Colon Cancer Survivor: "I Didn't Think I Had Symptoms, Diagnosed Stage 3B" | Shelley's Story

I’m a 2 times stage 4 colon cancer survivor

I had a similar experience in July of last year (2023). I thought I was having an appendicitis attack. I am a fairly healthy 77 year old. I don't have to go to the Dr's often at all. So I went to the ER and told them I thought I was having an appendicitis attack. The Dr said she would have to do a CT to verify that. What I did not know is that the blood that was drawn had already given my Dr the feeling I was experiencing more the an appendicitis attack. After all of the test were ran I was diagnosed with a transverse colon tumor that was cancer. I was admitted to the hospital, because the tumor was so large it was close to blocking my transverse colon. I had no previous warning, and no family history of cancer either. So it came as a shock to me and my family also. I had a good hospital, great doctors, and the special operating equipment ( Da Vinci surgical system). My surgeon removed the transcolon and by all intents and purposes they felt I was cancer free. Not as dramatic as Shelley's, but it affected the family in the same way. I am eternally grateful for the support system the hospital, doctors, and family gave me. I am still seeing my three doctors, but have not had to take chemo, or radiation. So far so good

One thing you MUST do if a doctor brushes you off - if a doctor refuses to do a test, exam, bloodwork, scan, etc. when you request one make sure you INSIST (don't ask) that it is noted in your medical chart that the doctor is refusing to do what you request. Why do this? Doctors know if this is documented it will look bad if they get sued for medical malpractice and this sometimes works to make them give you the test you request. What if they refuse to notate it? 1. Send a message through your online patient portal confirming your visit and re-iterating in writing your concerns and that you requested a test that your Dr. refused to do. 2. Get a new Dr. and make sure during your FIRST visit you make sure to find out if this doctor is respectful and a fierce advocate for their patients.

Self advocacy is very important. My first primary care doctor said I had to see a psychiatrist for my issues. My second primary care discovered the anemia, but she told me I didn't need to know the cause because I could just stay on iron the rest of my life. If I'd listened to those two bozos, I'd be dead from stage 3 colon cancer. Surgery was very delayed, but the real doctors knew right away what I was dealing with and my cancer team saved my life. I also went through four layers of skin on my feet and my large toenail just lifted from the bed. Amazing.

I appreciate her sharing her story, especially since it seemed so difficult for her to talk about, and so glad she recovered from her difficult journey and it is difficult. I’d like to say if you are stage 4 you can be staged before surgery. I was diagnosed with stage 4 colorectal cancer and knew within a day. I did chemo and radiation first before the colectomy surgery to obtain clear enough margins so that my ileostomy bag was temporary because my surgeon was able to keep my rectum intact. Cancer had metastasized significantly in my liver and I was not eligible for a liver ablation so I had to have the right lobe of my liver removed, gallbladder and 27 lymph nodes removed. I took oral chemo, and did not lose my hair it stayed long and thick. I’ve been NED from stage 4 colorectal cancer for 7 years but now dealing with stage 4 non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and now have a port. She is right it is so important to learn enough to be your own advocate to help decide your own treatments and recovery. I also had severe hand and foot syndrome from my oral chemo Xeloda where I couldn’t walk or use my hands so the dosage was lowered and the hand and foot syndrome went away. Oral chemo worked fine to help eliminate my stage 4 colorectal cancer. I wish her the best. Thanks for having these stories.

I think Shelley Brown has the most laid back and positive aspect on her experience I have come across. Her attitude and character is full of sunshine.⭐

I really appreciate what Shelly Brown said, and I appreciate The Patient Story. Thank you, Stephanie.

Would like to know where she got her information from when she found out that the chemo drug they were giving her hasn’t been proven effective in her type of cancer. Amazing self-advocacy work, so glad you managed to find the right oncologist for you.

My husband was just diagnosed with Rectal cancer and I’m watching everything I can. He meets with the surgeon tomorrow morning. So our journey is just beginning. Thank you for this video. Answered a lot of my questions. Continued good health to you. It’s so sad that my husband isn’t acting worried about himself, he’s worried about paying our bills because he is the primary breadwinner! So there’s that too to worry about!!!!

It would have helped others to know what the exact gene defect was and what the testing was.. Bless you all for sharing.

Taking the colonoscopy prep was helped by using a straw, adding Crystal lite or pineapple juice for flavoring, taking it extra slow (but steady), and especially keeping the liquid (even the glasses) really cold and chilled in the fridge. This made my second time easier than the first time I did it. T

Brave and strong woman...thank you for your story..godspeed.

Thank you for sharing this story. Good information and I really appreciate her being willing to discuss all aspects of her experience. Respect.

Wow! A very powerful story and so helpful for anyone dealing with this or helping someone who is. Thank you for sharing all of your story! I truly loved the information on going into surgery with positive affirmations and visions.. loved it. All of your advice was helpful.

Shelley, I’ve been watching patient stories but yours is so powerful to me. Maybe it’s because you are so honest about your experience… you have a way of wording things in a way that speaks to me. I wish my Dad would come to the same realizations as you’ve come to… What you’ve said in this video has moved me to be more supportive of him. You said just the little things matter. And I was doubting that and fearing maybe nothing I could do would matter for him, so I’ve started giving up. But I will not give up. I won’t force anything on him (I like how you tell us about your experience pushing your family and loved ones away, because I see my Dad doing this too—but this video gives me the understanding that he still needs our support, even if he doesn’t want it. I think it will be easier for him to accept it if I switch gears and I will avoid putting too much pressure on him to respond in any way. I don’t want him to worry about being a “burden”… so I will just focus on little things. I got him a really funny Christmas gift and hope to give it to him soon. Thank you Shelley for giving me the ability to understand and support him better. I’m bookmarking your story so I can come back to it again later. Wishing you the peace and comfort as much as possible. ❤

Such great questions and bedside manner by interviewer! Such an important channel. I’ve bookmarked I’d will revisit and recommend to others. I’m not subscribing as I don’t know how that all works and having had cancer twice decades ago now in my elder years I know so much more and this channel is the first I’ve seen that covers most important key points so often lacking from all others I’ve seen; true of the 4-5 videos I’ve watched this video. Thank you!

God bless you Shelley! Thank you for sharing your story!

Thank you for this great interview to the 2 of you. I sympathize, empathize and relate to every word that was said because my story is very similar. It is hard to retell your story without a mix of emotions and you are being careful with words because you know this will impact many people, so I understand the slower delivery. I just had my surgery and it is a slow recovery for me as I have 4 little ones to care for. It’s not easy emotionally, mentally and physically. Thank you for reminding me to be patient, take it one day at a time, accept help and make sure to have a support system around.

Thank you so much. I am just about to start my journey with colon cancer and your story sure is inspiring and helpful. Best wishes ❤

Ultimately we all need divine intervention! Can she share the location and name of the oncologist that she switched to and helped her in the end?