Colon Cancer Stories: Barbara Majeski | The Patient Story

Hear the full story of colon cancer survivor and thriver who wasn't flagged for an early colonoscopy, despite logging family history of colon cancer.
Barbara Majeski shares in-depth her entire story from diagnosis, colonoscopy, her colectomy, to recovery and follow-up as a survivor.
Find her full story → www.thepatientstory.com/cance...

[@melodyniles7266]

I was diagnosed on April 6, 2020, with a mass on my colon and surgery performed that afternoon. Prior to surgery my surgeon came into my room and stated that we wouldn’t know if it was cancerous until a couple days later and that I’d be coming out of surgery with a bag. He did in fact, arrive in my room on the 9th of April conveying it was a perforated malignant mass. I’ve not cried through any of my procedures, not even after I woke up from surgery to find I did in fact have an Ostomy bag. It’s my lifeline. I was not fortunate to have the type of surgery Barbara explained. They followed a c-section scar going from the belly button down to my pantry line. I counted when the nurse removed the staples. . . there were 22! I did cry in May 2020 when I feel and separated and broke my right shoulder. I was devastated! I felt like what independence I’d gained was now lost. After months of physical therapy, I’m now independent again and able to care for my stoma and ostomy. On Monday 23rd November I’m scheduled for my final chemo session which as usual will be taken down on the 26th. My chemo session begins every two weeks when I arrive at University of Rochester, Wilmot Cancer Center. I have a port in my upper right chest area where the draw blood and chemo is administered. I stay at the center to receive my chemo and then come home with a ball of chemo which an RN comes to my house and disassembles the chemo. UofR has this process down to a fine science. I have a wonderful team of healthcare professionals. I too have had six months of FOLFAX. I know Barbara had an acute 6 months of FOLFAX, but want to let others know I’ve also been administered FOLFAX and had VERY minor side effects. I did experience the neuropathy while on chemo only when drinking something that was not at room temperature. Very little nausea and no vomiting! I’ve taken very for nausea meds and within a very short period felt relief. I have my first CT scan on November 30th and I excited! It’s the land of the unknown. I’m going to be diagnosed “cancer free!”. During my six months of chemo I celebrated my 66th birthday. Life is still amazing and a gift!

[@catherinegrace2366]

Beautiful - I’m THRILLED you are still around! Godspeed in Jesus name 👊🏼♥️ ~ CG

[@ThePatientStory]

Melody, so glad to hear of this update- so inspirational! Let us know if you're interested in sharing your story, just fill out our Intro Survey (thepatientstory.typeform.com/to/OJfTUC). Take good care!

[@GWT139]

This is free, you can listen to this video immediately, it helps heaps. Destroy Cancer Cells with Sound ❯⟫❯ 10000hz + 528hz + 432Hz: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gILam4uChsuMnKM&ab_channel=IAMAffirmationsbyLovemotives

[@olivedog1880]

I wish you the best and will pray for you! My cousin was diagnosed with colon cancer when she was pregnant. Luckily she didn’t need any other treatment, but the thought of relapse is never far away. You will kick its a**!

[@lj9524]

Praying for your dancing with “NED” ( no evidence of disease) 🙏❤️‍🩹🧘💞

[@rmmm329]

She is a ball of energy! Glad she got through this in one piece

[@desireemccrorey6600]

Only decades ago a cancer diagnosis was a guaranteed death sentence. It's fascinating to see the evolution of a cancer patient's experience from being a definitive death to being a process of options, customization and increased hope. Thank you.

[@kimhaas7586]

Her reaction to her diagnosis was similar to mine. “I don’t have time for this. It’s really inconvenient.” I’m laughing because I can relate. I had so many other things to take care of and do and now I had to make time on my calendar for all this medical sh*t. In a way, I think that attitude helped me. I got through chemo by not thinking about it too much. And buying different wigs to match my persona du jour.

[@jenjackmarcucci]

OMG. I love this woman! She needs to write books or have her own television show. I was laughing so hard. But she is extraordinarily articulate and intelligent. I could seriously listen to her all day. Thank you, Babs.

