I Thought It Was MENOPAUSE! - Kelly | Colon Cancer | The Patient Story
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- Опубліковано 31 тра 2024
- Kelly started to notice blood in her stool just before her 50th birthday. She thought maybe it was menopause. At that point, the colonoscopy screening age had just changed to 45. Kelly kept getting dismissed as she struggled to find a doctor who would take her symptoms seriously. It was to the point where she was even dismissing the symptoms herself, again thinking it might be menopause.
She started to experience more frequent blood in her stool as well as cramping and bloating though, and finally, she found a doctor willing to rule out everything and anything.
A CT scan revealed a large mass in her sigmoid colon. After further testing with a colonoscopy, they discovered it had been a slow growing polyp for about 5-10 years. Kelly was then diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer. Soon after, she would undergo major surgery to remove the tumor as well as 12 rounds of chemotherapy.
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[Video Chapters]
00:00 Who I am
01:05 My first symptoms
02:36 I was dismissed multiple times
03:33 I wasn’t feeling heard!
04:38 They found a large tumor in my sigmoid colon
06:00 Getting prepared for surgery to move the tumor
07:24 Surgery didn’t go well
08:40 Finding an oncologist
10:04 Deciding to do chemotherapy
12:12 Colon cancer chemotherapy
13:15 Side effects of my chemotherapy
14:20 It’s super important to advocate for yourself!
15:38 My life has changed
16:41 My biggest advice
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The interview has only been edited for clarity. The interview has only been edited for clarity.
I Thought It Was MENOPAUSE! - Kelly | Colon Cancer | The Patient Story
• I Thought It Was MENOP...
I am grateful for these patients who have disclosed their experiences with cancer. They are actually saving people's lives by doing so.
Absolutely !!
This is so true wonderful people I'm having same issues but was told it was something else but I'm not so sure e wrong on here with the same issues I have have cancer
Yes🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻
Yes, absolutely. Nobody wants to get a colonoscopy but it’s such an amazing diagnostic.
Perfectly said. Thank you for sharing your stories with us. Never forget how much you have helped us.
Why wouldn't they jump to do a colonoscopy for a person at age 50 who has bleeding? Health care is so inconsistent.
Medical care has gone sideways since Obamacare was implemented! It’s so difficult to get testing done in many areas of our country now.
@@carlenekingery8860 Absolutely nothing to do with Obamacare. The issue is private insurance supplanting doctors. Insurance companies routinely deny access to diagnostic testing in this country even when doctors order it. Bureaucrats are literally making medical decisions instead of doctors. My daughter got injured in gymnastics 8 months ago. Her doctor ordered an mri after months of pt not working. Insurance refused. Insurance companies are holding healthcare hostage. Obamacare is an attempt to minimize the power insurance wields, and unfortunately, Republicans are so blindly partisan they can’t see the forest for the trees.
@carlenekingery8860 I have had no trouble getting medical tests done since 'Obamacare'.
@@karenh2890 Same here
@@carlenekingery8860Same here in the UK where our once amazing NHS free care for all was once so revered.
I’m sending you much love and hugs from England sweetheart ❤xx
Jesus please heal this beautiful woman and give her many more happy years.
Amen in agreement in Jesus mighty name 🎚️🕊️
Amen
Science heals people. Just saying.
🙏🙏Amen!
In 2001 I was told by more than one doctor I had 18 months to live colon rectal cancer had spread to liver
This is 2024 I'm still here gavin GOD the Glory and honor
There's power in prayer
Amen! I have stage 3 prostate cancer people like you give me strength.
Heavenly father we thank you lord for the strength that comes by knowing you are our hope
We gave you Glory for honor for healing taking place all over this world people we know and people we Don't know
Thank you lord for all you do for our and most of all loving us in Jesus name Amen
Praise be to The King!! Glory to the Lord!! 🙏🙏🙏 praying for all of you!!!
Power in medicine and science too
At 65 years I too was diognozed with stage 3 colon cancer. I believe in God and I know He is able. I need your prayers. Thanks.
I’m glad for you and your loved ones that you’re doing chemo. When I was 51 and in treatment for stage I breast cancer, I told the hospital social worker leading our adjuvant treatment support group that I’m 51 so I’ve already lived a long time. She scoffed at this, saying, “You have thirty more years ahead of you.” I had never hesitated about having chemo, btw. Now I’m almost 76. I wish you decades more of living.
You have a long way to go too at 76. ❤
Vids like these made me get a colonoscopy at 55.
I did, they found a 1/2” polyp (benign).
Snip, gone, good.
Had another checkup at 58; all clear.
