Casandra, from Huntsville, UT, was recently diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer that has spread to her liver and lung. She shares her story, starting with how she initially noticed rectal bleeding and pain in 2018, which she attributed to hemorrhoids. As time passed, she underwent gastric sleeve surgery and saw an improvement in her health, particularly due to her battle with interstitial cystitis of the bladder. However, by early 2024, she began to experience extreme fatigue and bowel irregularities, which she continued to ignore, thinking it was related to her chronic illness.

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.