Medical Gaslighting: My Colon Cancer Symptoms Were Ignored! Amanda’s Story | The Patient Story

The Patient Story

17 May 202328:40

EducationalLearning

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TLDRAmanda, a 33-year-old model and sports fan from L.A., shares her journey of battling colon cancer. Initially dismissed with symptoms resembling IBS, her condition escalated to persistent bleeding, leading to an urgent care visit where hemorrhoids were suspected. Despite her concerns about colon cancer, she faced a series of misdiagnoses and bureaucratic hurdles before finally receiving a colonoscopy. The discovery of a large tumor in her sigmoid colon led to a cancer diagnosis and subsequent hemicolectomy surgery. Post-surgery, she was determined to be at an early stage of the disease but with a high risk of recurrence due to lymphovascular invasion. Amanda opted for a rigorous chemotherapy regimen to minimize the risk of cancer returning, enduring the harsh side effects with resilience. She emphasizes the importance of listening to one's body, staying on top of health, and maintaining empathy and patience throughout the challenging process.

Takeaways

🎬 Amanda, a 33-year-old model from L.A., shares her personal health journey, emphasizing the importance of listening to one's body and not ignoring persistent symptoms.
🩺 Amanda initially dismissed her symptoms as IBS, but after seeing blood, she sought medical help and was misdiagnosed with hemorrhoids at an urgent care without a thorough examination.
🏥 Despite having no family history of colon cancer and being young and seemingly healthy, Amanda's symptoms persisted, leading her to push for further testing and eventually a colonoscopy.
🔍 Amanda's research into her symptoms online pointed towards serious conditions like Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and colon cancer, which she repeatedly mentioned to her healthcare providers.
🧬 Genetic testing revealed Amanda had mutations associated with colon, kidney, and skin cancer, highlighting the role of genetic predisposition in disease development.
🏥 The healthcare system's initial dismissal of Amanda's concerns due to her age and lack of visible symptoms delayed her diagnosis and treatment, underscoring the need for patient advocacy and thorough medical examinations.
🩺 Amanda's experience with healthcare providers, who attributed her symptoms to grief and anxiety, illustrates the challenge of receiving a correct diagnosis when presenting atypical symptoms for one's age group.
💊 After her cancer diagnosis, Amanda underwent a hemicolectomy (colon resection) and was found to have stage two A cancer with lymphovascular invasion, indicating a high risk for recurrence.
🛡️ Amanda chose to undergo chemotherapy to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence, despite the challenging side effects, demonstrating her commitment to her health and the importance of preventive treatments.
📈 Regular monitoring through CAT scans, colonoscopies, and bloodwork is crucial for early detection of cancer recurrence and maintaining Amanda's health.
💪 Amanda's story is a testament to the power of patient persistence, the importance of health advocacy, and the need for empathy and understanding from healthcare providers when dealing with serious illnesses.

Q & A

What were the initial symptoms Amanda experienced that she initially attributed to IBS?
-Amanda's initial symptoms included a consistent gargling stomach feeling, similar to what one might experience when hungry, which occurred every day.
How did Amanda's symptoms progress after the initial IBS-like symptoms?
-Amanda's symptoms progressed to seeing blood, which was alarming and persistent, leading her to seek medical attention.
What was the initial diagnosis Amanda received at the urgent care without insurance?
-At the urgent care, Amanda was told that her symptoms were probably just hemorrhoids or a fissure, and no thorough exam or blood testing was conducted.
What significant personal event happened to Amanda about five to six months before her symptoms started?
-Amanda lost her mother suddenly to a heart attack, which occurred 3000 miles away from where she was.
What was the doctor's initial reaction when Amanda expressed her concerns about colon cancer?
-The doctor reassured Amanda that she did not have cancer and that the idea of her having colon cancer was outlandish.
What was the outcome of the blood tests Amanda had after getting health insurance?
-The blood tests came back normal, which was a relief for Amanda, but her doctor attributed her symptoms to grief and anxiety.
How did Amanda's trip for her 30th birthday affect her symptoms?
-During her trip, Amanda's symptoms intensified, leading her to believe that something was seriously wrong and that she needed to see a gastroenterologist.
What was the doctor's reaction when Amanda insisted on her symptoms not going away and getting worse?
-The doctor told Amanda that she didn't look sick and that if she had cancer, she would be losing weight rapidly and show visible signs of illness.
What test did Amanda's doctor order to ease her mind about her persistent symptoms?
-Amanda's doctor ordered a stool sample test, which came back positive for blood.
What was the diagnosis Amanda received after her colonoscopy?
-Amanda was diagnosed with colon cancer after the colonoscopy revealed a large tumor in her sigmoid colon.
What was the stage of Amanda's cancer after her surgery and pathology report?
-Amanda's cancer was staged as stage two A, which indicates that the tumor had begun to penetrate through the first layer of the colon wall.
What treatment did Amanda undergo after her diagnosis, and what were some of the side effects she experienced?
-Amanda underwent chemotherapy treatment with a combination of IV and pill-form chemo. Side effects included aching body, neuropathy with numbness in her feet and legs, and cumulative fatigue.

