My Doctor Thought It Was Food Allergies - Steve | Colorectal Cancer | The Patient Story
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- Опубликовано: 5 июл 2024
- Steve Slack's world was turned upside down when he was diagnosed with stage 4 colorectal cancer at the age of 48. Steve shares his emotional and physical battles, from the initial misdiagnosis to the life-changing news and subsequent treatments.
In this cancer story, Steve reflects on his struggles, his determination to fight for his family, and the resilience he's developed. He also discusses his efforts to support other cancer patients and raise awareness about colorectal cancer.
#colorectalcancer #cancerpatient #cancersurvivor #patientstories #thepatientstory
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Chapters:
0:00 - Meet Steve Slack
0:33 - Initial Signs and Misdiagnosis
1:56 - My Colon Cancer Symptoms
2:45 - Coping with My Diagnosis
4:38 - Surgery and Chemotherapy Journey
6:23 - Chemotherapy Side Effects
7:38 - Mental and Emotional Challenges
12:09 - Advocacy and Supporting Other Patients
14:09 - Finding Purpose and Helping Others
16:33 - My Liver Transplant
20:22 The Importance of Self-Advocacy and Awareness
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My Doctor Thought It Was Food Allergies - Steve | Colorectal Cancer | The Patient Story
• My Doctor Thought It W...
I don’t blame you for being angry. I had a different cancer, but a similar doctor story. I was spotting between periods for ten years. My gynecologist said it was probably hormonal changes. One day I gushed blood. I called my doctor and said I needed to be seen immediately. He tried to dismiss it. He did a biopsy and the bottom line was cervical cancer and I needed a radical hysterectomy.
I was only 33, and couldn’t have children. Maybe it was meant to be. The surgeon called it a trade off.
Like you, I was a member of a support group at Pennsylvania Hospital called Person to Person. They matched us with patients according to diagnosis.
I am 73, and was able to beat the odds. That surgery was in 1986.
You have a flipping fantastic attitude.
Thank you so much 😊
You should sue your doctor and anyone else that gave you that stupid misdiagnosis,
You think the doctors are paying out of their own pocket
If they ask for further diagnosis.
,
Not their life yours, fuck
I think the doctors need to pay closer attention to their patients and what they’re saying and telling them. It seems like they wanna pass it off so they can get to the next patient and not really put the thinking into it. It deserves.. I say that because I have to deal with a lot of different doctors and it’s just the same baloney, more or less, with each specialist. It’s a moneymaker folks, and the doctors are being pushed to get patients in and out. That’s the new healthcare system we might as well get used to it because it’s here to stay or it could even get worse, it probably will in the future. Especially if we put a dictator back in the presidential office because we don’t really have any other clear or good choices? Just know I won’t vote for someone I do not respect or trust. Think about it as long as we’re on the subject of being responsible, as Doctor should be. So two should our healthcare be in a lot better position than it is at this point in our lives in America! anyway best of luck to you and I stay angry somewhat because I know this is the fix. We are all in together and we should be doing a lot better in this country with healthcare.❤.
The prep almost killed me! I was so weak I canceled the colonoscopy-
You are so honest, down to earth, and an inspiration. I wish you years of health and happiness.
Thank you 😊
Your friend from High School, the donor, is a very special person. I am happy you are beating this. Stay strong
She sure is! Thank you 😊
God bless you. I am a survivor myself. It’s a proud honor to have. Wishing you health and no matter what happiness and peace!
Thank you very much!
There is no way I’d ever go back to that family doctor! As a stage 3 colorectal cancer survivor myself, my primary also dismissed my symptoms. But I knew something was very wrong, so I kept going to specialists even though I was told I was fine. When I started bleeding, I didn’t wait for anyone to recommend it. I immediately found a gastroenterologist and booked a colonoscopy at age 45. He diagnosed me and found the tumor which was beginning to light up lymph nodes nearby the colon wall. Today I have a new primary doctor! But I can’t say enough good things about the wonderful staff who diagnosed me, as well as the John Theurer Cancer Center team who treated me like I really mattered and provided the best of care. I wish you all the best and will keep you in my prayers. 🙏
So good that you listened to your body, knew something was wrong, and took action. It saved your life!
I am so sorry you received that news. I am telling you, hospitals and doctors are very sloppy now more than ever….we have to advocate for ourselves now! Praying for you. ❤
Self advocacy is everything.
