Uroosa Khalid: Stage 4 Stomach Cancer at 27 Years Old

Uroosa was 27 years old when she received her stage 4 stomach cancer diagnosis after years of complications and a serious misdiagnosis. This is her story of finding strength, hope, and health through a major surgery, challenging chemotherapy, and immunotherapy.

Early Symptoms & Seeking Answers
It took me a very long time to get a diagnosis. From roughly September 2019 to September 2020, I was in and out of doctor’s offices with a range of debilitating symptoms, including constant nausea, trouble eating, frequent fatigue, and generally feeling unwell.

Sadly, I wasn’t taken seriously during many of these visits, and many providers didn’t have the knowledge or background to determine what was happening inside my body. I visited the ER in March of 2020 at the outset of the COVID pandemic, and it was an unpleasant and lonely experience.

Testing & Misdiagnosis
In total, I had three endoscopies and a colonoscopy that didn’t reveal anything substantial. Finally, my doctors had a breakthrough and were able to give me a diagnosis: cancer of the duodenum. The duodenum is the upper part of the small intestine that connects to the stomach. Its job is to soak up nutrients, like vitamins, minerals, proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, so that the body can utilize them properly.

Doctors determined that I had a 3-4 centimeter growth on my duodenum and that the cancer was either stage one or two. They prescribed surgery as my treatment plan. However, they were surprised by what they found once the surgery began.

Stage 4 Stomach Cancer Diagnosis & Major Surgery
It turns out that I actually had stage 4 stomach cancer that had metastasized to my duodenum, pancreas, and several other areas. Ultimately, they had to surgically remove 80 percent of my stomach (a partial gastrectomy), 30 percent of my pancreas, my duodenum, gallbladder, and bile ducts. They found cancer in my lymph nodes as well. In reality, I had late-stage cancer - it was much more serious and aggressive than my providers had originally thought.

Chemotherapy
As I lived my new reality, I understood that I had a life-threatening condition, but I didn’t feel like I was dying. However, that changed when I began chemotherapy. My body did not respond well to these treatments.

My doctor had recommended that I complete 12 rounds of chemo, but I finished five rounds and had complications after each one. I had to visit the ER after every round due to fainting, seizures, and other serious problems.

Starting Immunotherapy
Later, I went to MD Anderson, and they advised me to stop the chemo sessions. Their testing indicated that I’d be a good fit for immunotherapy. I was excited by the prospect of treatments other than chemotherapy. However, my excitement quickly turned to concern once I learned about the cost of the immunotherapy - it was $10,000 per month for the treatments.

Unfortunately, I had to battle with my insurance company in an effort to get them to cover the immunotherapy for my stage 4 stomach cancer. I went without any treatments from January to March, and at times I felt like I was pitching the insurance company on why my life was worth saving. It was an awful experience.

Receiving Life-Saving Treatments for Stage 4 Stomach Cancer
After months of back and forth with my insurance company, I knew I had to turn elsewhere for help. I discovered that the immunotherapy manufacturer had a patient assistance program to help offset the cost of the treatments for those who couldn’t get help from insurance. I applied, and thankfully, they accepted me. The immunotherapy treatments have literally saved my life, and I’m still taking them to this day.

Lessons Learned
I had many frustrating missteps on my path to getting a stage 4 stomach cancer diagnosis. Of course, it was challenging to be left without answers for so long and then to be given the wrong answer at first.

I’ve learned during this process that you need to educate yourself and advocate for your needs, and that it’s wise to seek out support early and often. There are many groups out there that are eager to support and help you if you seek them out. I am extremely grateful to be alive despite my late-stage diagnosis and all the challenges I faced along the way.

[georgenichols]

Stay strong 💪 I'm a cancer survivor, just got finished with two years of chemotherapy, forty radiation treatments. We are a special group people. 🙏🙏🙏

[dr.maryamabid]

Stomach cancer is among one of the lethal cancers. Its really great to see patients surviving after immunotherapies they are no less than a miracle. I haven't seen my patients surviving this good after stomach cancer. You were fortunate to have access to this program and get enrolled.

