal gastrectomy), radiation therapy
...
Jeff S. feature profile

Jeff S., Stomach Cancer, Stage 4



Symptoms: None; found during the evaluation process for kidney donation
Treatments: Surgery (partial gastrectomy & nephrectomy), chemotherapy (oxaliplatin & capecitabine), radiation
...

Categories
Brachytherapy Cervical Cancer Chemotherapy External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT) Patient Stories Radiation Therapy Treatments

Faith, Strength, & Self-Care to Overcome Stage 3 Cervical Cancer

Michelle’s Story of Faith, Strength, and Self-Care to Overcome Stage 3 Cervical Cancer

Michelle’s story is one of resilience, faith, and self-care. Diagnosed with stage 3 cervical cancer in 2021, she faced uncertainty and fear but chose to believe in herself and trust in God. Before her diagnosis, Michelle suffered a stroke that temporarily took away her voice. As she recovered, she started experiencing heavy bleeding with blood clots and intense lower back pain. While her doctor initially thought it was pre-menopause, Michelle knew something was off. She pushed for further testing, which led to an abnormal pap smear and, ultimately, a cancer diagnosis.

Interviewed by: Nikki Murphy
Edited by: Katrina Villareal

Hearing she had stage 3 cervical cancer was overwhelming. Michelle recalls, “I didn’t realize how much I wanted to live until I heard I had cancer.” But from the start, her care team at Kaiser provided reassurance and a clear treatment plan. She underwent 25 rounds of external radiation, seven chemotherapy sessions, and three brachytherapy treatments. Though she expected chemo to be easy at first, the reality hit hard — nausea, exhaustion, and the mental weight of treatment became part of her daily life. Despite the physical toll, she found ways to uplift herself, marking down the days and focusing on the belief that this was temporary.

Michelle B. feature profile

Faith played a vital role in Michelle’s healing. She was deeply moved when her internal radiation doctor prayed with her, reinforcing her trust in God’s plan. Throughout her treatment, Michelle leaned into her spirituality, listening to Christian music, reading scripture, and watching uplifting podcasts to keep her spirits high. Her experience also deepened her understanding of self-care. Having dedicated much of her life to raising her daughter after her stroke and stage 3 cervical cancer experience, Michelle realized she needed to prioritize her well-being. She started taking vitamins, eating healthier, and focusing on her health in ways she never had before.

When her doctor called to say she was cancer-free, relief washed over her. Michelle compares the experience of having cancer to experiencing grief — while the world moves on, the emotional weight lingers. But through faith and inner strength, she found hope. Today, Michelle shares her experience on social media to support others newly diagnosed, letting them know that what they’re feeling is normal. She reminds others to believe in themselves and to reach out for support. Her message is clear: “You will get through this. You will come out stronger.”

Watch Michelle’s story and find out more about her experience:

  • How a stroke unexpectedly led to Michelle’s cervical cancer diagnosis
  • The surprising moment that deepened her faith during treatment
  • What no one told her about cervical cancer—and why she shares her story today
  • The hardest part of chemotherapy (hint: it wasn’t the first session!)
  • How she’s using social media to empower and support newly diagnosed patients

  • Name: Michelle B.
  • Age at Diagnosis:
    • 45
  • Diagnosis:
    • Cervical Cancer
  • Staging:
    • Stage 3
  • Symptoms:
    • Heavy bleeding with blood clots
    • Lower back pain
  • Treatments:
    • Radiation: external beam radiation therapy & brachytherapy
    • Chemotherapy
Michelle B.
Michelle B.

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.


Michelle B. feature profile
Thank you for sharing your story, Michelle!

Inspired by Michelle's story?

Share your story, too!


More Cervical Cancer Stories

Willow B.

Willow B., Pelvic Cancer, Grade 1, Stage 2.5



Symptoms: Persistent fever-like chills, scratchy throat, fatigue, post-orgasm pain, heavy bleeding, severe cramping
Treatments: Surgery (radical hysterectomy), radiation, chemotherapy, hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
...

Samantha R., Adenocarcinoma Cervical Cancer, Early Stage



Symptoms: Irregular bleeding, pain

Treatments: Surgery (radical hysterectomy, pelvic exenteration), chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone replacement therapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy
...
Amanda L.

Amanda L., Cervical Cancer, Stage 3



Symptoms: Heavy periods, abnormal bleeding, large blood clots, severe cramping, severe abdominal pain, pain radiating down the left leg, loss of mobility in the left leg, loss of appetite, fatigue

Treatments: Chemotherapy, radiation therapy (external beam radiation therapy & brachytherapy)

...
Mila smiling in her car

Mila L., Squamous Cell Cervical Cancer, Stage 1B1



Symptoms: Abnormal lump in cervix area, bleeding after sex
Treatments: Chemotherapy (cisplatin), radiation, adjuvant chemotherapy (carboplatin & paclitaxel
...
McKenzie E. feature profile

McKenzie E., Cervical Cancer, Stage 3C2



Symptoms: Severe abdominal & back cramping, persistent & extreme pain, heavy discharge & bleeding

Treatments: Radiation, chemotherapy (cisplatin), brachytherapy, immunotherapy (Keytruda)
...
Marissa

Marissa N., Squamous Cell Cervical Cancer, Stage 3B



Symptom: Excessive and prolonged vaginal bleeding

Treatments: Chemotherapy (cisplatin), radiation, brachytherapy
...

