Dania's Stage 4 COLON CANCER Story: “I Had No Alarming Symptoms!" | The Patient Story

The Patient Story2 minutes read

Dania Martinez, a mother of three and church volunteer, was diagnosed with stage three colon cancer after years of ignoring symptoms, leading to surgery and immunotherapy treatment. Through proactive health management and treatment, she successfully transitioned from stage four to stage one cancer, emphasizing the importance of early medical intervention for better outcomes.

Insights

  • Ignoring persistent symptoms led to a late-stage colon cancer diagnosis for Dania Martinez, highlighting the importance of timely medical intervention and not dismissing ongoing health concerns, even if initially perceived as minor or temporary.
  • Emphasizing the significance of proactive health management, Dania's journey showcases the positive impact of early detection, effective treatment options like immunotherapy, and the importance of advocating for oneself in navigating complex medical situations, underscoring the value of regular screenings and prompt medical attention.

Get key ideas from YouTube videos. It’s free

Recent questions

  • What health issue did Dania face?

    Cancer

  • What treatment did Dania undergo?

    Immunotherapy

  • How did Dania's cancer progress?

    Responded well to treatment

  • What challenges did Dania face post-surgery?

    Ostomy-related issues

  • What advice did Dania give?

    Advocate for proactive health management

Related videos

Summary

00:00

"Mother of Three Battles Stage Three Cancer"

  • Dania Martinez, 35 years old, married with three kids aged 17, 12, and three, volunteers at church teaching catechism, loves working with children.
  • Experienced stomach issues since childhood, certain foods caused severe discomfort and bloating, ignored symptoms for years.
  • After attending a wedding and consuming rich foods, experienced persistent bloating and discomfort, initially attributed to overeating.
  • Husband, a nurse, urged her to seek medical help after a week of persistent symptoms, scheduled a doctor's appointment for October 9, 2022.
  • Doctor ordered a CT scan due to persistent bloating, discovered a tumor through the scan, diagnosed with colon cancer.
  • Received confirmation of stage three colon cancer with spread to the liver and peritoneum, surgery ruled out due to advanced stage.
  • Started immunotherapy treatment with Keytruda, experienced minimal side effects compared to chemotherapy.
  • Developed severe stomach pain due to tumor blockage, underwent emergency ostomy surgery to alleviate symptoms.
  • Adjusted to life with an ostomy bag, faced challenges with prolapse and hernia development, impacting quality of life.
  • Consulted with oncologist about ongoing issues with ostomy, seeking solutions to improve quality of life and manage symptoms effectively.

16:26

Overcoming Cancer Through Proactive Health Management

  • The individual underwent surgery to replace an ostomy, with the surgeon removing the main tumor and part of the colon, resulting in a shift from stage four to stage one cancer.
  • Following immunotherapy, the cancer responded well, prompting a move to Southern California and a new oncologist who recommended surgery to remove remaining cancer cells in the liver.
  • A successful surgery was performed to remove part of the liver, with the oncologist confirming positive results from both immunotherapy and surgery.
  • The individual emphasizes the importance of proactive health management, urging others to advocate for themselves and seek medical attention promptly if they suspect any health issues, particularly regarding cancer screenings.
Channel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatar

Try it yourself — It’s free.