How Barbara Embraced Life Despite a Terminal Prognosis

Barbara’s journey with colon cancer began unexpectedly in September 2014, when she was diagnosed with stage IV disease. Despite minor symptoms like fatigue, low iron levels, and the need to use public toilets more often, she initially attributed these signs to aging and lifestyle factors. Everything changed after a severe anemia diagnosis prompted an emergency colonoscopy, revealing a tumor. Further tests confirmed metastases on her liver, and Barbara underwent a right hemicolectomy in 2014, followed by cycles of XELOX (CAPEOX) chemotherapy.

While initially declared “cancer-free” in August 2015, her cancer returned aggressively by June 2016, with new metastases in her liver and extensive peritoneal spread. Deemed inoperable, she began palliative chemo, expecting only six months to live. Surprisingly, her scans showed significant tumor shrinkage, allowing her to continue treatment with irinotecan and capecitabine. During her journey, Barbara found minimal side effects, possibly linked to her practice of fasting 48 hours before chemo. She proudly embraced her hair loss and chose to live life fully, traveling across Europe, spending time with family, and tackling financial preparations.

By 2017, Barbara’s scans showed stability rather than additional shrinkage, yet she remained well beyond her initial prognosis. She managed to secure affordable travel insurance for European destinations and maintained a positive outlook, opting to wear a wig in winter while staying “bald and proud” in summer. Although the cancer was ultimately terminal and she passed away in January 2021, Barbara’s story reminds us that a difficult diagnosis can offer time for both practical planning and meaningful experiences.

She shared her experiences to encourage others to seek early screenings, push for second opinions, and appreciate every moment. Her optimism, resilience, and willingness to adapt—whether fasting before chemo or donning a wig in chilly weather—served as her greatest strengths in the face of cancer.