I Thought It Was Hemorrhoids But It Was Cancer - Casandra | Stage 4 Colon Cancer | The Patient Story

For years, Casandra noticed symptoms like rectal bleeding and fatigue, which she attributed to hemorrhoids and her interstitial cystitis condition. It wasn’t until a series of tests and a colonoscopy that the reality became clear: her cancer had already spread to her liver and lungs.

In this cancer vlog, Casandra shares the emotional rollercoaster of her diagnosis, the initial shock, and her commitment to staying positive and fighting for her family. She talks openly about the challenges of chemotherapy, managing the harsh side effects, and the importance of having a supportive medical team.

Thank you, Casandra, for sharing your story to help others.

#coloncancer #coloncancerawareness #stage4cancer #cancerpatient #cancersurvivor #patientstories #thepatientstory #cancertreatment #cancerprevention #cancersymptoms

The Patient Story:
The Patient Story is led by a dedicated team of medical, editorial, and video experts, committed to authentically portraying the cancer patient experience. Sharing your story holds transformative power, culturally and personally. We handle each narrative with utmost care, compassion, and scientific rigor.

Our editorial process adheres to the highest journalistic standards, ensuring medically researched, vetted, and fact-checked content. Backed by experienced medical professionals, we offer insights into the latest medical advancements.

Beyond patient narratives, we provide comprehensive coverage of cancer news and medical resources. From symptoms to clinical trials, insurance, finances, and support groups, we offer guidance in a humanized manner.

Chapters:
0:00 Meet Casandra
0:17 Initial Symptoms and Misdiagnosis
0:48 Health Journey and Weight Loss Surgery
1:22 Fatigue and Recurring Bleeding Symptoms
2:15 Referral to a GI Specialist
2:37 Colonoscopy and Tumor Discovery
3:34 Cancer Diagnosis and Follow-Up Testing
4:07 Learning Cancer Spread to Liver and Lung
4:48 Processing the Diagnosis and Fear
5:35 Meeting with Surgeon and Oncologist
6:28 Starting Aggressive Chemotherapy Treatment
7:35 Coping with Chemo Side Effects
8:37 Hair Loss and Shaving Head Decision
9:48 Mental Health and Self-Care Journey
10:41 Taking Breaks and Finding Peace
11:15 The Power of a Support System
11:47 Sharing Her Story and Building a Community
12:26 Facing Cancer as a Young Mother
13:19 Casandra’s Motivation to Fight
14:09 Hope for Treatment and Genetic Testing
15:02 Advice on Finding a Supportive Medical Team
16:14 Trusting Yourself and Listening to Your Body

Join Our Community:

I Thought It Was Hemorrhoids But It Was Cancer - Casandra | Stage 4 Colon Cancer | The Patient Story

[JimFG]

Stage 4 does NOT mean terminal. Best wishes for you and your family!!

[nitzabutler]

You are a brave soul. I am a colon cancer survivor. Mind was caught because my appendix was bad at the age of 35. They found a tumor. I did chemotherapy and I am now 70 years old. Praying for you. God bless you.

[Sandy-jcvv]

My 75 yr old best friend had stage four colon cancer, she had surgery and she said the Lord gave her 3 scriptures that she religiously prayed over her self, she is now 89 and cancer free❤

[hopieelliott]

We found out in September 2024 that our sister has stage 4 colon cancer. It was discovered during surgery she was getting adhesions removed. She had a CT scan previously that revealed some other suspicious looking spots. During her surgery, cancer was found on her ovaries, lymph nodes and colon. It also spread onto her peritoneal wall. So I can totally relate to your story. She has had her first round of chemo and goes in for her second round today. God help you and our sister too. Both of you are loved more than you'll ever know.❤❤

[alyssa]

