In June 2023, I underwent a CT scan to assess a hernia that I was preparing to have surgery on. The results were posted on my MyChart app and, to my shock, I read that I might have colon cancer—before any doctors had contacted me. I had a 1.5-year-old daughter and a 3-year-old son. How could this be happening?
Within two weeks, I had a colonoscopy, a PET scan, a liver biopsy, and a port placement. I was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer with metastasis to my liver. It was a whirlwind of fear, anger, and panic. The first oncologist wasn’t optimistic about my prognosis, and I couldn’t accept that. I refused to let cancer take me away from my babies.
I sought a second opinion from another local oncologist, and I immediately felt more comfortable with her. Together with the incredible new care team, we began formulating a treatment plan. I underwent five rounds of chemotherapy, followed by liver surgery in October 2023. Afterward, I started five more rounds of chemo, but during the fourth round, I had a severe reaction which left me unresponsive. It was a terrifying experience for my medical team, my husband, and myself.
In April 2024, I had colon resection surgery. A few months later, my first follow-up CT scan revealed a new spot on my liver. I then received four rounds of a different chemo, which were far more difficult on my body and mental state than the previous drug (which I can no longer tolerate). In September 2024, I had a liver ablation, and the results showed everything was clear. At this point, my follow-up CT scans indicated no signs of disease, but my ctDNA blood tests were coming back positive and slowly growing with each test. A PET scan was conducted in January 2025, and a second liver ablation was performed on March 4, 2025.
Emily’s LifeList:
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