I Ignored the Signs - Jason | Stage 4 Colorectal Cancer | The Patient Story
TLDRJason Reese, a 49-year-old stage four colorectal cancer patient with liver metastases, shares his personal journey and health challenges. Initially ignoring symptoms he attributed to his poor diet, Jason's condition worsened until a vacation in August 2021 when he began passing blood. After a series of medical appointments and tests, including a CT scan and biopsy, he received his cancer diagnosis. Despite the grim prognosis and enduring various treatments like FOLFOX chemotherapy, Jason remains determined. He recounts his experiences with treatment side effects, the insertion and removal of a drug pump, and undergoing radiation. Currently facing the possibility of a colostomy, Jason emphasizes the importance of early detection and urges others to seek medical advice for any gastrointestinal concerns. His story is a poignant reminder of the impact of cancer and the resilience of the human spirit.
Takeaways
- 🎓 Jason Reese is a 49-year-old stage four colorectal cancer patient with metastases to the liver.
- 📈 Initially, the number of liver metastases was innumerable, but after treatment, they became so few they were difficult to find.
- 🤔 Jason likely ignored early symptoms, attributing gastrointestinal issues to his poor diet and eating habits.
- 🍔 He would overeat when craving certain foods, such as hard pretzels or wings, and dismiss the subsequent GI distress as a result of overeating.
- 😷 Jason experienced significant gastrointestinal symptoms, including frequent diarrhea and blood in his stool, which he rationalized away.
- 🏥 Despite noticing blood during his yearly check-up, he was told it was likely a hemorrhoid and did not follow up more aggressively.
- 🚑 His diagnosis came after a vacation in August 2021 when he started passing more blood and feeling unwell, prompting him to seek medical attention.
- 🩺 After several blood tests and a CT scan, a biopsy of his liver confirmed the presence of cancer, leading to a colonoscopy that identified the source as rectal cancer.
- 💊 Jason underwent various treatments, including FOLFOX chemotherapy, which he later learned was not the most suitable option for his condition.
- 💉 He participated in a trial involving a drug pump, which was eventually removed due to complications and an infection risk.
- ☢️ He underwent 28 radiation treatments, which significantly impacted his quality of life but led to an improvement in bowel movements.
- 🔍 Jason is considering an ostomy and is exploring the possibility of a liver transplant through a 'bring your own liver' program at the University of Rochester.
Q & A
What is the age of Jason Reese at the time of the transcript?
-Jason Reese is 49 years old at the time of the transcript.
What type of cancer does Jason Reese have?
-Jason Reese has stage four colorectal cancer with metastases to his liver.
Why did Jason initially ignore his symptoms?
-Jason initially ignored his symptoms and attributed them to his poor diet and eating habits.
What was the impact of radiation treatment on Jason's bowel movements?
-After radiation treatment, Jason had his first normal bowel movement, which was a significant improvement from his previous condition.
What was Jason's initial misdiagnosis?
-Jason initially thought he was suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
How did Jason's job affect his ability to see a doctor regularly?
-Jason's job, which involves being away for nine to ten weeks at a time, made it difficult for him to see a doctor regularly.
What was the turning point that led Jason to seek medical help?
-The turning point was during a vacation in August 2021 when Jason started passing blood and feeling really unwell, prompting him to seek medical help.
What was the treatment Jason received after his diagnosis?
-Jason received chemotherapy, initially with FOLFOX, and later with Capecitabine and Avastin. He also underwent radiation treatment and is considering an ostomy.
What is the 'bring your own liver' program that Jason mentioned?
-The 'bring your own liver' program is a procedure where a patient with liver cancer finds a liver donor and undergoes a liver transplant after the primary tumor is removed.
What was the complication Jason experienced with the chemotherapy pump?
-Jason had an issue where the chemotherapy pump and catheter became visible through an open incision, which did not heal properly due to its location and movement causing strain.
What is Jason's message to people regarding health check-ups?
-Jason urges people, especially those over 45 or with a family history of colorectal issues, to make an appointment with a doctor if they experience any unusual symptoms related to gastrointestinal health.