Diagnosed with colorectal cancer at 28 mid May this year. Starting chemo in 2 weeks. Thank you for sharing your story.
It is so easy to explain away the symptoms. Even the doctors try and all because "you are too young" if i had a dollar every time I have heard that up to this point I would have many dollars
Good luck on your journey and I hope you can share your story someday. Unfathomable at just 28yrs old.😞
my goodness im so sorry. i recently had some issues and got tested they found nothing luckily but i went in fully assuming the worse. could you maybe share some of your symptoms if youre comfortable, so it can be a help and a reminder to others to get checked?
for me i had constipation and baaaad pelvic and side pain. i for sure thought its a bowel thing. turns out i have herniated back discs, apparently the pain can radiate like ...everywhere/anywhere in that region 😑
@@annipsy2185 Mainly Blood in the stool. It was minor at first thought it was hemmorhoids. Later developed pain in the lower left side (diverticulitis from the tumor) and constipation
Sending you strength and well wishes as you start your treatment. You CAN beat this!
Thank you for helping others through your own cancer journey. May God continue to bless you 🙏
Thank you so much 😊
What an inspirational story.
Its a shame so very many begin with being brushed aside by GPs.
Best wishes.
So so many cancer stories start out with a misdiagnosis by a primary care professional. It’s tragic and it needs to change
Hi Steve! Dave here from B.C. You are one Brave Dude you've gone through a lot of crap. Most of us are afraid of the unknown especially with Cancer, I've battled twice. I'm here for support.
Thanks so much Dave!
I’m so sorry. It’s not your fault, your doctor failed you. Doctors saying “you’re too young for cancer” must be living under a rock. If you can’t be angry, I’ll be angry for you. 😢😡
Is straight up stupid -- and they don’t deserve there license period they say that children’s hospitals are loaded with/cancer patients
Thats when I would reply, "well you're too ignorant to be a doctor" and go find someone else
Yeah, but he’s Canadian….
Thank you 😊
My wife was getting headaches and she had an MRI and a CT scan of her brain. All that was found was a tiny spot smaller than a green pea. Over time both she and my four adult children didn’t think about that pea but I brought it up 12 months later and asked her if she has headache she said no, and then I said what about that spot and she said Oh, the doctor never called me back for a follow up. New CT scan showed Glioblastoma Grade 4 the size of a large lemon. So the surgeon at Massachusetts General Hospital said the “tentacles” have already grown into her brain and if they do surgery, it still a terminal prognosis. She is a tough Yankee from New England and had three surgeries loads of chemo and radiation. Two weeks before she went downhill she was still driving herself to the hospital for the radiation treatments.
Three days before she died at hospice she was still talking with everybody, then went downhill very quickly. So last week, she’s been gone one year. I spoke to the surgeon who was brilliant and she told me if the spot was removed way back when she would’ve survived. Myself as well as my 4 children and six grandchildren are still grieving. It is heartwarming to hear your successful journey. You have a beautiful family, son’s so handsome. Peace and stay well.
I’m so very sorry to hear about your wife how awful 😢sending ❤ your poor wife
Thank you so much. Your story is absolutely heartbreaking. I am so sorry for you and your family
Thank you Claire, and Steve. 😘
I'm sorry for your loss. Glioblastoma is a horrible, relentless disease, that killed my brother. I don't know if thisakes you feel any better, but I don't think it could have been stopped, even if caught early. My brother got diagnosed right after having a seizure, and it was already terminal, and I know someone who started with a different tumor, which was "cured". He was cancer free, but continually monitored with scans. It came back, and now is a glioblastoma. I don't think it's curable once it's a glioblastoma. If only we had the ability to find and remove all of the tentacles that go further into the brain. 😢
@@kitten6363 thank you. Since she died last year, I’m hearing and reading stories about young people having glioblastoma grade one through four, it never used to be found in young people decades ago. I thought of something, she held her cell phone on that side for 25 years. Wait and see they’re going to see a link between the cell phone, microwaves and brain tumors. Sorry for your loss, as I get older I’m starting to enjoy every day and be grateful I’m still alive, my four adult children and six grandchildren are so important to live for.
I am glad to see that you survived cancer. So many do not. My husband did not, but I find strength and the grace of God, in stories like yours. Keep fighting the good fight ❣️
Thank you very much and I am so sorry for the loss of your husband.