To anybody reading this, PLEASE schedule your colonoscopy today. My doctor never pushed me to get one (she should have). I had no family history and no symptoms but got a positive FOBT so finally had a colonoscopy in Feb. They found a cancerous mass, I had surgery, it has spread to lymph nodes so I'm Stage 3B and will start chemo soon. I wish more people realized that colonoscopies not only DETECT cancer, but they can PREVENT it by removing small polyps before they turn cancerous. I'm gonna spend the rest of my life, however long or short it may be, urging people to get colonoscopies! Good luck and be safe, everyone.
You should not wait for them to call you. Continuous blood in the stool is NOT normal no matter what they say. So many people get ignored and doctors say its not cancer but do they know for sure? They should always order a test because it is better to be safe than sorry. Sorry that you have to go through all of this.
This lady is truly a force to be reckoned with!
What an inspiring attitude she has.
Here's hoping for the best possible outcome for her.
Tfs
I totally agree , amazing lady ! Her outcome I'm hoping is good .x
I'm so sorry that your doctor dismissed your concerns for months. Hope you are in good hands now!!! I was sick a lot when I was little and then went through some major health scares in my adulthood. I've had bad doctors before, doctors who IMO are not competent, doctors who dismissed my concerns. I think with most people who have been in good health. They stay with their doctor even if they are dismissive. But if you only try to look for a different doctor when you are sick, it may cost you more delay. It takes time to know a doctor. And, good doctors usually are hard to get an initial appointment as a new patient. So, if your doctor does not take you seriously, even if you are health, try a different doctor!
I like her!! God Bless this woman.
I love your no bull way of putting this. I am waiting for my scope, told hemorrhoids, here preying they're right. I wish you all the best, keep those boxing gloves on!
FOLLOW YOUR INSTINCTS/YOUR GUT IS TELLING YOU SOMETHING & ADVOCATE/PUSH FOR YOURSELF. That’s what all these videos have confirmed for me.
Thank you for sharing your story-it’s so important and helpful. You’re a trooper & wish you complete recovery & everlasting good health❤
I am so pleased for this site, it has given me hope to keep on fighting for a true diagnosis, just being fobbed off by the medical system, even though my symptoms are now severe and my weight is dropping fast.
Get a colonoscopy! And the other scans tests done!asap
Please don’t give up! Find a provider who will take you seriously!!! Your life depends on it!
You’re just such a beautiful soul inside and out! I can tell you are.
I loved what you said towards the end. Beautifully said and the 💯 truth.
Take care and God bless you and your family.
Continue to be Humble and kind. ❤
whenever a doctor tells me “it’s probably” or “don’t worry” that makes me worry even more.
i said it before and i’ll say it again, the most dangerous place in the country is in a damn hospital. doctors don’t take you seriously until the oncologists get involved. then they milk you.
Prayers for complete healing ❤🙏
Its crazy how you was dismissed! Im 34 having the same symptoms a positive FIT test also low iron that has been an issue for years, my dr put an urgent referral in on monday for a colonoscopy and i already have a consultation for tuesday! im sorry you have had to wait so long to be listened to
Hope everything went okay for you.
Hi can you please give us an update my Husband has a positive FIT test he goes for his scope on Tuesday ..We have waited 7mths for his score...I hope you are doing ok...
@@cherylschumaker1366 hi lovely, off course..a few hemeroids where removed and biopsys where taken,I have to wait upto 8 weeks for results but no visible cancer was found..i have not got a reason for systems as of yet but cancer was my biggest concern. good luck
Glad to see you alive and strong , love and wish of health for all brothers and sisters around the globe , from Iran .
You brought me to tears, Kelly. Beautiful video. I have/had stage II colon cancer. The tumor was removed successfully 7 weeks ago, all lymph nodes clear. You expressed so many of my thoughts to a T. I'm feeling very good right now. The bizarre thing is that I see colors so much better now too -- I've been telling myself this for the past couple months since diagnosis. I thought it was because I had finally cleaned up my diet. Maybe that, along with a much greater appreciation for life and being here. I wish you the best of health and love in your life. John
Thank you for sharing . May God restore you completely and be with you always.
Let go to Applebees is one hell of a response. I have to admit I chuckled. Great matter of fact attitude.
Bless this lovely lady !
Thank you for such an honest and open testimony. You are truly an inspiration for us all.
