Michelle's Stage 4 Colon Cancer Story: My Symptoms were Ignored for Years! | The Patient Story
The Patient Story・21 minutes read
Michelle Cappel, a fifth-grade teacher, faced delays in her colorectal cancer diagnosis due to misattributed symptoms, eventually undergoing extensive treatment including chemotherapy and surgery to eradicate the cancer, leading to a positive outcome.
Insights
- Michelle Cappel's colorectal cancer diagnosis was delayed due to symptoms being attributed to antidepressants, highlighting the importance of thorough medical evaluation to prevent misdiagnosis and ensure timely treatment.
- Despite enduring extensive chemotherapy and surgery for stage four colorectal cancer, Michelle's perseverance and dedication to her work as a teacher underscore the resilience and strength needed to navigate the challenges of cancer treatment, emphasizing the significance of support systems and proactive measures to manage side effects effectively.
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Recent questions
What health challenges did Michelle face?
Chronic constipation, hemorrhoids, delayed cancer diagnosis.
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Summary
00:00
Teacher battles cancer misdiagnosis, undergoes treatment.
- Michelle Cappel, a stage four colorectal cancer patient and survivor, is a fifth-grade teacher with 17 years of experience.
- Despite experiencing chronic constipation and hemorrhoids, Michelle's symptoms were attributed to antidepressants, delaying her cancer diagnosis.
- A doctor suggested that prolonged stool in the colon could lead to polyps and potentially cancer.
- Michelle's health deteriorated, leading to excruciating stomach pain during spinning classes, prompting a visit to the ER.
- Initially misdiagnosed with kidney stones, Michelle sought a second opinion from a specialist at M.D. Anderson.
- Extensive scans and tests at M.D. Anderson revealed stage four colorectal cancer with metastasis to her ovary.
- The surgeon planned a complex resection due to tumors on both sides of Michelle's colon and rectum.
- Genetic testing ruled out hereditary factors, leaving Michelle with a grim diagnosis but a hopeful surgical plan.
- Michelle underwent six months of FOLFOX chemotherapy, enduring side effects like cold sensitivity and severe nausea.
- Despite the challenges, Michelle continued working through treatment, emphasizing the importance of precautions like wearing gloves for cold sensitivity.
14:49
Overcoming cancer: journey from diagnosis to recovery
- Weight gain shakes were prescribed to help regain lost weight, with a step beyond Ensure for weight restoration.
- Despite undergoing chemotherapy, only half of the hair was lost due to having a substantial amount initially.
- Fatigue was a significant issue, impacting work as a school teacher and necessitating assistance when visibly exhausted.
- Accumulative effects of chemotherapy led to extreme tiredness and neuropathy in hands and feet, causing falls and pain.
- A nerve block procedure aided in mobility, allowing the individual to walk and proceed to surgery for tumor removal.
- A 12-hour surgery successfully removed cancerous lymph nodes and metastasis, with a decision to perform a hysterectomy due to disease progression.
- Post-surgery, the individual was informed that the cancer was eradicated, providing relief after a challenging journey with chemotherapy and surgery.
