Tag: folfox

Rachael’s Stage 4 Sigmoid Colon Cancer Story

Post author By Chris Sanchez
Post date January 13, 2025
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January 13, 2025

Rachael’s Stage 4 Sigmoid Colon Cancer Story

Rachael, a 34-year-old mother of three, shares her experience with stage 4 sigmoid colon cancer, which has spread to her ovaries and liver. Her journey began unexpectedly when she visited the emergency room due to severe stomach pain. After undergoing a CT scan, she was abruptly informed of her diagnosis, a moment that left her in disbelief and shock. Despite this, Rachael quickly shifted her focus to taking control of her treatment, scheduling procedures like a liver biopsy and partial colectomy. She underwent emergency surgery with the help of robotic technology, which included a total hysterectomy and the placement of a colostomy bag.

Interviewed by: Taylor Scheib
Edited by: Chris Sanchez

Rachael describes the difficult emotional decision to undergo a hysterectomy, knowing it meant she would no longer be able to have more children. However, she prioritized her health and the need to be there for her 3 children. She talks about her intense chemotherapy regimen, which was both physically and mentally challenging. One of her greatest fears was not being able to be the same mother to her children during this time, but with the support of family and friends, she was able to manage her treatments and maintain a sense of normalcy for her kids.

Rachael reflects on the strange and sudden symptoms she experienced before her diagnosis of sigmoid colon cancer, including the loss of taste, appetite, and intense stomach pain. She also recalls how her dog seemed to sense something was wrong, constantly staying close to her in the months leading up to her diagnosis.

Rachael expresses a determination to keep moving forward despite the numbness and emotional difficulty of the situation. After completing her chemotherapy, she now faces the uncertainty of whether her tumors will grow again. She is awaiting further scans and potential liver surgery as well as HIPEC treatments. While she feels anxious about the future, she remains resilient and has accepted that she cannot control everything. She now possesses a sense of peace and a more positive outlook on life.

Despite moments of frustration and asking, “Why me?”, Rachael has found strength in her acceptance of her condition. She is grateful for her family, friends, and support system, and continues to focus on spending quality time with her children, making the most of the present while preparing for any challenges that may lie ahead.

Name:
- Rachael M.
Age at Diagnosis:
- 33
Diagnosis:
- Colorectal cancer
Staging:
- Stage 4
Initial Symptoms:
- Loss of sense of taste and smell
- Loss of appetite and vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Bloating
- Headaches
- Fatigue
Treatment:
- Surgery (total hysterectomy, sigmoid colon removed, tumor removed in colon, stoma configuration, port placement)
- Chemotherapy

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, Rachael!

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Jennifer’s Stage 4 Colon Cancer Story

Jennifer was diagnosed with early onset colon cancer in 2017 (stage 3) at the age of 23, which progressed to stage 4 in 2020. Her diagnosis came after an iron deficiency flagged by her endocrinologist led to further testing and a colonoscopy revealing a 5 cm tumor. Before her diagnosis, she experienced scattered symptoms including weight loss, coughing, vomiting, sciatica pain, and persistent fatigue, which were initially attributed to depression, stress, and other conditions.

Interviewed by: Taylor Scheib
Edited by: Katrina Villareal

Treatment began with a colectomy in December 2017, followed by six months of FOLFOX chemotherapy. Despite an initial remission, Jennifer’s cancer returned in her lungs in 2020, discovered during post-stroke scans after a medical complication left her blind in one eye. Subsequent treatments included FOLFIRI chemotherapy, cetuximab immunotherapy, and two lung wedge resections to remove nodules.

Jennifer candidly discusses the challenges of navigating complex medical care that came with her early onset colon cancer diagnosis, including periods of insufficient oncology support, medical advocacy struggles, and emotional tolls. She credits her recovery to persistence, familial support, and pushing for surgeries against her oncologist’s preference for extended chemotherapy. A wake-up call from her health crises led her to improve her lifestyle, take control of her medical care, and stay deeply involved in her treatment plans.

Reflecting on her experiences, Jennifer emphasizes the importance of advocating for oneself, accepting past circumstances, and maintaining a focus on the present. Her message to others is clear: trust your medical team but actively participate in decisions, avoid panic over statistics, and focus on actionable steps toward treatment and recovery.

Name: Jennifer T.
Age at Diagnosis:
- 23
Diagnosis:
- Colon Cancer
Staging:
- Stage 3 (2017)
- Stage 4 (2020)
Symptoms:
- Weight loss
- Coughing
- Vomiting
- Sciatica pain
- Fatigue
Treatments:
- Surgeries: colectomy, lung wedge resection on both lungs
- Chemotherapy: FOLFOX, FOLFIRI
- Immunotherapy: cetuximab

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, Jennifer!

