Michelle's Stage 4 Colon Cancer Story: My Symptoms were Ignored for Years! | The Patient Story

The Patient Story2 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.
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