So proud of how you took a very difficult diagnosis and put it into action to save others. My liver donation was a gift that I am so happy to have given to you. Keep educating ❤
Not sure what I love more, you or your handle JWiggy 😅
Thank you Steve for sharing.
Edit: “I love to prove them wrong”
Wow Steve, what a beautiful experience!!
You know what?
You have encouraged and inspired cancer patients.
I am healthy and you just gave a mission to my life: I want to get scanned and be able to help someone in need.
If I am a match to help someone survive, I would feel like:
“Mission Acomplished”
You Rock! CONGRATULATIONS🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
That’s incredible! And so generous of you! Thank you so much!
What a beautiful family God blessed you with!!!
Thank you I certainly am blessed
So happy to know you are cancer free.
Thank you😊
I'm glad you're not angry, but your doctor should have sent you for a colonoscopy. I believe he was very dismissive. My niece was diagnosed at 47 doctors needs to send their patients for a scope. Amazing story about your friend. Glad you are doing well. ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
You are absolutely correct. Like I say in the video, he should have sent me for a colonoscopy. But he’s human and he made a mistake. And I do believe he’s learned from that mistake, and that will be benefit all patients in his practice going forward
I was a surgical nurse who specialized in colorectal robotic surgeries and general surgeries. It’s a tough surgery and I’m impressed at your voice for others and encouragement. It takes a strong person to fight as you have! Best of luck for your next scan. I hope you continue to scan cancer free and get the chance to watch you boys grow into adulthood!
❤ thank you so much!
Yes! I've often thought there should be a t-shirt that says, "Rectal bleeding, don't assume it's just hemorrhoids." You are one of the reasons that the American Cancer Society recommends starting routine colonoscopies at 45 instead of 50, and now insurance companies pay for colorectal cancer screening starting at age 45. Options start with a stool test for people who don't want to go straight to colonoscopy, but if it's positive (for blood) they should have a colonoscopy. My own father had a gastrointestinal cancer missed, and passed away my first year of medical school. Anyone with symptoms can be worked up at any age. I agree that finding a provider to order the test can be a challenge. If needed, just show up at the ER and tell them you have abdominal pain, and you are almost guaranteed a CT scan.
Thank you!
Thank you very much!
What a tragic but now hopeful story! My father had colon cancer so I have been screened for the past 25 years. I wonder, because so many young people are being diagnosed, if it should become a regular screening, much like mammograms and other screenings.
Thank you for sharing your story. You are proof of how sharing your experience can save lives! I'm so happy for you and your loved ones.
Thank you so much!
You focused on the things that were in your control. This is the only true way to find peace. God be with you my friend.
So true!! Thank you
Steve is such a good speaker. So happy to have listened to his story. At 73 I hear of more and more folks who develop cancer. It affects us all.
It sure does affect us all! Thank you 😊
wow, what an incredible story. thank you for sharing. and i cannot believe the odds that your friend had cancer too... i got shivers! best wishes for continued clean scans and good health!
When we got that news, it was like something out of a movie plot. We couldn’t believe it! Just goes to show that people under 50 need to remain vigilant and avoid complacency when it comes to cancer
Consider yourself incredibly fortunate and please feel happy about that. Having NED after liver invasion is incredibly rare. I lost my brother to stage 4 colon cancer because it had metastasized to the liver and liver donation never became a viable option for some reason. He was never on the antibody treatment that you mentioned just many rounds of chemo that stopped working eventually. He then went on an immunotherapy trial that was ineffective. Then his liver just gave out. Blood in the digestive tract should be upper and lower endo asap. I don't recall ever seeing anyone beat stage 4 with extreme liver matasticies and this is gives so many others hope!
I’m completely blown away that after 27 rounds of chemo, you’re alive and well. I’m suffering with eczema and similar symptoms you had, and if I have painful skin rash that you had, I’d wonder why I’d keep going. Waiting for doctors’ appts and lab tests takes months.
It’s not easy. And there were times when I didn’t want to keep going. But you get over those feelings and you keep effin’ going! Like I said in the video I simply wasn’t going to let cancer take me away from my family
It's really not your fault. You have every right to be angry over the lack of medical care and negligence of your GP. My mother actually kept going back on a monthly basis with issues and this went on for 2 years. In the end she was diagnosed stage 4. I can't help but think it could have been prevented getting this far. Leaving 3 kids alone. Thank you for sharing.