[@ThePatientStory]

So glad you connected with her! She was so fun to chat with.

[@Satori_69]

Yes, I felt the same way listening to her. She needs a pod cast at the very least!

[@Coffee384]

💯

[@jenniferjanssen9876]

Barbara, you are an amazing lady, wow . Your sense of humor and approach to life is infectious.

[@johnmears6669]

What a great lady and video, I was diagnosed with colon cancer in July of this year through annual blood tests which flagged abnormalities which my gp jumped on and referred me to hospital for further investigations. Cancer confirmed, surgery to remove growth in August, after 5 days in hospital and 6week recovery started 4 cycles of chemo, have just started my 4th cycle today. The speed of treatment has been quite daunting but I have to say greatly handled, future prognosis seems to be good but it does change your outlook on life and what things are important. By the way I am 72yrs old.

[@gabydiehl8314]

Great questions and thanks for not interrupting her! She was gold.

[@reginafisher9919]

Having part of my colon removed was by far 100 times more painful than having a c-section and delivering a child.

[@MaryhelenKarageorge]

I too, approach things with humor.. I told my BFF that I may become a bag lady.. but she didn’t think it was so funny 🤦‍♀️

[@130crowd]

Had I faced the biopsy, diagnosis and surgery this uninformed I'd have flipped out. I think discussing possibilities with your doc prior to surgery is essential.

[@lookedcoolerinmyhead]

I love the real ness of this interview. I deal with things using humor also...so relatable!

[@ThePatientStory]

Couldn't agree more - humor is key!

[@MzClementine]

Sometimes that gets me in trouble. People are like this as serious. And I'm like oh you deal with things in a different manner. I understand that this is serious and it may affect you. But I have to laugh at things so I don't cry. I am my own best company and I am my own best comedian. I know the best way to uplift myself and that is laughing at myself. If you don't like it I'm very sorry for you not for me. 🤔👋😜😂🖖🏽🤣

[@deborahmeyers551]

Thank you Barbara and all the crew who put this on it was lovely ganging out with you all hearing Barbara's story what a lovely person love and healing to you Barbara ❤️ 💜

[@corinnehernandez4549]

I agree the colonoscopy isn't painful. The drink is yucky but we get through it and then it's a long night in the bathroom. I was exhausted and hungry the next day. After I was given my colorectal cancer diagnosis I think I went into a fog. Later that day I got phone calls to set CT scan and PET scan and appointments with primary care, surgeon, oncologist doctor's. I was amazed and grateful how fast all the appointments were set up.

[@ThePatientStory]

@Corinne, totally understand what you mean by fog. Glad you had a pretty good experience at least getting the appointments over with! -Stephanie

[@donrotten4791]

Great interview. Hearing about others’ experiences is very helpful.

[@ThePatientStory]

Don, so glad to hear this was helpful. Thank you for letting us know 🙏 -Stephanie

[@julielynn86]

What a beautiful and smart woman! Praying for her!

[@FearonlyAllah-fh5kw]

I absolutely love your sense of humor, in the face of such adversity, Babs!

[@ThePatientStory]

Same here :)

[@wayneallen9387]

Barbara, very sorry that you had to go through this. It sounds like you did everything right, but still got colon cancer. Praying that you remain cancer free. I never had colon cancer, but over the years I have had some polyps removed during colonoscopies that may have otherwise turned to cancer.

[@ThePatientStory]

Thank you for your kind words for Barbara. So glad you were able to remove polyps before anything happened!

[@Lt.852]

Thank you for sharing your story, and with so much truth and honesty! Long may you run my friend…. Or walk! I’m going to start walking again because of this, which I had stopped for some time now thanks to you and your story.

[@patriciakimworsley9315]

I just love this womans personality and attitude!! ❤

[@marjonwhite2854]

You are awesome. Love your attitude, love how straight forward you are. And your humour. Hope you are still doing well ❤

[@tarastover6542]

Amazing storyteller, so humorous. Thank you for sharing your story. I remember after being DX 04/2017 with ALL Leukemia and being admitted to the hospital for 10 wks & having my induction phase of chemo (which was brutal), I wanted to live my life as normal as possible while I was home. Driving being one of them, my family was absolutely against it with good reason. The 1st time I drove I got so sick I lost control & hit & totaled 5 parked cars. So I stopped driving until I finished chemo which lasted 3 years.