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Melissa’s Stage 4B Stomach Cancer Story

Post author By Chris Sanchez
Post date November 30, 2024
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November 30, 2024

Melissa’s Stage 4B Stomach Cancer Story

Interviewed by: Nikki Murphy
Edited by: Chris Sanchez

Melissa, a resident of Clarksville, TN, was diagnosed with stage 4b metastatic gastric adenocarcinoma, a form of stomach cancer, following a challenging diagnostic process that began in late 2021. After a mild case of COVID-19, she experienced persistent throat discomfort, but initial visits to specialists yielded no conclusive results. Doctors initially attributed her symptoms to acid reflux and anxiety. In September 2022, while vacationing in Mexico, Melissa experienced nausea and vomiting, but she dismissed it, believing it was a urinary tract infection.

Upon Melissa’s return home, her massage therapist noticed something unusual in her back, prompting her to seek further medical evaluation. A proactive primary care physician ordered an ultrasound, revealing gallstones, and Melissa underwent gallbladder surgery. Although she initially felt better, nausea returned, and an endoscopy revealed a paralyzed stomach and, ultimately, a mass near her esophagus. Biopsies confirmed that Melissa had invasive adenocarcinoma, a diagnosis that left her and her family in shock.

In December 2021, Melissa began chemotherapy and two trial immunotherapy drugs. Despite an initial prognosis that gave her less than a year to live, Melissa responded remarkably well to treatment. By April 2023, her scans showed no evidence of disease, an unexpected outcome given the aggressive nature of her cancer. She celebrated by ringing the cancer center’s bell, a significant milestone in her journey.

However, Melissa’s joy was short-lived. In early 2024, a small cancerous lymph node was detected, leading her to resume treatment with chemotherapy and a different immunotherapy drug. The side effects, including severe pain and weight gain, were intense, but she continued to fight. After several rounds of treatment, another scan showed no evidence of disease. Yet, in August 2024, her Pet scan revealed another recurrence, requiring further treatments. She likens her cancer battle to a game of “whack-a-mole.”

Despite the physical and emotional toll, Melissa remains resilient, supported by her medical team and faith. She credits her Christian doctors, who prayed with her before procedures, for their compassionate care. Now, Melissa continues treatment, grateful for her improved quality of life, and cherishing every day as a gift.

Name:
- Melissa W.
Diagnosis:
- Gastric adenocarcinoma (stomach cancer)
Staging:
- Stage 4b
Initial Symptoms:
- Feeling like something was in her throat
- Occasional nausea
- Acid reflux
- Occasional feeling of having boiling water in her stomach
- Soreness in the bottom of her ribcage
Treatment:
- Chemotherapy
- Immunotherapy

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, Melissa!

Inspired by Melissa's story?

Share your story, too!

By August, Casandra’s symptoms had worsened, and she contacted a specialist, leading to a referral to a gastrointestinal doctor. A colonoscopy revealed a concerning tumor, and within days, she was diagnosed with invasive adenocarcinoma, a common form of colon cancer, which had spread to her liver and lung. Given the advanced stage of the tumor, surgery wasn’t an immediate option, and her medical team recommended aggressive chemotherapy (FOLFOX) with the hope of shrinking the tumor enough for future surgical removal.

Casandra describes her emotional journey following the diagnosis as surreal. It hit her hardest when she informed her father, expressing her fears. Over the past month, she has struggled with fear and confusion, but has also found moments of peace, thanks to the support of friends, family, and the wider cancer community.

Regarding treatment, Casandra receives chemotherapy every 2 weeks, followed by a 48-hour home infusion via a pump. This treatment is taxing, with significant side effects such as nausea, fatigue, cold sensitivity, and muscle spasms. After noticing her hair thinning, she made the decision to shave her head, which brought her relief.

Mentally, Casandra acknowledges that previous therapy she underwent to improve her mental health has helped her cope with her cancer diagnosis. She emphasizes the importance of taking breaks from cancer and finding moments of joy with her family. She shares that her biggest support system has come from her family, particularly her husband and daughter, as well as from connecting with other cancer patients through social media.

Casandra offers advice to others, urging them to trust their bodies and find doctors they can talk to comfortably. She emphasizes the importance of early detection and sharing her story to help others avoid the same oversight. Despite the challenges that lie ahead of her, she remains hopeful, buoyed by her support system and her determination to fight for herself and her family.

Name:
- Casandra C.
Diagnosis:
- Colon cancer
Staging:
- Stage 4
Initial Symptoms:
- Rectal bleeding
- Extreme fatigue
- Severe loss in appetite
- Excessive pain in new areas
- Changes in bowel habits
Treatment:
- Chemotherapy (FOLFOX)