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My Stage 4 Cancer Journey: An Unfiltered Look at Ileostomy, Chemo, and Resilience
A Candid Battle with Stage 4 Colorectal Cancer
Facing a stage 4 cancer diagnosis is a daunting challenge, but one individual’s journey offers a raw, honest, and even humorous look at the fight. Diagnosed with stage 4 colorectal cancer that originated in the rectum and colon before spreading to six spots on his liver, his path has been anything but easy, involving complex surgeries, chemotherapy, and a temporary, life-altering ileostomy.
The Surgical Road: Lower Anterior Resection and Ileostomy
To tackle the primary source of the cancer, he underwent a procedure called a lower anterior resection. This extensive surgery involved removing sections of his colon and rectum. In a remarkable feat of surgical ingenuity, his small intestine was then stretched and connected directly to his anus. But the journey didn’t stop there.
To allow the newly reconnected rectal area to heal without contamination, a temporary loop ileostomy was performed. This means a section of his small intestine was pulled through an opening in his abdomen, sliced open, and folded back, creating a stoma. For three months, all waste from his digestive system is collected in an external bag. He candidly shares the less glamorous, often surprising, aspects of living with an ileostomy, including the fact that not only can he fart, but his bag can too! He also jokes about the distinct smell associated with changing the bag.
Chemotherapy: A Necessary Evil
Chemotherapy has been a constant companion in his battle. He’s experienced two different types: one that caused neuropathy and sensitivity to cold, and another that leads to hair loss but is less intense. While chemo is primarily preventative, designed to stop the cancer from spreading, it has also shown remarkable success in shrinking his tumors. What began as ping-pong ball-sized growths were reduced to the size of an eraser.
However, the fight is far from over. After a six-month break from chemotherapy, the cancer unfortunately returned, spreading to six new ping-pong ball-sized tumors in his liver. This setback underscores the relentless nature of the disease and the continuous need for vigilance and treatment.
Looking Ahead: More Treatment and Hope
The road ahead involves more chemotherapy, followed by a reversal surgery to reconnect his intestine and stomach, eliminating the need for the ileostomy bag. After that, he faces a crucial six-month period of no chemotherapy, a requirement to qualify for a liver transplant or a procedure to obliterate the remaining tumors. He’s also explored alternative treatments like Soursop tea and Ivermectin, though he notes they did not work for his stage 4 cancer.
Despite the immense physical and emotional toll, his mindset remains incredibly strong. He continues to share his journey, even as platforms like TikTok occasionally remove his videos for discussing what he calls
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