Colorectal Cancer: Stephanie's Patient Story
This colorectal cancer diagnosis at a glance
- Treatment
- chemotherapy, surgery and radiation
Treatment course, step by step
- Stephanie received chemotherapy.
- Her treatment also included surgery and a temporary ileostomy.
- She also received radiation.
What happened, in summary
Stephanie McBride was 42 when she was finally referred for a colonoscopy after at least 18 months of colorectal cancer symptoms. She had repeatedly reported rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits, narrow stools, abdominal cramping and bloating, low iron, and fatigue while seeing a doctor every 3 months.
After the colonoscopy, Stephanie expected to hear that hemorrhoids were causing the symptoms. Instead, the doctor told her that she had colorectal cancer. The diagnosis left her frightened about how far the disease might have progressed and what treatment would involve.
Her treatment included chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation. She also had a temporary ileostomy, and her tumor biomarkers were tested, although no specific results were provided in the narrative. Treatment brought pain, neuropathy, and increased anxiety. Stephanie found that having a treatment plan helped reduce some of her fear, and meditation became a practical way to manage anxiety. She also valued regular contact from friends and family while cancer disrupted everyday life.
Where this story comes from
This is a lay summary of an account first published by Fight Colorectal Cancer. Read the original in full
How we source and attribute stories Accuracy and limitations
These are lay summaries of published cancer stories, for information only. No two cancers behave the same way, and nothing here predicts your own diagnosis or replaces advice from your oncology team. Read the full disclaimer