[@lajohndachisolm2724]

Me to the driving thing is so bad for me blurried vision pains from outta nowhere while driving 😩😭😭😪💔🧎🏾‍♀️🙏🏽 I’m a mother of 3 and have no life anymore I’m losing my mind 😩😭

[@mbhike]

Love the humor 😂 Thank you for sharing your story with such honesty and transparency. Hope you are healthy and doing well today, Babs, July 2024!!

[@Mimi-fe2gm]

Babs, you are such a kick, love your personality. Omg, the "Wasband" - I'm hysterical. We'd be good friends. So happy you made it! 🥂💕

[@andreakirkpatrick2600]

Thank you for this patients story. I had my very first colonoscopy Oct 5 this year and they found a large malignant mass in the right ascending colon by the cecum. I was not having ANY symptoms. Everything that Barbara described is exactly where I am right now. I also do not fit the demographics of those I thought I got colon cancer. I’m 51 and the poster child for eating healthy and regular exercise . How could this be happening to me. I had my surgery last Friday. It too was Davinci laparoscopically done. They removed about a foot of the colon and a small portion of the small intestine and currently in the midst of recovery. Physically I’m fine but in a bad head space because I’m still waiting for pathology to see where we go from here! It was just nice to be able to hear from a survivor’s perspective because I don’t know anyone that I can relate to what I’m experiencing or who has been through this.

[@ThePatientStory]

Andrea, so sorry to hear about what you've been going through. We have other stories from colorectal cancer survivors here → www.thepatientstory.com/cancers/colorectal/. We hope this brings some answers and some comfort. You are not alone ❤️

[@Cybil017]

Thank you for sharing. I hope you are well.

[@misswinnie4.8]

Did you meet with a Genetic Counselor about Lynch Syndrome/HNPCC?

[@andreakirkpatrick2600]

@@misswinnie4.8 yes I did I I do not have lynch but it is hereditary. My girls now have to screened early at 35

[@misswinnie4.8]

@@andreakirkpatrick2600 I started my screening (colonoscopy) at age 25. I'm so glad you are surviving. My mom died at 39, I was 10. Never give up.

[@LP-hs6yz]

Thank you Ms. Majeski.

[@joany11swatch14]

Precancerous is not cancer. I went through all of this at the same age ironically enough. I had an oncologist who performed the surgery to remove a walnut size tumour, but when it came back from the pathology it was a Villous adenoma which has the highest risk of turning into cancer. When she says her father’s tumour was labeled a cancer it was probably a pre cancerous tumour..not cancer..yet.

[@antheawitts1121]

Amazing - your a force of nature - so glad your with us today -‘sharing is caring. I’m so glad you pushed for your own health and listened to your body’s warning signs. Your dad was definitely looking out for you. Best wishes ❤️

[@WeezerPort]

She is a hoot! This is great! Great attitude!

[@michael58go]

Love it, funny, thanks for sharing your journey, this is one of my favorite patient stories.

[@thecutanddry]

Thank you very much for this.

[@jenniferrobbins8439]

I love her! She needs to do a stand up comedy routine based around her Cancer diagnosis, she’s hilarious 😂 ❤

[@Apple-xt4vp]

Thank you for sharing your Story ❤

[@cmmr5548]

This sounds a lot like what I am going through. I am in my mid 20s. Thank you so much for sharing, you've given me a sense of direction amongst these symptoms

[@r0bdill87]

CM Mr, get tested please, good luck

[@ThePatientStory]

Best path is to visit a doctor and get the appropriate tests. Sending you positive vibes!

[@prometheuspredator7971]

Please get a colonoscopy asap. Colon cancer is occurring to young adults starting in their early 20's.

[@catherinegrace2366]

@@prometheuspredator7971 yikes!

[@mariaceciliadomingo3970]

How are you now?

[@teresa0817]

She’s awesome! Prayers for you, hope you’re doing great.

