Hannah, 32, from Madison, WI, shares her experience after being diagnosed with stage 4 appendix cancer (mucinous adenocarcinoma of the appendix) at the age of 30.

Hannah’s story begins in 2014 or 2015, when she first experienced symptoms such as pelvic cramping and bloating. Over time, her symptoms worsened, leading to more frequent UTIs and alarming signs like blood in her urine by 2022. Despite these symptoms, doctors initially dismissed her concerns, attributing her issues to common health problems or “white coat syndrome.” It wasn’t until December 2022, when her blood pressure spiked significantly, that a trip to urgent care led to a CT scan. It revealed a mass on her appendix, which doctors suspected was cancer.

Hannah describes the emotional toll of waiting for a diagnosis, especially the fear and uncertainty that followed the news that her cancer had likely spread. In late December, she received the devastating diagnosis of stage 4 appendix cancer with signet cell ring features, a rare and aggressive form. After an underwhelming and confusing initial consultation with her doctors, she and her husband sought a second opinion at Mayo Clinic, where a specialist provided a clearer plan of action and more promising news. Although her cancer was high grade, only 50% of it showed the signet cell features, which gave her hope.

Hannah’s treatment plan included 5 rounds of chemotherapy before undergoing a complex 12-hour surgery in April 2023. The surgery involved removing several organs, including her ovaries and uterus, as well as parts of her colon and ureter. This news was particularly hard to process, as it meant the end of her hopes for having biological children. She also had to deal with various physical challenges during recovery, such as learning to digest food again, managing pain, and dealing with temporary tubes and a catheter.

Despite the overwhelming circumstances, Hannah continued to push herself, slowly regaining strength with the support of her husband and sister. She also found solace in connecting with others through appendix cancer support groups, which helped her cope with the isolating nature of her rare diagnosis. Genetic testing confirmed that her cancer wasn’t hereditary, and a follow-up test after surgery indicated she was cancer-free at that time.

However, in early 2024, doctors detected a small spot on her lung, which they suspected was a recurrence of the cancer. She underwent 5 rounds of radiation, which she described as the easiest part of her treatment. Though her recent scans suggest another recurrence, Hannah remains focused on living fully, cherishing her relationships, and advocating for herself in the medical system.

Hannah’s key message to others facing similar health challenges is the importance of self-advocacy, seeking second opinions, and doing thorough research.