I’m so sorry this happened to you 😢 I’m having the same symptoms except I’m really constipated have blood awful bloating but I have agoraphobia and haven’t left my own home for 10 years sending you 🙏❤
Saying a prayer you are okay and also for you to have the strength to leave your house if the time comes that you have to. ❤
Sending prayers your way❤
Prayers for a total healing
Walking is a super power
Fasting is a miracle
I hear you. Had Stage Two colon cancer and live my life much better now. Have let go of crap. Enjoy my family, friends and travel. Probably the best thing that has happened. I get up and ‘just do’.
Thanks for sharing your story!!
@Kelly Much love and thanks to you from England UK for your bravery and generosity in sharing your story to help all of us ❤ big hugs babes🤗xx
Great advice!! I will be praying for you, it cant hurt❤🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
Thank you for sharing your story. You're brave.
Thank God you are doing well now. Thankyou for sharing your story with us. ❤❤❤❤❤❤
Love her attitude and advice! ❤🙏🏻
Thank you very much for sharing such a sensitive information, this is really a great support for all of us out there awaiting for an appointment, or gistology results.
Wish you all the best. In some way it's good to meet such a challenge in life while you're at your peak - physically and, more important, being emotionally so gourgesly mature.
Big hugs from Israel.
Kelly, thank you for sharing your story. You are such a strong woman! Sending positive thoughts and healing vibes.
Thank you for sharing your journey. 🙏🏻
Thank you for sharing your story ❤️
Thank you so for sharing! So Good to have Moments of not rushing past life - no speeding on the HighWAY just to reach the finish line all to soon.
That line awaits us all.
But the moments - a pause along the wayside - those moments keep us intensely here❤👍🎵❣️❣️❣️
Take Care Sweet Lady🙏🙏🎵💃👍👍
Thanks for sharing. I don’t know why they send you to a specialist earlier. Shocking.
Blessings to you dear lady. Each one of these stories is so inspiring and the bravery of people shines out. I feel so disappointed that so many people are fobbed off and dismissed by doctors. Haemorhoids can be detected with a physical exam (not nice but it needs to be done) to help make the diagnosis process faster. Best wishes from South Australia.
Very inspiring!
✍🏼Hello... Thank You for sharing your story. Right now I'm dealing with blood in my urine and I don't mean a little but a lot. I've been passing blood since the last of January and Dr. doesn't seem to be alarmed but finally was referred to a Urologist so he's scheduled my test after having a CT. It's now almost the end of April. I'm having a Cystascope Thursday and hope they find out what's wrong. God Bless You and praying for a complete recovery🙏 Bye from Ohio🌹
I sorry what you've went through 😞❤️
God bless you and your family 🙏 ❤😊
My GP ignored the cardinal signs of colon cancer for years, until another doctor advised me to get a private colonoscopy. I chose a colorectal doctor who worked both private and public.
He found a 5cm tumour encapsulated in a polyp. The public hospital operated in 15 days of referral. It had not metastased, I was so lucky.
The $2,500 I paid on top of the Medicare rebate (Australia) was literally a lifesaver.
Always get a second opinion and be aware of your patient rights.
I am now 10 years post surgery but very aware of how close I came to danger.
My husband said the GP turned white when told. If things had gone worse, I would have had him charged.
Wow, she is such an inspiration......great advice, do what you want now nothing is guarenteed.
Thank you for your video
Love your advice ❤
I like how you said you look at things harder.....
I have been having bloating, diarrhea, cramping some blood in my stool, nausea, all for about a year and a half. I have mentioned it to my doctors. One is a primary care physician. The other is my hematologist and the other is my liver specialist. All of them, listen to me, but do anything to move forward and check into what it could be. Like you said, they kept chucking it up to hemorrhoids or IBS, or diverticulitis. Finally did a colorguard test and came back positive for colon cancer and am now trying to get in for a colonoscopy. With three different doctors and three different hospitals or facilities they tell me they can’t get me in for six months. One doctor did a little more pushing and moved it up to four months out. But I cannot believe that it’s taking that long to get in for a colonoscopy especially when you’ve been, given a positive test result. They tell me not to worry that it’s probably nothing, hemorrhoids, etc., but I am very worried and I’m still trying to find a way to get in sooner to be checked to know for sure. Thank you for your story, as it has helped me to, push my way through and insist on my healthcare. Hoping for a good outcome. Bless you and may you live along and prosperous life.
I had a positive colorguard and had my first colonoscopy at 75…five polyps removed but thank the Lord they were precancerous and got them in time…GET your colonoscopy folks…so many young folks are getting this…God bless you and May Christ give you strength as ONLY He can Kelly sending a hug ..prayers and love🙏🙏
I was just diagnosed with colon cancer 4/18/24 and my surgery is scheduled for 5/16/24. Not stage 4 but do not know what stage until after surgery. Thank you for this video it helps a lot.