[@jeanhebblethwaite2811]

Thank you so much for sharing with us, you are an incredible lady, take care, my kind regards to you xxx

[@ThePatientStory]

Jean, thank you for your kind words.

[@Ceerads]

She should be a standup comedian! I love “the dash” and “wasband.” And everything else she said. I’m so glad she’s doing well. I, too, was treated at Sloan-Kettering. My cancer was early-stage breast cancer. I had “only” four chemos (Adriamycin and Cytoxan), and I’m grateful they weren’t nearly as harsh as what Barbara went through.

[@ThePatientStory]

Agree about the stand-up part 😂 she's so funny! Most importantly, SO glad to hear your cancer was caught in early stages!

[@Ceerads]

@@ThePatientStory Thank you so much! I hope you are doing well, Stephanie.

[@PersonalIncomeSolutions]

Thank you... I needed this and it helps.

[@ThePatientStory]

So glad to hear this ❤️. -Stephanie

[@123darkstar123love]

I love this woman. Thanks for sharing your story, Babs! Love from Canada

[@ThePatientStory]

Sophia, thanks for watching and so glad you connected with Babs!

[@reginafisher9919]

I was marked two for an illostomy bag before I had surgery to remove part of my colon because I had done keto so much I had messed myself up with not eating enough vegetables and fiber, I still have constant diarrhea and can never get enough fiber I have hemorrhoids itching burning fissures.... It's just great

[@user-tx9gs5ef8o]

She’s very fascinating to listen to.

[@suomynonaanonymous]

love her personality

[@elizabethconroy7665]

Thank you for being so pleasant and optimistic You are an inspiration to others Well done

[@ThePatientStory]

Elizabeth, thanks for your kind words for Barbara.

[@blessedt.2248]

Great interview

[@ThePatientStory]

Thank you for your kind words!

[@misswinnie4.8]

I was told the same (at least) "You won't lose your hair" this was said to me twice, once in Atlanta and again Boston.

[@pallavisreetambraparni6995]

I am so sorry Barbara

[@reginafisher9919]

Laparoscopic colon surgery about 4 years ago to remove part of my colon I no longer get diverticulitis and end up in the hospital but I have constant diarrhea and hemorrhoids I would almost rather have an ileostomy bag then have to deal with all of this. I have already decided in my mind that if I do it's going to be okay and I may even have a better life.

[@78904082]

Thank you so much. I pray for you having long life (Psalm 91) . I am undergoing chemotherapy now

[@talkalotakaka]

Very Inspiring !

[@off-gridsimplyhappyrodriguez]

She made me feel so much better about a colonoscopy 😅 Thank you baby

[@jennifermurray4387]

This beautiful woman is a treasure!!!💗💞

[@ThePatientStory]

Jennifer, could not agree more - Barbara shines :). -Stephanie

[@lasvegaslife5770]

God bless this woman 😃 I like her positive vibes and since of humor threw out the interview 👌

[@ThePatientStory]

We do, too ;). Barbara is an incredible woman. Thank you for your kind words!

[@spazzout9456]

Pray this every day say heal me Lord and I will be healed save me Lord and I will be saved for it is you I give praise. Lord my God I cried to you for help and you healed me.

[@paulreesor8200]

Unfortunately what we are told is "eat right" is eating wrong for the most part. The old guys got it in previous generations from insulin resistance. Its not genetic but more like dietary.

[@angelafranklin570]

She is such a ball of energy cancer can not knock her down

[@dianareddell1496]

Love this woman! I just heard talk about how she notified others and about other people wanting to broadcast YOUR information on social media. Geesh…that’s the worst!! I felt the same way and made sure I told everyone specifically NOT to share publically. It’s crazy that you have to even have that conversation about sharing personal information about SOMEONE ELSE’S LIFE. Anyway…off my soapbox and back to the video…😂

[@walterhunter4011]

It’s tuff she had the big C ! But she so full of her self !

[@SunQueen800]

I am glad someone else said it, because I didn't want to. I get Karen vibes for sure.