Outlines

00:00

🎬 Introduction and Initial Symptoms

Amanda, a 33-year-old model and entertainment worker from L.A., introduces herself and shares her love for movies, the beach, sports, and travel. She recounts the onset of her health issues in August-September 2019, initially dismissing them as IBS symptoms like a gargling stomach. However, after a month, she began to see blood, which prompted a visit to urgent care. Despite her concerns about colon cancer, she was reassured and told it was likely hemorrhoids. Amanda also mentions the loss of her mother and how her grief was considered a potential cause for her symptoms by her first primary care doctor.

05:03

🏥 Medical Consultations and Tests

Amanda describes her medical journey, which included tests for H. pylori and a trip that exacerbated her symptoms. She insisted on seeing a gastroenterologist after returning from Australia, but faced challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Her primary care doctor dismissed her concerns about cancer, attributing her symptoms to stress and grief. Eventually, a stool sample test came back positive for blood, leading to a referral to a gastroenterologist and the scheduling of a colonoscopy.

10:04

😷 Diagnosis and Emotional Impact

Amanda's gastroenterologist also downplayed the risk of colon cancer but agreed to perform tests for ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Despite the doctor's reassurances, Amanda's anxiety grew, and she underwent a colonoscopy in July. The procedure revealed a large tumor in her sigmoid colon. Following the surgery, she received the official diagnosis of cancer and was advised to see a surgeon. Amanda reflects on her feelings of being dismissed by the medical community and her determination to fight for her health.

15:05

🛑 Treatment Plan and Recovery

Amanda underwent surgery to remove her sigmoid colon and later met with an oncologist to discuss the next steps. The surgeon believed they had caught the cancer early, but Amanda learned that she had lymphoma vascular invasion, which indicated a high risk of recurrence. Despite the absence of visible cancer, she was advised to undergo chemotherapy to reduce the risk of the cancer returning. Amanda agreed and began her treatment in September, embracing the challenges of chemotherapy to ensure her best chance at a cancer-free future.

20:07

🏥 Ongoing Monitoring and Life Post-Treatment

Post-treatment, Amanda is closely monitored with regular CAT scans, colonoscopies, and bloodwork to watch for any signs of cancer recurrence. She has genetic mutations that increase her risk for certain cancers, so her kidney function and skin are also closely monitored. Despite the inconvenience and disruption to her normal life, Amanda appreciates the vigilance in her care. She encourages others to listen to their bodies, get checked regularly, and stay proactive about their health, sharing her story as a testament to the importance of early detection.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder that affects the large intestine and can cause symptoms such as cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea, and constipation. In the video, the speaker initially experiences symptoms like a gargling stomach, which she later identifies as IBS, but these symptoms eventually lead to a more serious diagnosis.

💡Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the lower rectum and anus that can cause discomfort and bleeding. In the transcript, the speaker is initially misdiagnosed with hemorrhoids, which is a common condition that can present with symptoms similar to more serious gastrointestinal issues.

💡Colon Cancer

Colon cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the large intestine. It is often asymptomatic in its early stages but can cause symptoms like persistent changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, and blood in the stool. The speaker's symptoms, which were initially attributed to IBS and hemorrhoids, ultimately turn out to be indicative of colon cancer.