I’m so sorry this happened. I totally agree with you.
I suffer from IBS since 2010. Sadly IBS symptoms are very similar with colon cancer (bloating, pain, diarrhea, constipation, increased bowel movements, weight loss). I have done two colonoscopies, all okay, but I'm afraid I will never know if I have colon cancer because I already have symptoms.
Rectal bleeding and if you feel mass in abdomen while laying down flat.. or consistsant constipation ( pencil thin stools) .. you probably know all this though...
Same
@@Katie-vy5rdwhat does this rectal bleeding look like? Is it a pool of blood in the bowl or stuck to the stool? They are always very vague about this.
@@Katie-vy5rd pencil thin stools I already have that for many years. The only think I don't got is bleeding.
Ulcerative Colitis causes the exact same symptoms of colon cancer; bleeding can be severe, and the pencil this stool is often caused by an inflamed colon.
Thank you for sharing your story Steve,you will be helping many just by doing this. I wish you all the best of health and many many years to come ...your so right,your story is not over ♡. Your family is beautiful♡,enjoy every moment .
Thank you very much!
Hi just want to say thank you for sharing …. It must have been so hard … with your doctor I’m glad you’re sharing this as so many of us are getting cancer whilst young I have cancer too … it’s not anyone’s fault not yours I hope your doctor learns something from this as your right it cannot be changed now … I really pray you carry on doing ok … I know how hard it is sending ❤to you and your family Claire uk 🇬🇧
Thank you Claire. ❤ to you as well. My family and I were fortunate enough to visit your country last year for the first time ever and we LOVED it! We did 7 days in London and the Cotswolds. Then visited Wales, Belfast, and Cork Ireland as well. So much more to see so I hope we will be back one day
Colon cancer really is hard to detect off symptoms. It really takes a colonoscopy and everyone should get one.
So true. My sister just got colonoscopy and it was just routine one cuz no symptoms. They found one small polyp and dr was able to remove it. She eats pretty healthy and still had small polyp at 51. I told her to get one and Im glad she went for colonoscopy
WISE WORDS RIGHT THERE! Thank you 😊
So happy you are NED. My cousin was diagnosed at 32 and passed away 3 days before he turned 40. Stay positive and strong and Prayers you live a long and healthy life. May God Bless your donor and glad to hear your best friends cancer was caught early.
So sorry for your loss! So young! My bro passed in 1974 of cancer and he was only 22! 😢😮
Thank you so much 😊
U are a great advocate and a brave man steve.doctors do dismiss.we must always listen to what our body is telling us.take care steve.
Thank you!
Incredible man. Great attitude. I have diffuse systemic scleroderma and multiple myeloma. Like you I am all about being open about discussing these diseases and support to others that may be going through their health challenge. I appreciate your openness and honesty about what has and is happening. Thank you.
Thank you, and I wish you success in your fight. You got this!
You are incredibly strong to forgive your family doc.
Great insight and very inspiring ..."That's how you handle adversity.". Thank you.
Thank you so much!
You’re remarkable, and a terrific example for your kids and everyone who knows you. Thank you. Have a long, healthy, happy life. 🌻
Thank you very much 😊
You are such an inspiration, Steve.
Thank you for sharing your journey.
You are helping me, for sure. God bless you and your family.
Thank you Barbara. If you ever want to talk don’t hesitate to reach out
Thank you for sharing your story Steve. I'm glad you did what you had to do for you and your lovely family.
Thank you very much!
Very well said about standing up for your family ❤
❤ they are my everything. And all the inspiration I needed
You are a warrior for you and family and others , thank you for you story and your strength.
Im in a facebook group for colon cancer patients. The amount of young patients are staggering. In their 20s,30s !
You really describe all the details, feelings, hopes, and fears very clearly!
I hope you have continued good health and see your boys thrive!❤️
Thank you so much !
Thank you for sharing. Praying for you and your family. ❤
Thank you!
I hope you are doing alright Steve!!
Thank you! So far so good!
You sir are one brave guy. Your poor face. Side effects are worse than the disease. I’m glad it’s cleared up now. So glad your treatment is working.
You’re absolutely right. The side effects of treatment can be worse than the disease. Thank you!
