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

The Patient Story2 minutes read

Amanda's journey from misdiagnosis to a stage 2A colon cancer diagnosis highlights the importance of advocating for oneself and seeking thorough medical care. Despite experiencing side effects from chemotherapy, she emphasizes the significance of regular monitoring, self-care, and staying attuned to one's body in managing health concerns.

Insights

  • Early symptoms of colon cancer were misdiagnosed due to grief, delaying the correct diagnosis until a large tumor was discovered in the sigmoid colon, emphasizing the importance of thorough medical evaluation and persistence in seeking answers.
  • Despite the cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatment, the patient's lymph nodes were clear, indicating a positive outcome, highlighting the significance of early detection and regular monitoring in managing cancer risks and ensuring timely interventions for better prognosis.

Get key ideas from YouTube videos. It’s free

Recent questions

  • What led to the discovery of colon cancer in the patient?

    Symptoms persisted, suspicion led to colonoscopy revealing tumor.

  • How did the patient's medical team respond to the cancer diagnosis?

    Doctor recommended immediate office visit for further steps.

  • What stage was the patient's colon cancer classified as?

    Stage 2A, with clear lymph nodes indicating positive outcome.

  • What treatment options were recommended to the patient?

    Chemotherapy to reduce chances of cancer recurrence.

  • How does the patient manage ongoing health concerns post-treatment?

    Regular monitoring, genetic testing, and self-care practices.

Related videos

Summary

00:00

Amanda's Journey: Misdiagnosis to Colonoscopy

  • Amanda, 33, lives in L.A., loves movies, beach, sports, works in entertainment, model, events, hospitality.
  • September 2019, IBS symptoms start with consistent stomach issues, later blood.
  • Urgent care visit suggests hemorrhoids, no thorough exam or blood tests.
  • February 2019, lost mom suddenly, grief suggested as cause by doctors.
  • January 2020, primary care visit, bloodwork normal, grief diagnosis.
  • Anxiety and symptoms persist, self-research leads to colon cancer suspicion.
  • Doctor orders H. pylori breath test, stool sample test confirms blood.
  • Referred to gastroenterologist, virtual appointment in May due to COVID.
  • Symptoms worsen, dizzy spells, gastroenterologist dismisses cancer possibility.
  • Colonoscopy scheduled in July after insurance delays, finally seeking answers.

13:34

"Colon Cancer Diagnosis: Treatment and Prognosis"

  • A large tumor was discovered in the sigmoid colon, leading to a cancer diagnosis after surgery.
  • The doctor informed the patient of the cancer diagnosis and recommended immediate office visit for further steps.
  • The patient had been suspecting colon cancer since September or October, making the diagnosis less surprising.
  • Following surgery, the patient learned the tumor was large but had not spread visibly to other areas.
  • The surgeon suggested referral to a surgeon for possible chemo if the cancer had spread or surgery if localized.
  • The patient's lymph nodes were clear, indicating a positive outcome.
  • The oncologist classified the cancer as stage 2A, explaining the staging system for colon cancer.
  • The patient was informed of lymphovascular invasion, increasing the risk of cancer recurrence.
  • The oncologist recommended chemotherapy to reduce the chances of cancer returning.
  • The patient started a chemo regimen with oxaliplatin and a pill form, experiencing side effects like neuropathy and numbness.

26:32

Frequent monitoring key to managing health concerns

  • The individual undergoes colonoscopies every three years, with the next one scheduled for July due to a previous polyp finding. Bloodwork is done every three months to monitor cancer biomarkers, which have remained within normal ranges. Genetic testing revealed mutations related to colon, kidney, and skin cancer, prompting regular kidney scans and dermatologist visits for skin checks. Despite the challenges, the speaker emphasizes the importance of frequent monitoring, self-care, and listening to one's body in managing health concerns.
Channel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatar

Try it yourself — It’s free.