[@donnalanphear3567]

I wonder how Barbara is doing at this point...I hope cancer-free. She had many things in common with my colon cancer journey. For me it continues on at 73 and I have an otherwise healthy life. Am on 4th surgery; this time with 2 more smallish pre cancerous lesions in lower sigmoid. I decided all my troublesome colon needs to go and I will have an ileostomy and gladly. Not sure whether chemo will be in the plan after my recovery but expect so. Right now I just want my children aged 45 and 42 to get their colonoscopies!!

[@ThePatientStory]

Donna, so glad that you are able to pass along the reminders for screening for others, like your kids! Wishing you a smooth process to follow the ileostomy, chemo or not. Thank you so much for sharing. ❤️ - Stephanie

[@quotidian5077]

She was on the today show.

[@SusieAspen]

They actually staple the ends of the colon together with a cylindrical staple. Very engaging lady.

[@flfl4871]

Hi Barbara - I knew you were Jewish five minutes into your interview. Despite your horrendous experience - it is comforting to hear a Jewish sensibility. Am Israel Chai!

[@prometheuspredator7971]

No colon cancer on either side of parents, but my Mawmaw had a history of beign colon polyps and diverticulitis. Horrible periodic painful moments on the right side of my abdomen for 10 years after my gall bladder surgery. Had first colonoscopy at 50. Result was I had 3 beign polyps and 1precancerous polyp about to cusp over into cancer. Had big tumor on the right side of my colon. Was half as big as my fist and likely cancer. Come to find out the tumor was beign. My doctor tried to remove my tumor through my belly button, but it was to huge. He had to do surgery to remove it plus a portion of my colon. In surgery for almost 5 hours. I am considered high risk so I have to get a colonoscopy every 2 years. I am 55 years old now, for 4 years I had to be cautious about everything I put in my mouth. No hamburgers, nothing fried, meat, no fruit or vegetables. Bland diet for 4 years. Now, I can eat hamburgers and French fries, and have no pain. Funny thing I have an identical twin sister and she had two very small polyps. Words of advice, if you are experiencing very intense pain in the abdomen area and are having accidents on yourself that you can not control, get a a colonoscopy asap. Also, if you have bad thryoid, hypothyroidism your chances for colon cancer increases. Also, bad thryoid increases chance for your gall bladder and appendix to go out.

[@consueloessis]

1st, polyps are NOT cancer, and being cautious about what you eat is not going to help with your colon cancer; you can eat anything you want, i know , I had colon cancer, no more.

[@prometheuspredator7971]

@@consueloessis, I realize that a polyp is not cancer, but one of my polyps was precancerous about to cusp over into cancer.

[@prometheuspredator7971]

@@consueloessis, As far as pain, i was experiencing excruciating pain after eating a meal and that was after my surgery. I was on a bland diet for 3 years after my surgery, because I could not eat regular food. I did try eating a hamburger here and there, but afterwards it was unbearable. What kind of symptoms did you experience after your surgery? How are you doing now? Do you have to get a colonoscopy every two years?

[@pallavisreetambraparni6995]

Oh my goodness. I think I have a bad thyroid. I 'm kind of scared to get checked. I do have a weak gallbladder too. This scares me. Iam47. I am a hydrocephalus patient and I've already had 3 brain surgeries and I have spasticity in my legs and 3 leg surgeries. So, I 've already had 6 major surgeryies and I am scared to have anymore surgeries. Yikes.

[@quotidian5077]

My 48 year old aunt was dismissed and now has stage 4 colon cancer.

[@alexandrapopova9760]

Bless her craziness and infectious energy ❤

[@VeronicaGonzalez-by4dk]

Amazing ability to communicate her story .. I missed hearing more symptoms ..the conversation switched subjects to quick .. heavy undigested feeling in the stomach and extreme exhaustion... What else? Everything else was the positive strength helped the fight .. What other chronic symptoms?

[@ThePatientStory]

Veronica, thank you for the feedback. We'll be taking all this into account for future interviews. We'll be producing more regular patient stories (you'll be notified if you're subscribed). Again, thanks! -Stephanie

[@carolapostolos8929]

I agree. We didn't get to hear a complete list of her symptoms.

[@mandybradley3079]

She is beautiful. And a great role model.