Hat's off to you for your attitude, coming to grips with your diagnosis and medical journey, and your commitment to give back to others. Thank you for sharing your story. And, yes, you are a source of hope. Continue on..................
I have read that the medical community believes colon cancers are on the rise, and particularly in younger people, because of higher meat consumption and lower fruit and vegetable consumption, as well as more fast foods/processed foods.
Thank you!
you are one brave and courageous man…God Bless you
Thank you!
I’m happy you are doing well health wise ❤
Thank you!
Amazing story! 🙏
This is the best lesson you can teach to your kids. ❤️
I wholeheartedly agree!
Praying for you! Keep the faith! 🙏❤️
Amazing story!! God bless you and your very large support team/family!!
Thank you!
How AWESOME!!! Your story gives me Hope!
You have no idea how happy I am to hear that. That is why I share openly. Like I said in the video, the seemingly impossible IS possible! There should always be room for hope
Ty for sharing your story.
Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable cancers. I skipped my 50 year old colonoscopy. Ten years later I was diagnosed with Stage 3C cancer. Colorectal cancers are typically slow growing. If I had my colonoscopy on time I’m sure they would have found polyps growing that would have been removed and I would have avoided a cancer battle. In the US, the colonoscopy screening age is now 45. So don’t put off that test.
Words of wisdom right there! As you saw in the video I know what’s it like to have to learn a hard lesson like that. I’m so sorry this happened to you and I wish you strength and conviction for a successful fight!
@@Steveslacker22 thanks for your kind thoughts. And thanks for sharing your story here.
Down to earth and inspirational person
Thank you
Thank you!
This guy is an absolute pleasure to listen to. I really wish him all the best. I do however, have a comment regarding people getting colonoscopies. They will detect which will give you a chance of recovery/extended life, they don't prevent. Money should be invested for cause and then prevention not just drugs with huge side effects and often not worth the effort. I truly hope things change in the future.
Thank you for your comment. I totally agree. So much more could be done with colorectal cancer prevention, especially in the under 50 population because we don’t know why it’s on the rise there. More study is needed, along with better public education around risk factors such as family history, lifestyle factors, and environment. My point in the video was just that colonoscopies can prevent cancer from developing by detecting and removing polyps before they have a chance to turn cancerous. They can also catch a cancerous polyp in its early stages before the patient is symptomatic, which can be life saving. There’s no one magic bullet that is going to end colorectal cancer. Prevention and early detection strategies must work together
21:59 @@Steveslacker22
For anyone out there that has off and on bleeding, with pain during the bowel movement coming out. Best thing is to just head to a gastroenterologist and get an Anoscopy done real quick, easy quick test to check for hemorrhoids, they can check for active swelling and/or fissures. Don't put off the bleeding, they can always do other testing that's more invasive later if need be, based on symptoms, but it's good to figure out if the bleeding is happening with active hemorrhoids. Hope this helps.
Great advice!
You are so well spoken. Thanks for the work you are doing to help raise money and help others! (As a fellow Canadian, I enjoyed seeing your Terry Fox t-shirt and the Toronto Maple Leaf jerseys!) Best Wishes!
Thanks! I love that Terry Fox T shirt! I wear it with such pride
Wow!!!! You're a rockstar! You're story impacted me. Thank you
Thank you! Wishing you good health
So proud of you and your family ❤
Thank you!
Your story is amazing Steve.
Thank you!
Thank you for this video. If I’d listened to the radiologist who said my palpable breast lump was “Nothing. Come back in a year,” I’d be long dead by now. Fortunately, her report went to my gynecologist, who told me to get another opinion. I did; it was breast cancer. Early-stage, most fortunately, and it’s 25 years since dx. I wish you good health. And I envy your being in Canada!
Thank you! And come to Canada! There’s lots of room and we’d love to have you. I will warn you though that housing is depressingly expensive
@@Steveslacker22 Thank you! Wish I could move there. And I’m very familiar with ridiculously high rents! Anyway, I wish you all the best.
Your health is too important to trust to doctors.
Great message.
Too important to blindly trust. Ask questions. Be curious. Insist on having your concerns fully investigated. A hard lesson to learn but it was not lost on me.
Thank you for sharing your story. It has certainly informed me. I wish you and yours all the luck and love in the world. Jan 🇬🇧.