Saying prayers for you.❤
@michellecrosby2988 thank you!
Prayers 🙏🙏🙏🙏
Had my colon resection surgery and it went well, now waiting on pathology reports . Thank you everyone for your prayers, I appreciate it so much!!!
God bless you!🙏❤️🙏
God Bless you ❤️🙏
I’m grateful for sharing with all of us. If we’re watching your story, it’s most likely because we have concerns for ourselves.
I did.
A few weeks ago my doctor told me about the Galleri cancer blood test. It’s very new and unfortunately, not covered by Medicare or private insurance.
Galleri only requires a simple blood draw, then maybe 2 wks for results from the lab.
My doctor let me know there were NO markers for any of the 50+ cancers Galleri detects.
Praise God.
I’m also working with my dr going over gut microbiome. Easy test for that as well.
Get health is crucial for all over good health.
I’m 70 and just found out gluten-sensitive. Had no clue until we discussed my results.
I don’t have all the answers but why wouldn’t you RUN to your dr for Galleri?
Peace of mind is everything!
I am so sorry they put you off like that. I got a colonoscopy at 35 for blood...they got me right in.
That’s not true! The age of first colonoscopy is now 45years don’t let them tell you otherwise! And any age Anytime you have symptoms!
THere shouldn't be an "age". I've read so many stories on YT about YOUNG people with MULTIPLE symptoms, for months on end, and their ins. will not pay for it. Disgusting!! I am 70, NO symptoms of colorctal cancer, yet if I get a hangnail they want to do one. It's all about the $$. Doctors want healthy patients, not sick ones.
i was bleeding when i was 41 and was awful !!and went through lot of testing and i had hemorroides my whole life but i knew right then there was something really wrong and after blood test i was told there wasn’t
any cancer and i was given the option of a colonoscopy and i said hell
yea lets do it ! they found a polyp and was removed and bleeding stopped and had my second. colonoscopy at 49 and i was cleared now am 54 and next year will be my 3 colonoscopy, my message is listen to your body what is telling you and act , i listened 13 yrs ago wouldn’t have listened other story would be now
WTHell you were persistent and they brushed it off. I needed to see this because I was thinking that colonoscopies are to frequent and kind of unnecessary. NOT! They are very necessary.
Thank u for sharing. Jesus spoke to her.
My mother needed colon re section.She was very lucky she did not need chemotherapy because her cancer was contained.She did not have any reoccurence. I finally had my colonoscooy at t 52 yrs.
You are an amazing woman!
Healthy journey
❤❤god. Bless. U. Love. Prayers😊
I am starting to wonder if medical offices want colon cancers to process for the money
Good thinking, they (pharma) ARE that evil
Me too
Thanks for sharing your story 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼😇
🙏 ❤️ 🙏
Always & Forever
I lost my big brother to colorectal cancer.. he was only 45. All the pain that he was in they kept saying it was due to his kidney transplant and he was awaiting a new doctor since his retired 😔.. they shouldve listened to him.
Now, here I am .. 58 years old and having a lot of different symptoms.. I went to my primary care provider and he thinks its just my diverticulitis. I hate talkinh about my personal bathroom issue but, i need to know if there is anyone else that has similar symptoms or lack thereof. I had some constipation and thin stools back in the fall. Then just 3 months ago the constipation worsened and i started getting belly aches and pain that would come and go sometimes and sometimes it would be constant. My stools started going from constipation to constipation with diarrhea following and thin stools again. I have no blood in my stools that i can see. I'm also experiencing bloating and a fullness so bad that it feels like its under my ribs. My belly gets slightly hard after eating.
Now with my brother's history i have since getting a colonoscopy just about every few years. Each time they find polyps.. in July of 2022 they removed 6 polyps.
Im awaiting the gastro doctor to call me back when he gets the referral.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.. thank you and get well 🙏
@lafinbrat765 Any gastro doctor who reads your history will STRONGLY suggest you do a colonoscopy. DEMAND IT if they do not. Unfortunately it is possible to have colon-rectal cancer after only two years especially after they removed 6 polyps. I feel your pain. I have head and neck cancer .
@@bradmyers7109 I'm sorry to hear that. I'm definitely going to be more of an advocate for myself. Thank you !! Sending you well wishes.
@@lafinbrat765 You too!
And all the symptoms and did the colonoscopy and my doctor said everything was just diverticulitis and I'm still having issues now I want to go back and make them do something
God bless you 👏
Thank God for my doctor. He is going to do some sort of scan on everyone. I have had 4 since 38 dude to IBS. Last one in 2020z. I have one coming up due to symptoms. My gastrointestinal doc is awesome.
