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Ashlen Thought Stage 2 Melanoma Was Behind Her, Until It Returned as Stage 4 Six Years Later
Ashlen P., Melanoma, Stage 4 (Metastatic) Symptoms: Appearance of a large mole on the arm; intense headache, weakness on the left side of the body Treatments: Surgeries (wide local excision, surgical reclosure after the incision reopened, craniotomy), radiation therapy, dual immunotherapy
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How a Rare Genetic Disorder Finally Explained Angela’s Colon Cancer and Small Bowel Cancers
Angela F., Colon Cancer and Small Bowel Cancer Symptoms: Colon Cancer: None; found through routine bloodwork and a stool test; Small Bowel Cancer: coughing up blood, recurring heart palpitations Treatments: Surgeries (total proctocolectomy, temporary ileostomy, ileostomy reversal, hysterectomy, small bowel tumor resection), immunotherapy (pembrolizumab)
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Amanda’s Rare Genetic Condition, Li-Fraumeni Syndrome, Led to Breast Cancer and Osteosarcoma Back to Back
Amanda R., Breast Cancer (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ or DCIS) and Osteosarcoma, TP53 (Li-Fraumeni Syndrome) Symptoms: breast cancer: breast lump, nipple discharge, nipple sore and chafing; osteosarcoma: jaw pain, swollen cheek Treatments: breast cancer: surgery (double mastectomy), chemotherapy; osteosarcoma: chemotherapy, surgery (maxillectomy: jaw surgery with skin graft and prosthetic plate)
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“It’s Just Constipation” Turned Out to Be Stage 2 Small Bowel Cancer
John R., Small Bowel Cancer, Stage 2 (High-Risk), SMAD4 Mutation Symptoms: Severe abdominal pain, especially after eating, vomiting, significant weight loss (about 40 pounds), inability to tolerate solid food, requiring a liquid-only diet Treatments: Surgeries (small bowel resection, lymphadenectomy), chemotherapy (CAPOX)
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Having ROS1 Mutation: Ashley’s Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Story
Ashley H., Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, Stage 1, ROS1+ Symptom: No lung cancer-specific symptoms; sudden appearance of lump on chest wall Treatment: Surgery (lobectomy)
