From Post-Pregnancy Symptoms to 18-Hour Multi-Organ Surgery and Ongoing Advocacy

Natalie P. was nearly eight months pregnant in early 2020 when she first noticed persistent pain. Initially attributed to pregnancy or hemorrhoids, her symptoms grew worse after she gave birth. Irregular bowel movements and mucus in her stool prompted further investigation, but her primary care physician suspected postpartum depression, and a GI specialist considered Crohn’s disease or colitis. Ultimately, a colonoscopy revealed a rectal tumor, and additional testing showed stage IV cancer that had spread to her liver. Afterward, cancer was also found in her vaginal wall.

Seeking a comprehensive approach, Natalie turned to Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center. She began chemotherapy in fall 2020 while caring for her newborn and toddler. Four months later, she received radiation and then faced an 18-hour, multi-organ surgery in spring 2021. Four different surgeons collaborated to remove her rectal tumor, resect liver metastases, address cancer invading her vaginal wall, and reconstruct damaged tissues.

Over the following two years, new liver lesions required additional procedures, and in January 2023, Natalie underwent Gamma Knife radiosurgery to treat a small metastatic brain tumor.

Remarkably, one year later, she was declared free of active disease. Now nearly four years post-diagnosis, Natalie feels physically strong and emotionally grateful. She has become an outspoken advocate, organizing awareness events and sharing her journey online. Through her experience, she highlights the importance of seeking thorough evaluations for unusual symptoms—even when considered “too young” for colorectal cancer.