Thank you!
You are an amazing dad!!
Thank you so much 😊
I was recently diagnosed with stage 4 colorectal cancer its in my liver too, and it's in my lymph nodes so yeah but u give me hope
There’s always cause for hope! I am living proof
You really are an inspiration for your boys!
Thank you. I hope so!
In Australia the saying is “ there is no evidence of activity “
My wife is recovering from stage 3 ductile carcinoma. Horrible at 43 with two kids under 10.
Congratulations on your success
Congratulations 👏 and u are one lucky 🍀 god bless..
I sure am! Thank you!
💙💙💙. Thank you for speaking of your personal experience bad and good. There’s only my 1 brother and I left of the 5 of us. Our eldest brother passed of Leukaemia,my only sister passed of a form of lung cancer, my remaining brother I’d dying of leukaemia. I have the same mutant gene for the Leukaemia and 1 other that is from the nervous system that can cause tumours to grow anywhere in me, and “most” are benign. I do have colon disease and have colonoscopy every 2 years, more often if I’m having issues. I do have Divertulosis which gets infected every few years. I’m almost 71. Always have discomfort on left side od colon. Some days a fair amount so I’m always conscious of things possibly changing.
Love your attitude! I’m sending you and your beautiful family warm healing hugs from Victoria BC. 😊❤️🇨🇦
Thank you so much! And I’m sending you healing hugs and hope for relief from your symptoms
Yes you do need to advocate for yourself which I learned personally the hard way as well. Now I use “for my peace of mind can you order…..” maybe he’s so willing due to my health history of chondrosarcoma that was missed previously with a diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome. I recently asked for an mri for a problem with my hand and he easily said yes.
Squeaky wheel gets the grease! Keep squeaking and don’t feel bad about it. Like I said in the video, no one else is going to advocate for you in the health care system. It’s up to you!
THANK YOU!!!!!!
Perspective will drive your outcome. You have taken control over the single most important thing- Having the right attitude. I've been a cancer nurse for 15 years and I will tell you that I repeatedly see much better quality of life and overall enjoyment of the days people have left, when they have a good attitude about the things that they can control. Not to say these people are upbeat and happy all the time, it just seems they consciously choose words and actions that are positive, proactive and peaceful
So accurate! And I was so fortunate to figure this out for myself early on. I was angry and bitter because I felt like I had lost control of my life. I realized I had to let that go. Cancer is was going to take over much of my life, but there was one thing I was never going to let it control. My mindset. That was mine, and I would never let cancer take it from me.
@@Steveslacker22 if you can, please watch the last video video from someone named Dr. Dan. He is a young doctor living with end stage cancer. In the 15 years I have worked as an oncology nurse, I have not really seen anyone have the mindset and perspective that He has when you hear him speaking about his life at the moment. The healthcare system is very broken right now. It is worse than Ive ever seen it. If I could say one thing while you were on this journey, it would be that you MUST micromanage your healthcare. With every contact with a healthcare provider in person or by phone, Write down the names of who is in the room, what took place and what the next steps are. If you don't mean to overstep and I hope you don't mind, but There are a few things I would like to share with you -Always and without exception you must ask for the report for any imaging or exam. Read through it and use a highlighter on things you do not understand and look it up so that you have a full understanding of the report and go back with questions to get clarification. I very often see patients being told whatever the practitioner "thinks they can handle" And this denies a patient of a chance to truly understand what is happening with their body and the progression of their cancer. Things are not explained to patients thoroughly for a few reasons - they don't want the patient to lose hope but also because providing more information would take time. Answering questions and educating patients extensively is a luxury we no longer have as healthcare providers. MD Office practice staff need to see 20-30 patients daily in order to make even a little bit of money for the practice to survive because healthcare reimbursements are down to as low as $50 for a visit. Turn and Burn is the name of the game now and people, human beings, are suffering because of it. If you do not feel comfortable with a treatment plan make sure to ask about the necessity of it. There is a fine line because you don't want to annoy your providers or be "that difficult patient" a helpful approach could be "I'm so sorry to ask so many questions, I just need a lot of details so things can make sense to me" while this sounds unnecessary, and honestly just gets me upset that this should have to be the conversation, but It creates a soft approach needed because there are so many cranky people working in healthcare right now, themselves angry, stressed and overworked and the sad reality is that