I’m so sorry! You’re in my prayers! About 6 wks before I found out I was pregnant, the father of my baby found out he has lung cancer. That was in June of this year. Since then, it has spread to his brain and prostate. It’s definitely not looking good and after everything he’s already been through in his life (he’s a firefighter and he did 4 tours in Iraq, Afghanistan, n some other places over there that he can’t tell me about) it just seems like he lost his fight. I’m praying that since he’s wanted a Son more than anything, that once our Son is born, it will give him even more of a reason to fight. I think this baby is a gift. I got pregnant with an IUD in and I was told there was a very small chance he would survive, but he did and he’s already grown so much. I’m just praying his Dad pulls through and can be here to see him grow up. I’ll pray for you and your family🙏🏻 Don’t stop fighting!!!!❤❤❤

[maureenbacigalupo]

I thought I had hemorrhoids and it hurt when I went to the bathroom. Bleeding also. My doctor said he thought it was hemorrhoids too
Finally after a year of suffering I pursued a rectal doctor who gave me a colonoscopy. First one. I hade stage 2 anal cancer. I took it upon my self to see him. Thank God I did. You really need to be involved in your health. I’m in remission. 5 years. I went to all my appointments and followed my cancer doctor’s instructions. Very grateful

[adrianasalerno]

You rock the shaved head look! Not everybody does. Good luck and best wishes for a long life.

[caveman]

I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Colon cancer in 2013. Pretty much the same symptoms as you. I had surgery to remove the tumor in the colon. Six month's of chemo like yours. after a year I had a recurrence. Surgery on the liver. Then more chemo. Lastly I had Hipec Chemo Therapy. That was the game changer for me. Each time you have a recurrence the prognoses gets worse. But now I am 8 years past. No cancer in my body!
Always keep up the fight. Its worth it! Don't lose hope! Don't believe to much what you read on the internet!

[darlenepietzak]

I am older, but my family has a colon cancer gene. My father and grandfather had it. I have been getting colonoscopys for 25 years. My last one was this past August and they found 3 pre cancerous tumors. Please, keep getting info out. Colonoscopys can make the difference. I pray that you will do well. I am a breast cancer survivor and I wouldn't have made it through without God in my life. God Bless you and your family. 🙏❤

[judithcarre]

I’ve had the same matasticising Adenocarcinoma, beginning with stage 4 in September 2023. After colon surgery and immunotherapy (Keytruda) I am cancer free (Dec 2024). I also confronted the emotional distress of disease. It’s critical to do so. Bless you in your fight. ❤❤❤

[ginabirch]

I will be praying for you and hoping that your treatment shrinks or destroys the tumors. My husband has been fighting Stage 4 Liver Cancer for 8 years and is tumor free right now so there is hope for you!

[susanmcconnell]

PRAYING FOR YOU, SWEETIE!!! ❤❤🙏🙏🙏🙏 My husband was diagnosed with a rare, inoperable cancer, Feb, 2024. He is doing chemo every other week.

[rhondalane]

You are a warrior girl ❤ yes trust in your doctor's and medical team is si important! Back in the day when someone you knew was diagnosed with cancer everyone always assumed death. But not today sweety! Cancer treatments have came so far! People are not dying with cancer but living with it. Praying your fight is not ti big of a battle. That you have a full and quick recovery! ❤

[CathyWearstler]

Thank you for telling your story. Prayers for your complete healing in your journey.

[melodyjarrell-nxdu]

Prayers for you. You are beautiful!! Not everyone can pull off bald but you are stunning.

[saraha]

You are very brave telling your story so early on in your journey! Prayers for a complete response to chemo

[JoyceKreis]

Thank you for posting this..I also have colon cancerwhich was removed and came back. I have no support..glad you are feeling better❤❤❤

[critterchris]

You are SO beautiful! You’re not alone. You are held in the hand of God. He loves you along with all the other support you have.
Praying blessings upon you! 🙏🏻♥️🙏🏻

[bobjacobson]

I will pray for you--that you may win this battle!

[tammyrenaud]

Your are so strong and courageous ❤. Thank you for sharing so many people need to hear this that may be experiencing the same symptoms! Keep strong and d keep fighting!