Kudos to you.. Because I have the same thoughts about chemo and all that and nope.. Wouldn't do it..
If they couldn’t get a nice-sized camera through her bowel, how was she not having issues in digesting food?
Didn’t make sense to me, either 😅
Has anyone had experience with Cologard as a screening test? Is it reliable? I don't trust hospitals right now so my GP suggested the Cologard for screening. I don't know.
I have learned 2 things about Chemo: The effectivity lies under 5%, and Oncologists make an incredible bundle of $$$ every time a therapy is administered.
Her doctor really failed her badly. First of all, he should have told her to get a screening colonoscopy by age 45. Secondly, blood in the stool is frequently the first sign of colon cancer. BTW, blood in the stool is NOT a symptom of menopause.
May God continue to heal your body. In Jesus Name🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
You're such an utmostly strong inspirer + motiv'ter too God bless you + Thank you immensely for your enlightenments experiences insightfulness You're a tower of strength + resemble strongly Reese Witherspoon God bless you yours 💚🌼🙏
Blessings
My mom had colon
Cancer and lung
Cancer I lost her
2 years ago I mess
Her❤❤❤
Anyone who’s reading this? The age for screening is 45 whether you have a history or not, please get your colonoscopy at that time do not delay. Her general doctor should have sent her right away for a colonoscopy since she was 50 ( 5 years too late for a screen) and had rectal bleeding and she has not had a a screening colonoscopy. We have to be our
Own advocate. Please learn from this.
I had lots of blood in my stool from November to February. It has stopped now going on 3 months. Can I rule out cancer now that the bleeding has stopped. The Doctor gave me hemorrhoids medication and it cease after weeks. So maybe it was just hemmroids
You can only rule it out with a colonoscopy. You should get one asap.
You’re supposed to get your colonoscopy at 45. I thought I’m shocked that they didn’t recommend it as the very first thing and I agree with you when they don’t take it serious then you forget about it. That’s exactly how I feel.
God love you ❤😂🎉
Very important for people to start having colonoscopies before they’re 50. Especially if any cancer runs in your family. Colorectal cancer is very preventable if caught early, these cancers start out as very small polyps in the intestines usually taking years to get that large. Normally by the time you’re having symptoms, it’s progressed pretty far along.
Never heard of screening because a close relative had a brain tumour that doesn't happen in England. My father died of that when I was 17.
I’m no medical professional, but I do know there are a few known genetic mutations that can make someone more susceptible to a brain cancer. However, it’s probably uncommon to have these mutations, so perhaps doctors don’t regularly test for those mutations. Brain cancers are rare. And genetic tests are expensive (at least they are here in the States). Colon and breast cancers are sometimes linked to genetic mutations; if someone has either diagnosis, doctors will sometimes recommend genetic testing. And there are preventative measures if someone has, say, the BRCA gene mutation, but for brain cancer prevention, I doubt there’s much that can be done.
This is still surprising. Maybe it just depends on where you live. I was 39 and anemic. Doctors were begging me to get a colonoscopy. Even when it turned out to be iron deficiency anemia from uterine fibroids, they STILL wanted me to do a colonoscopy. I chose not to cause I have no family history of colon cancer and didn't have blood in my stool. No digestive issues whatsoever in life. But they told me it's more common for folks in their 30's and 40's do be diagnosed with colon cancer these days.
🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻I have Alot of issues.I will pray for you Kelly❤
Also WHY don't They listen to Us????
🙏🏼❤️🙌🏼❤️
❤❤❤
Please tell me you moved to Florida, or are at least thinking about it. It sounds like your happy place!
It's crazy how you kept going back and saying something is wrong and they kept dismissing it.
What about green stool is that one of the signs of cancer? Gallbladder or colon cancer?
What about grey stool ?
Hi I got same opposition all time ❤😂🎉😢😮😅😊
The mass was 11 inches!?!?!? They didn't catch it sooner despite her complaints? :(
Also that big! By then they would have seen it in a CT scan! No scans either?!! Total neglect! Mail practice!!!!
Why would they give u 5 yrs of all the cancer had been removed
TLDR I’m less than 2 minutes in, blood in the stool. 50 years old. Not to think that it may be cancer is absolute madness. End of.
Im shocked you never had severe pain in the belly and constipation issues.
A lot of people live a. Or mail life with a “poop” bag . It’s called a colostomy . It’s a life saver for many of us with cancer
Please see a story by a young man whose gone through the same as you, Kent Carnivore, he has a stoma bag and what he's discovered on his journey. Its very inspiring. ❤
💕💐💐💐💕