they can choose to be helpful or they can do the minimum for you, and at this time in your life you want them to be team Steve. Think about who you want your point person to be who can micromanage your healthcare plan if you do not have the strength or energy to do this while in treatment. I have seen a tremendous difference in the care a patient receives when they have an advocate who is questioning everything and fighting for them, a person whom healthcare practitioners have to answer to. The cancer battle can leave you with PTSD, there is a tremendous opportunity for counseling and/ or anti-anxiety medication so that you can be in a good headspace to enjoy the time with your family. You can request antianxiety medication before scans or tests if needed. If you ever have low white blood cell counts due to chemo, do not feel reluctant to ask health care providers to wash their hands before they touch you, "I'm so sorry to ask you this, please don't take it personally, my immune system is low right now and I am so afraid of getting an infection, and I really want to get better, would you mind if I asked you to wash your hands again" should get a good response from anyone with even ehalf of a heart. This is critically important if you have a central line like a mediport or PICC line. Yes, It's infuriating that we have to tiptoe around people like this, the priority is to get past it and try to navigate treatment in today's healthcare and environment. When it comes to pain there is ALWAYS a solution. if you are not in a tolerable level of pain at any point request a consultation with the pain service or pain management team, most hospitals have them and office practice MDs can refer you. Wait times are very long, so do it as early as possible and don't wait. I did hospice home care for a few years while I was a bedside oncology nurse and there is so much available to manage symptoms related to cancer. Also, Office practice nurses typically don't respond to the portal over the weekend, use the on-call service to save time for something urgent. cancer is managed like a chronic disease right now, people are living a very long time with it. I have seen so many miracles. All the best to you
@@ny_njtrailrunnert926wow thank you! So much valuable insight here!
I'm so happy for you! Wishing you a long and healthy life! All of us are not so lucky. I'm going to continue chemo until I can't do it anymore!
Thank you. Stay strong and just keep swimming! The pace of change and innovation in the oncology space is astounding. New and better treatments (and possible cures!) are just around the corner. Folks like us just have to hang on long enough for them to be fully developed.
you look great. Happy that you are well. Keep up the great work!!!
Thank you i will never stop!
Amazing story!
Thank you!
You are a rockstar of a Father💪
Thank you ❤
I wish you a good health , a long happy life with your family 🇦🇺🍀🙏
Thank you so much!
It is so frustrating. I am also from Ontario and my Mom was just diagnosed with rectal cancer at 67. She couldn't have surgery because it is too low in the rectum. She did chemo and is now undergoing radiation. She was diagnosed in October 2023. I was also suffering stomach issues much like yours and waited 1 year to get an appointment with a gastroenterologist. When I finally got in the November following my Mom's diagnosis. My family doctor actually pushed for me to get in. He said with my symptoms I should have a scope and once my Mom was diagnosed he said I should have a colonoscopy. I'm 42. The specialist wouldn't do a scope and I had to fight for a colonoscopy. He said I was good to wait til 50. I ended up having one done in January of this year after pushing because I too occasionally get blood in my stool. Luckily all is good. But I am still having uncomfortable bloating in my stomach, upper and lower. All he does is want to give me pills. I have no answers. I may go and seek a natural route and try a naturopath. I'm so sorry for what you are going through and pray everything works out.
Thank you! I commend you for how hard you’ve fought to advocate for your health care. Good for you!
Last fall I went to Queen’s Park and made a presentation to MPPs at an all parties cancer caucus, lobbying them to lower the age for colorectal cancer screening in Ontario. 50 is too late now! 8 months later and they haven’t made a change in screening age yet, but I’m nowhere near done fighting them on that. I was just following up with a local mpp this past week!
My father in law was diagnosed at 45 and passed at 46. My husband hasn't had a colonoscopy in 20 plus years with every single scary sign and refuses to go because it's scary. Chemo didn't help his dad at all so I wouldn't bother with that aways. Just trust God has you through it all. They do t even expect checks until 50s unless family has it.
I hope your husband changes his mind about getting a colonoscopy. I know it seems like a scary procedure to someone who’s never had one before, but it’s actually really easy! And you know what’s much scarier than a colonoscopy? Cancer treatment. A colonoscopy can save him from having to endure that. With hai family history he is at an elevated risk. I hope this doesn’t come across harsh (im just very direct about this stuff) but If I had trusted god instead of going for a colonoscopy 3 years ago, I’d be dead now.
