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 involving the drug FOLFOX, 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 (FOLFOX)

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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October 25, 2024

Jessica’s Stage 4 BRAF Mutation Colon Cancer Story

Interviewed by: Taylor Scheib
Edited by: Katrina Villareal

Jessica was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer at 26. Four months before her diagnosis, she began experiencing intense episodes of stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting, which would last for 48 hours. She initially thought she had a gluten intolerance and visited emergency doctors several times. They misdiagnosed her with gastroenteritis and prescribed ineffective medication

Frustrated by the recurring symptoms, Jessica pushed for blood tests, suspecting something more serious. During a particularly severe episode of stomach cramps, she called an ambulance and was taken to the hospital. Blood tests revealed that she was severely anemic, requiring multiple blood transfusions. A subsequent CT scan suggested the presence of a tumor in her colon. Despite some reluctance from doctors to comment on the findings, a colonoscopy confirmed the diagnosis.

Jessica described the colonoscopy as a traumatic experience since she was awake during the procedure and could sense something was wrong. Afterward, she was told she had a tumor blocking part of her colon, causing her digestive issues. Although it wasn’t immediately confirmed as cancerous, Jessica underwent surgery to remove half of her colon (a hemicolectomy), during which 36 lymph nodes were tested. The results showed that the cancer had spread, confirming stage 4 colon cancer.

Jessica faced a roller coaster of emotions when told she had the BRAF genetic mutation, which is resistant to chemotherapy. However, a post-surgical PET scan revealed no remaining cancer in her body, which was a miracle. Despite the initial bleak prognosis, she completed six months of chemotherapy and has been in remission since November 2022.

Throughout chemotherapy, Jessica experienced manageable side effects, including fatigue and neuropathy. Mentally, she remained optimistic, having come to terms with living a fulfilling life regardless of her prognosis. Her treatment gave her a new perspective on life, changing her outlook on relationships and personal boundaries. She acknowledged grieving her old self but ultimately embraced her transformed identity.

Jessica’s message to others is that they are stronger than they realize. She encourages people to see difficult experiences as temporary and reminds them that life can look vastly different in a year, offering opportunities for growth and new perspectives.

Name: Jessica T.
Diagnosis:
- Colon Cancer
Staging:
- Stage 4
Mutation:
- BRAF
Symptoms:
- Severe stomach cramps
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Anemia (discovered later)
Treatments:
- Surgery: hemicolectomy (removal of half the colon)
- Chemotherapy