[@mandybradley3079]

She is gorgeous

[@ZuluReddy]

OMG! I am living this same situation . I have been telling my GP about my GI situation for years now and I have always been told it is IBS and to start a gluten free diet , no diary etc etc but my situation has deteriorated and now I'm scheduled for an endoscopy and colonoscopy on Tuesday and this is after me pushing my GP really hard to refer me to a GI . Now my blood test shows my liver enzymes sky high for no reason and my eosinophil count sky high as well. I am hoping to have some clarity in my case and figure out why I have been having these symptoms.

[@ThePatientStory]

Glad it seems you're getting the care and attention you need! Sending you positive vibes & thoughts as you get more answers - you've got this.

[@retrogal8888]

go get a new dr and a colonoscopy now. don't wait...

[@2kiona]

Oh man, it was the TASTE of that drink. I got the 2 bottle one where you mix the bottle with 1 cup of water or apple juice, 1 the day before and the other the morning of. It was SO SALTY it was like drinking ocean water to me. God I had the WORST time getting the 1st one down and the 2nd one I drank about 1/4 of it and said "I give. Anymore and I'll hurl". My hubby got the pills and he had NO PROBLEMS at all, so that's what I want next time and I'll fight for it. LOL I'm so glad you're doing so well and bless you and your family. And you're right - Fear and Faith can't live in the same house. Chose the one you want and go from there. I suggest the Faith one - it's a LOT better.

[@shantelljones6954]

Love her! ❤

[@olivedog1880]

My cousin had colon cancer when she was pregnant. She was bleeding when she used the bathroom, so they did surgery while she was pregnant, was caught early enough that she didn’t need any other treatment. She was 30 years old when it happened. Scary

[@ThePatientStory]

That sounds incredibly daunting. Hoping the best for your cousin, her family, and you - thank you for sharing.

[@susanly4941]

I'm 76 and I'm having all the symptoms of colon cancer.I'm so scare but with my age and my health overall not so good. I don't think can go through with this tough treatment,may just let the nature take my life whenever !

[@goldengirl36]

Don’t give up on yourself ❤

[@quiquiqui]

When you close your eyes, I thought I was listening to Chelsea Handler! She is hilarious! :) Of course at the same time brave and very inspiring!

[@ThePatientStory]

Martin, couldn't agree more on the funny, the brave, and the inspiration!! :) - Stephanie

[@reginafisher9919]

The word cancer is no longer a death sentence, I actually expect it at some point in my life, I'm not even going to worry about it, what let me go back home to God in heaven where I came from whenever it is my time to exit I will gladly take it.

[@Iamkrystamarie]

Looooveee her banter

[@ThePatientStory]

So glad you do! Thanks for your comment :) -Stephanie

[@greenwald007]

I was dismissed with Hemorrhoids, 2 years of bleeding. Rectal Cancer at 36...

[@noxy005]

How are you?

[@greenwald007]

@@noxy005 Doing good now, I just finished up Radiation, scope/scan in a week and will be moving onto surveillance

[@stepbystep5572]

Good to hear you’re doing better. I’m bleeding, told hemorrhoids, surgery for removal December 22. I’m passing lots of bloody mucus. During the time not getting diagnosed, did you unintentionally drop weight? My weight is not dropping. I’ve been told that’s a common sign.

[@tammyslaughter9587]

The whole “poop bag” thing was very ignorant, unnecessary and insensitive to those who have to wear a colostomy bag. Besides she mentioned an ileostomy bag which is NOT a colostomy bag. An ileostomy is your small intestine or ileum made into a loop which is made into a stoma on the outside of your body. The ileostomy bag does not contain feces, a colostomy bag does. I’m sorry but her whole attitude of I’m too fit, healthy, and beautiful and have great hair to be bothered with colon cancer was a big turn off. Then the whole thing about the menu and the constant quesadilla thing like how dare they offer quesadillas on a menu I’m way too good and healthy for that. Well the healthy eating and fit healthy lifestyle sure didn’t keep her from getting stage 3 colon cancer. Then the unnecessary referral more than once of her wasband was cringe worthy. This channel usually has great interviews with wonderful, humble, compassionate people that are very informative with wonderful questions and information, but this woman comes off as being so into herself and entitled it was very hard to take. I can say as a survivor of stage 4 colorectal cancer which had metastasized to my liver and lymph nodes which required a colon resection, temporary ileostomy bag, 27 lymph nodes removed, the whole right lobe of the liver removed plus the gall bladder, and an ileostomy reversal, chemo, and 32 sessions of radiation at the same time of chemo is not exactly a picnic, I could have cared less what they served on any menu in all the different hospitals I had to have surgeries in, I was just glad to be alive and didn’t think I was so entitled. She acts like having a colon resection, being offered a quesadilla, and chemo was the worst thing in the world. Just couldn’t take anymore.

