What happens when your doctor dismisses your symptoms, only for you to discover you have advanced cancer? In this powerful episode of Before Our Visit Ends, our guest Lee shares their deeply personal stage four colon cancer diagnosis story, a journey that began with vague symptoms in their 40s being brushed off as "general constipation" and led to a life-altering moment of waking up from a colonoscopy to the words, "You have cancer." This is a story about navigating shock, fear, and a medical system that doesn't always listen, ultimately finding the strength to become your own best advocate.

Lee walks us through the entire whirlwind experience, from the initial misdiagnosis and the critical decision to get a second opinion, to the colonoscopy diagnosis shock and being thrust onto a "roller coaster" of rapid scans, tests, and major surgery just weeks after diagnosis. This episode provides an invaluable look at the realities of a modern cancer battle. Lee details the crucial cancer support systems that made all the difference, from a life-saving nurse navigator who provided a list of questions to ask oncologists, to invaluable peer groups like COLONTOWN. We dive deep into the specific challenges of treatment, including a comprehensive breakdown of the FOLFOX chemotherapy side effects like chemo-induced neuropathy and debilitating nausea. Most importantly, Lee shares a vital message on the power of colon cancer patient advocacy, recounting how they went from feeling like they would rather die than face another chemo round to completely transforming their quality of life by pushing past dismissive doctors to find a palliative care specialist who truly listened. This is a must-watch for anyone facing a health crisis, their loved ones, and medical professionals alike, offering a raw and honest look into a stage four colon cancer diagnosis story filled with resilience, hope, and actionable advice.

About Our Guest:

Lee is a 45-year-old Director of Operations who was unexpectedly diagnosed with Stage 4 Colorectal Cancer. Throughout their treatment, they discovered the critical importance of self-advocacy and the power of community.

Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction

(02:07) "It's Just Constipation": When a Doctor Ignores Colon Cancer Symptoms

(04:21) The Shock of a Stage Four Colon Cancer Colonoscopy Diagnosis

(07:38) The Post-Diagnosis Roller Coaster: From Scans to Surgery in 3 Weeks

(10:44) Why I Stopped Googling My Cancer Diagnosis

(12:01) The Nurse Navigator and the Questions That Changed Everything

(15:15) Building Your Support System: COLONTOWN, Support Groups & More

(17:39) How to Actually Support a Loved One With Cancer

(20:58) A Detailed Look at the FOLFOX Chemotherapy Regimen & Side Effects

(29:31) Be Your Own Best Advocate: The Most Important Lesson from Cancer

Episode Resources:

• Explore the COLONTOWN community for colorectal cancer patients
• Create a support network with the Lotsa Helping Hands app