[Awaz-e-Ummat]

My future wife diagnosed with cancer.... please pray for every salah 😭😭😭😭😭

[sadiasaba]

All those suffering from any physical, social or financial any kind of problem. Must listen sura Al Rehman in the voice of Qari abdul basit for seven consecutive days thrice a day with closed eyes presenting yourself in front if Allah. Put half a glass of water with you when recitation is completed hold the glass of water again close your eyes and say Allah Allah Allah (thrice) with in your heart and drink water in three sips. After 7days stop listening sura but keep on drinking water in the same way thrice every day( with close eyes say Allah thrice within your heart and drink three sips of water) and start telling about this remedy to others.
Cure is from almighty. Try this ultimate remedy where one loses hope or find no way

[Riskyk]

My aunt was diagnosed stage 4 stomach cancer 3 months ago. Right now we all feel like she’s losing the battle. She has a feeding tube, no longer can eat, she’s lost a lot of weight and very weak she can’t talk or walk. Her chemotherapy made her worst. The doctors said she will no longer receive chemotherapy. I remember her complaining about abdominal pain but doctors never took her serious. I hope to God there can be a miracle but we’re ready for the worst.

[archangel]

What a sweet, strong lady. I wish you a long, happy life.

[kimarnina]

“them not taking me seriously as a younger patient”
It’s like to them, low chance automatically means zero chance. Why are a lot of doctors like this especially the older ones (coming from personal experience)?

[elenalauradan]

Hang in there, young lady!Be strong, be positive!Life is for you to live it happily!!!My husband, 55, is a gastric cancer survivor, total gastrectomy in 2013...bumpy journey but thank God we are together with our son, who is your age.May you be blessed!!!

[Tss]

You just inspired so many people. We need more people like you in this world. Be blessed

[csc]

I did really well on chemo . .. and, I thanked God for that!

[Sushi]

bless you and the suffering you have been through. It brought tears to my eyes, knowing no one believed you. I am wrapping my virtual arms around you and giving you a giant hug! How you fought your insurance company in such a weakened state I’ll never know.
You precious child 💕 I am so relieved your immunotherapy is working and paid for.

[jmgb]

Thank you for sharing 💕 Hope all is going well to this day. My mother was diagnosed with stage 4 gastrointestinal cancer in January of this year. She had been complaining to all of her gastroenterologists SINCE 2018 and they would dismiss it as stress, or other stomach problems (gastritis, etc) The only reason why we found out was because even after days of having worsening pain, I took her to the hospital and that’s where we were given the news. God bless and thanks for sharing! Continue to stay strong 🙏🏼🙏🏼

[sadieme]

Continue feeling healthy young lady. You have endured a lot.❤️

[terrinew]

You are an inspiration! Sending prayers 🙏🙏 for healing and comfort.

[AJice]

My mom died of stomach cancer. Watching her suffer for 10 months was the worst thing I ever experienced and still haunts me to this day. It also took almost 3 months for her to begin treatment, as she didnt have the proper medical insurance at the time (thats the US healthcare system for you).The chemo didn't help either. It may have prolonged her life, but definitely not her quality of life. She was a fighter though, I would hang myself right now if I was diagnosed (with stage 4) after witnessing what she went through. I give you all the respect in the world.

[roxananunez]

Beautiful young lady I hope everyone going through cancer to fight the battle and hopefully are cancer free ♥️♥️🙏

[ur.]

Allah swt give you complete shifa, ameen.

[jeweljohnson]

So glad she got the help she needed! God is Good! ❤

[roriammara]

I hate insurance companies 🥺 I’m sorry you had to advocate for your life but I’m so happy you did 🙌🏽

[lexismith]

The doctors that misdiagnosed her should have their licenses removed. How can someone not pick up on stage 4 cancer? They have all this medical equipment and technology, yet they still couldn’t make a proper diagnosis.