Colorectal Cancer: Kathy's Survivor Story

What happened, in summary

Kathy Ball-Toncic had already survived the trauma of September 11 and rebuilt her career when cancer entered her life twice in close succession. In February 2023, on her 69th birthday, she was diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), described as the earliest form of breast cancer. She had been watching a lesion on her left breast for about 2 years before a dermatologist biopsied it. Kathy received care through Dana-Farber’s Breast Oncology Program, where treatment included a partial mastectomy and radiation. Less than 2 weeks after getting the all-clear from her breast cancer team, symptoms that began during a trip to Antarctica led to her first formal colonoscopy. She had blood in her stool and felt as if she constantly needed to use the bathroom. The colonoscopy brought a second cancer diagnosis within 12 months. Kathy returned to Dana-Farber, this time through the Center for Gastrointestinal Oncology. Her colorectal cancer treatment included chemotherapy and extensive radiation, which left her so drained that she had to pause halfway up a flight of stairs. Specific chemotherapy drugs, colorectal stage and colorectal surgery details were not stated. Once declared cancer-free again in August 2024, Kathy started physical therapy, rebuilt her strength and trained for a 162-mile Pan-Mass Challenge ride completed in August 2025.