Leanne B., Cervical Cancer, Stage 4



Symptoms: Fatigue, irregular periods, pain after sex

Treatments: Radiotherapy, brachytherapy, chemotherapy (carboplatin & paclitaxel)/p>
...
Kristine

Kristine M., Adenocarcinoma Cervical Cancer, Stage 2B



Symptom: Tumor found during postpartum pap smear

Treatments: Colposcopy with endocervical curettage, cone biopsy, total abdominal radical open hysterectomy with lymph node removal
...
Kate R. feature profile

Kate R., Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Unknown Primary Origin, Stage 3C



Symptoms: Intermittent spotting during or after sex, unpredictable menstrual cycle, abdominal pain particularly under the rib cage
Treatments: Chemotherapy (cisplatin & paclitaxel), immunotherapy (Keytruda), surgery (total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy & omentectomy)
...

Categories
Colorectal Patient Stories Surgery Treatments

Rashawn’s Stage 1 Colorectal Cancer Story

Rashawn’s Stage 1 Colorectal Cancer Story

Rashawn, a mother of 4 from Augusta, GA, is a 10-year stage 1 colorectal cancer survivor who celebrates her journey to health each year on April 28. Despite initial struggles, she maintains a 4.0 GPA while pursuing middle grade education after years away from school.

Interviewed by: Taylor Scheib
Edited by: Chris Sanchez

Rashawn’s cancer story began in 2014, when persistent fatigue and blood in her stool led her to seek medical attention. A colonoscopy revealed a golf-ball-sized mass in her colon, which was later confirmed as cancer. Determined to attend her son’s graduation, Rashawn underwent surgery within weeks, during which doctors removed a significant portion of her colon as well as a large number of lymph nodes. Recovery was challenging but marked by resilience, with support from her family.

Rashawn faced emotional and mental challenges post-diagnosis of stage 1 colorectal cancer, including confusion, fear, anger, being diagnosed with a different kind of cancer, and a lack of readily available resources for colon cancer patients. The absence of support groups and tailored education at the time left her feeling isolated. Over time, she developed strength through self-advocacy, faith, and a desire to help others. Rashawn emphasizes the importance of knowing one’s body and seeking prompt medical attention when something feels off, as delayed action can have severe consequences.

Today, Rashawn continues to manage her health vigilantly, undergoing regular screenings and addressing any concerns immediately. She attributes her survival to her proactive approach and strong support system, which included her mother, a breast cancer survivor, and her extended family. Despite lingering anxiety about recurrence, Rashawn finds purpose in sharing her story to raise awareness about colon cancer and empower others to prioritize their health.

Rashawn’s recovery journey also involved adapting to physical changes, such as altered taste buds and dietary habits. While challenges linger, she finds joy in helping others and living a life of gratitude. Rashawn practices her faith daily, expressing thanks and paying her blessings forward by assisting others. Her transformation into her best self over the last decade exemplifies resilience, faith, and purpose.

Rashawn advises others to trust their instincts, know their bodies, and seek timely medical care. By doing so, she believes more lives can be saved, and individuals can live fuller lives despite adversity.


  • Name:
    • Rashawn M.
  • Diagnosis:
    • Colorectal cancer
  • Staging:
    • Stage 1
  • Age at Diagnosis:
    • 37
  • Initial Symptoms:
    • Extreme fatigue
    • Blood in stool
  • Treatment:
    • Surgery

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.


Thank you for sharing your story, Rashawn!

Inspired by Rashawn's story?

Share your story, too!


Related Cancer Stories

More Colorectal Cancer Stories
Monica D. feature profile

Monica D., Colorectal Cancer, Stage 1



Symptoms: None; caught at a routine colonoscopy
Treatment: Surgery (low anterior resection with temporary diverting ileostomy)

Edie H. feature profile

Edie H., Colorectal Cancer, Stage 3B



Symptom: Chronic constipation

Treatments: Chemotherapy, radiation, surgeries (lower anterior resection & temporary ileostomy)
Shayla L. feature profile

Shayla L., Colorectal Cancer, Stage 4



Symptoms: Stomach sensitivity, food intolerances, exhaustion, blood in stool
Treatments: Chemotherapy, surgery (hepatectomy)
Tracy R. feature profile

Tracy R., Colorectal Cancer, Stage 2B



Symptoms: Bloating and inflammation, heaviness in the rectum, intermittent rectal bleeding, fatigue
Treatments: Chemotherapy, radiation, surgery
Paula C. feature profile

Paula C., Colorectal Cancer, Stage 3



Symptoms: Painful gas, irregular bowel movements, blood in stool, anemia, severe pain, weight loss, fainting spells
Treatment: Surgery (tumor resection)
Nick S. feature profile

Nick S., Colorectal Cancer, Stage 4A



Symptoms: Change in bowel habits, size & consistency, blood in stool, abdominal pain, fatigue
Treatments: Surgery (sigmoid colectomy), chemotherapy (capecitabine, oxaliplatin), immunotherapy (bevacizumab, pembrolizumab)