Outlines
😔 Personal Struggle with Late Cancer Diagnosis
Jason Reese, a 49-year-old stage four colorectal cancer patient with liver metastases, discusses his journey with cancer. Initially, he ignored symptoms, attributing them to his poor diet and lifestyle. His gastrointestinal issues were dismissed as IBS or a hemorrhoid. It wasn't until a vacation in August 2021, when he experienced significant bleeding, that he sought medical attention. Despite the severity, he delayed seeing a doctor due to COVID-19 concerns. His eventual diagnosis revealed an advanced stage of cancer, with metastases too numerous to count.
🏥 Medical Journey and Initial Treatment
Jason's medical journey began with blood tests that raised concerns, leading to a CT scan and subsequent biopsy. His liver was found to be affected, and he was informed he had cancer originating from his rectum. His oncologist, Dr. Z, suggested that chemotherapy would likely be a lifelong treatment. Jason started on FOLFOX chemotherapy, enduring 16 treatments before experiencing severe neuropathy. He also explored alternative treatments, including a port implant for drug administration, which he later had to remove due to complications.
💉 Challenging Chemotherapy Experiences
Jason continued to receive various treatments, including FOLFOX and Avastin, while managing the side effects like neuropathy and skin issues. He also underwent radiation therapy for his primary tumor, which was taxing and left him bedridden for a month. Despite the hardships, he noticed improvements in his bowel movements post-radiation. His next step involved considering an ostomy, which, despite its challenges, seemed like a relief compared to his current struggles.
🔍 Pursuit of Innovative Treatment Options
Jason learned about a liver transplant program at the University of Rochester, where patients could receive a liver transplant after finding a donor and removing the primary tumor. Initially, his oncologist dismissed the idea, but later confirmed its existence. Jason's goal was to become a candidate for this procedure by first removing his primary tumor and then finding a liver donor. He emphasized the importance of early detection and treatment, urging others to seek medical advice for any unusual symptoms.
🌟 Hope for the Future and Advocacy for Early Screening
Jason expressed his hope to undergo the innovative liver transplant procedure and become one of the first patients to benefit from it. He detailed his current treatment plan, which involved Capecitabine and Avastin, and mentioned the potential for surgery in his future. He strongly advocated for early medical check-ups, especially for those with a family history of colorectal cancer or experiencing unusual symptoms. Jason's story serves as a reminder of the importance of early detection and the potential for life-changing treatments.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Stage Four Colorectal Cancer
💡Metastases
💡Diagnosis
💡Nutrition and Diet
💡Gastrointestinal (GI) Distress
💡Hemorrhoids
💡Cholesterol
💡Chemotherapy
💡Neuropathy
💡CT Scan
💡Colostomy
Highlights
Jason Reese, a 49-year-old stage four colorectal cancer patient, shares his personal journey with the disease.
At diagnosis, Reese had innumerable liver metastases that were too many to count.
After treatment, the number of metastases had significantly reduced, becoming difficult to find.
Reese admits to ignoring early symptoms, attributing them to his poor diet and overeating.
He recounts how he would eat large quantities of food, such as 25 wings, and dismiss the gastrointestinal issues that followed.
Reese explains that he initially self-diagnosed his symptoms as IBS due to his busy lifestyle and sporadic doctor visits.
His condition deteriorated to the point of uncontrollable cramping and bleeding, prompting a doctor's visit.
Reese's liver values were alarmingly high, leading to further tests and the eventual cancer diagnosis.
Dr. Z, Reese's oncologist, informed him that he would most likely be on chemotherapy for life.
Reese underwent 16 treatments of FOLFOX chemotherapy, experiencing severe neuropathy as a side effect.
He pursued an innovative treatment involving a hepatic artery infusion pump, despite initial skepticism from his doctor.
The infusion pump treatment led to a significant improvement in Reese's liver values.
Reese experienced a severe reaction to the active X and arena T cam treatments, with his chest breaking out in severe acne.
He underwent 28 radiation treatments, which were physically taxing and left him bedridden for a month.
Reese is now facing the prospect of a colostomy, which, despite its challenges, he views as a potential relief from his GI distress.
He expresses hope in a potential liver transplant through the 'bring your own liver' program at the University of Rochester.
Reese urges others, especially those with a family history or unusual symptoms, to seek medical advice promptly.
His message emphasizes the importance of early detection and treatment, stressing that colorectal cancer can be curable if caught in time.
Transcripts
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