How Kat Defied Stage IV Colorectal Cancer Through Immunotherapy

When newlywed Kat F. began experiencing recurring nausea on her honeymoon in northern California, she assumed it was a passing bug. Yet by the time she returned home to Dexter, Michigan, her discomfort was so severe she could only stomach applesauce and vegetable soup. Two and a half years earlier, a colonoscopy had revealed no issues, but after hearing Kat’s latest symptoms, her primary care doctor, Dr. Juana Nicoll Capizzano at Michigan Medicine, ordered a repeat colonoscopy.

The results were devastating: Kat had stage IV colon cancer that had spread to her peritoneum, liver, lymph nodes, and possibly her lungs. Despite the grim news, Kat maintained a fighting spirit, determined to explore every option. She met with medical oncologist Dr. John Christopher Krauss at the University of Michigan Health Rogel Cancer Center, who recognized that Kat’s tumors showed high microsatellite instability (MSI-High). This genetic profile meant her cancer cells couldn’t repair DNA errors, producing numerous mutant proteins that flagged the immune system.

Given this hallmark, Dr. Krauss recommended immunotherapy with pembrolizumab—often referred to as “Pembro.” Described as a game-changer, immunotherapy helps a patient’s immune system recognize cancerous cells and attack them effectively. Throughout 11 months of treatment, Kat’s only side effects were fatigue and mild “brain fog.” This stood in stark contrast to the intense nausea and hair loss that can occur with conventional chemotherapy.

As each MRI and scan came back, the tumors steadily shrank. Finally, surgical oncologists Dr. Gifty Kwakye and Dr. Clifford Suhyun Cho confirmed that no active tumor remained—only scar tissue. Kat emerged from surgery in remission, a testament to how profoundly effective immunotherapy can be for patients with the right tumor profile.

Kat credits her success to a holistic approach: daily meditation, acupuncture, reflexology, gentle exercise, and a supportive team of loved ones. She even survived on pureed soups for the first six months, joking that her Vitamix was a lifesaver. Today, Kat has resumed her life in vivid color—spending time with her two daughters, returning to work as a therapist/coach, and continuing to travel with her husband, Lars.