What happened, in summary

Crystal was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2022 after years of symptoms that were easy to explain away, including persistent urinary tract infections and later severe abdominal pain. Imaging showed a mass, and a needle biopsy confirmed that the tumor was cancerous. Doctors explained that a fistula was causing infections, and because she would need chemotherapy, they wanted to divert waste away from the area first. Crystal had a colostomy placed, but the first surgery did not work correctly; nothing was coming through the bag, and testing showed the connection was wrong. She was transferred by ambulance and had the surgery redone so the colostomy could function. Chemotherapy then began, likely once a week. After 4 or 5 rounds, infections were still not stopping, and the tumor was not shrinking enough. Her team decided they could not safely wait. A colorectal surgeon, gynecologist, and urologist planned a major operation because the hole in her bladder was significant. The urologist warned that he might not be able to save it. Crystal woke up without her bladder and with a urostomy and ileostomy; the ileostomy was eventually reversed, but losing her bladder was permanent. As of May 2025, she was living after intensive treatment, relying more on loved ones, and processing how much the experience changed her relationships and daily life.