💡Anxiety

Anxiety is a feeling of worry, fear, or unease, often over an imminent event or without a clear cause. The speaker describes how her health issues and the lack of a clear diagnosis lead to increased anxiety and panic attacks, which are common responses to prolonged stress and uncertainty.

💡Gastroenterologist

A gastroenterologist is a specialist physician who diagnoses and treats disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, including the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and rectum. The speaker seeks a gastroenterologist after her symptoms persist and worsen, indicating the need for specialized care.

💡Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy is a procedure that allows doctors to view the inside of the colon and rectum using a flexible, lighted tube with a camera. It is often used to screen for colon cancer and other abnormalities. In the video, the speaker undergoes a colonoscopy which reveals the presence of a tumor in her colon.

💡Cancer Biomarkers

Cancer biomarkers are substances that may be found in an increased amount in the blood, other body fluids, or tissues of people with certain types of cancer. The speaker's bloodwork includes monitoring these biomarkers to track the status of her cancer and detect any signs of recurrence.

💡Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells. It is often used after surgery to reduce the chance of cancer returning. The speaker describes her decision to undergo chemotherapy to treat her colon cancer and reduce the risk of it coming back.

💡Lymphoma Vascular Invasion

Lymphovascular invasion refers to the presence of cancer cells within the lymph or blood vessels. Despite no cancer found in the lymph nodes, the presence of cancer DNA in the blood vessels surrounding the tumor indicates a higher risk of recurrence. This term is significant as it influences the speaker's decision to have chemotherapy post-surgery.

💡Neuropathy

Neuropathy is a condition caused by nerve damage, which can result in numbness, tingling, or weakness in the affected area. The speaker experiences neuropathy as a side effect of her chemotherapy, particularly in her hands and feet, which is a common issue with certain chemotherapeutic drugs.

💡Genetic Testing

Genetic testing involves examining a person's DNA to identify mutations that may increase the risk for certain health conditions, including cancers. The speaker undergoes genetic testing on her tumor, which reveals mutations associated with colon, kidney, and skin cancer, leading to closer monitoring of her kidney function and regular dermatological check-ups.

Highlights

Amanda, a 33-year-old model and entertainment worker from L.A., began experiencing unusual IBS symptoms in August-September 2019, which she initially dismissed.

A month later, she noticed blood and sought medical attention at an urgent care, where she was told it was likely hemorrhoids.

Despite reassurances, Amanda's symptoms persisted, leading her to seek further medical advice after a negative experience with her primary care doctor who attributed her symptoms to grief.

Amanda's primary care doctor eventually ordered a stool sample test, which came back positive for blood, prompting a referral to a gastroenterologist.

The gastroenterologist also downplayed the risk of colon cancer due to Amanda's age and lack of family history, but agreed to a colonoscopy.

Amanda's colonoscopy in July revealed a large tumor in her sigmoid colon, which was confirmed to be cancerous following a biopsy.

Post-surgery, Amanda was informed that her cancer was caught early, but she had lymphovascular invasion, indicating a high risk for recurrence.

Amanda opted for chemotherapy to reduce the chances of her cancer returning, despite the physical toll it took on her body.

She underwent a course of treatment called Kay Box, which included both IV and pill forms of chemotherapy.

Chemotherapy side effects were severe, including neuropathy, extreme nausea, and the need for hydration and white blood cell-boosting shots.

Amanda's CAT scans, colonoscopies, and bloodwork have been clear of cancer since her treatment, but she remains under close medical supervision.

Genetic testing revealed mutations linked to colon, kidney, and skin cancers, leading to increased monitoring of these areas.

Amanda emphasizes the importance of listening to your body and getting checked regularly, as her experience was a stark reminder that anyone can be affected by cancer.

Despite the challenges, Amanda has found beauty in her journey, noting personal growth in patience and empathy.

She encourages others going through similar health challenges to stay vigilant about their health and to be patient with themselves and others.

Amanda's story is a testament to the importance of advocating for oneself and the value of persistence in seeking proper medical care.

Her experience with cancer has led to a more profound appreciation for life and the resilience of the human spirit.

Transcripts

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Related Tags

Colon Cancer Health Advocacy IBS Symptoms Medical Misdiagnosis Cancer Survivor Grief and Loss Anxiety Health Monitoring Lifestyle Changes Patient Experience Oncology