And every cancer patient experience is different. Just because chemo didn’t work for your father in law, doesn’t mean it wouldn’t work for your husband if he did develop colon cancer. I hope you’ll encourage your husband to get a colonoscopy
You are amazing ❤
Thank you ❤
🙏 ❤ 🙏
For You & All
Always & Forever
Thank you 😊
good for you! I went thru stage 2 couple years ago
Thanks! I’m glad you came through that successfully! Congratulations!
I'm SO HAPPY for you!!! YOU are awesome!!! May I just ask you one question? HOW did you get your insurance company to cover your transplant, seeing that (in the insurance companies eyes), you were merely a "terminal" cancer patient? The excessive FIGHTING with insurance companies, is, in itself, sometimes worse than the disease you're trying so hard to fight. Was it the hard work by your doctor's that made it happen, or how exactly did you get it to happen? TYVM for sharing and any information about this part that you could share that might help others!
Thank you! I’m Canadian, so our health care system fully paid for my transplant as well as my donor’s care. No insurance to worry about!
Amen!! The lord is with you. I admire your loyalty after anger to your FAMILY doctor. They want to know why you’re still there because he is human he is a family friend who cared for you all through your lives. Blessings over both who were willing to gift you a part of them to help you. May you live a very very long life. Hummm maybe you received because you were forgiving ❤
Thank you 😊
Blood in stool but its food sensitives. Okay...
Cancer is an evil beast. My dads dad had colon cancer twice and then prostate cancer. He made it to 92. My dads side of the family is from Canada. We live in washington now. Not sure how it is in Canada as far as colonoscopies. Here they recommended them starting at 45 , earlier if you have a family history. My dad started at 40 i believe. But good on you for fighting so hard and trying not to stay angry.
Thank you, in Canada screening programs for colorectal cancer don’t start until age 50 which is completely insufficient and needs to change. As well, I’d you’re considered “average risk” and have no symptoms you get a FIT test which is quite inferior to a colonoscopy for prevention and early detection
Always be proactive in your health care, the doctors do not know your body; tell them you have bleeding in your stool if you have to just to get them to get you a colonoscopy because that’s where most issues lie, with age and health insurance
Well said!
My partner thought he was lactose intolerant, he's only 33. Then we thought it was appendicitis. Turns out it was stage 4 colorectal cancer that had burst out of the colon. Don't ignore and try to self treat these symptoms! Being young means nothing anymore, it can get any of us.
That was me. I went 2 years eating lactose free dairy products and wondering why it wasn’t helping. I could kick myself. If your partner would ever like to speak to someone who’s been through what they’re going through just let me know.
So many missed or excused , even with symptoms , diagnoses!!
Sad but true
It doesn't matter how many times you go down, it's how many times you get back up quoted by Rocky in Rocky 3 and don't hold a grudge against the doctor who misdiagnosed you with food sensitivities and I might have lactose intolerance and I might have to cut out or lower the milk to consume. I had to learn to moderate the milk products in my life but it is not very easy to control the consumption of the milk I have in my diet so it's possible to get an alternative to milk like lactose free milk.
I have always loved that Rocky quote!
Please look into liposomal berberine, curcumin phytosomes, quercetin phytosomes, Black Seed Oil, Fenbendazole, Ivermectin, Mebendazole.
Also 250mg day fenbendazole until cancer is gone.
You should do a blog to warn people
Thanks for the suggestion! That is why I shared my story with The Patient Story. It’s been shared through many other outlets as well, such as tv, radio, newspaper, and podcast. I’m also very vocal on social media. I’m never been a blog guy but maybe it’s time to change that
❤
I'm almost 42 and having my first colonoscopy tomorrow, so scared they will find a large polyp that will require surgery but pretty sure that will be the case...
I hope it went well!
@@Steveslacker22 Thank you so much for asking ! Yes, it did, they found no polyps so I am really relieved !
My dad died of this cancer at 66 because he ignored the early symptoms he had.
Wish you all the best..
@@chrifus31037I’m so glad you had a clear colonoscopy. Make sure you stay on whatever schedule they recommended for your next one. Sadly your family history puts you at increased risk. So sorry about your dad
PLEASE , read about thérapeutique ketosis and Doctor Seyfried work !