[@ThePatientStory]

Tammy, thank you so much for taking the time to leave this note. I understand Barbara's "style" and her approach to digesting her cancer experience is not for everyone and I apologize for how it made you feel. I'd love to get more feedback from you off of KZbin if you're up for it - if so, please message me at [e-mail]. Again, thank you - I really do appreciate all the feedback you provide ❤️ . -Stephanie

[@DMWB57]

I felt the same way. While I appreciate humor, it went too far imo. And one cannot be THAT sick if they can walk every day during chemo. It helps that she was in shape, obviously, but many cannot do any of the activities she was able to do. I suffer from 4 very painful chronic conditions/diseases and would love to have the empathy & help by family & friends like cancer patients receive. Yes I'm envious of the compassion cancer patients receive, that people like me don't. My body has no hope of a cure, just eternal suffering. My greatest fear is that I will get cancer on top of what I'm already dealing with. The fatigue & pain is permanent. Not temporary due to chemo or cancer. All the research and money that goes into treatments for cancer is a great thing, however people like me are treated less than, "at least it's not CANCER" . I apologize for my rambling-it's just that what I wouldn't do to be able to walk daily or do marathons and to have a possibility of a cure from the suffering. Thanks if you read this far. Btw-PLEASE don't think that I don't have empathy/compassion for cancer patients!!! It's an awful disease & painful road to be on. What I wouldn't do to receive 1/2 the empathy even from family, (What friends? No one wants to be friends with someone who feels horrible every day & cannot participate in life; has no quality of life). I think this has to change. Or more people need to consider that cancer isn't the only thing that ruins lives? Chemo is a poison and so are the numerous pills that chronically ill people have to take. Just my perspective on all chronic illness.

[@DMWB57]

Tammy, I'm sorry that you have stage lV colon cancer. You've been through so much and I'm sorry that this woman offended you. She did me also, but not in such a personal way. Truly hope your life is extended and that you experience quality of life. And I apologize that my first message was in any way insensitive. I just wish all chronic & painful diseases would get the same consideration. I don't know you personally, but would like to add you to my prayers. Bless you. ♥️

[@tammyslaughter9587]

@@DMWB57 I would like to say I am very sorry you are not getting the empathy and attention you need, it’s terrible to feel so bad with chronic diseases and people just don’t understand and get it. I extend my sincere compassion to you and I’m sorry you’re going through this. I don’t know what type of chronic diseases you have but I hope and pray you find some type of relief. I don’t think I’ve had your diseases so I won’t try to say I know what you’re going through and how you feel. That being said it is obvious you truly don’t know much about cancer and cancer treatment. Someone’s physical ability during cancer depends on what stage, type, age, other comorbidities and type of chemo they are own that determines whether they are sick enough to walk everyday or not. I know many cancer patients who don’t get help or compassion, that too depends on many factors. After surviving the stage 4 colorectal cancer years ago I then was diagnosed with stage 4 non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and I can tell you I personally do not want people to know about my cancer because they treat you as if you’re already dead and they don’t want to invest much of their time on someone who may or may not be here much longer. You think we’re getting all of this empathy, help, and attention? You might want to rethink that because cancer can be a very lonely disease. Also you are totally unaware that for blood cancers the fatigue is debilitating and constant not just while doing chemo but for every single day. I’d also like to inform you that my blood cancer along with many other types are incurable and chronic. We go through our lives having to do extreme debilitating treatments such as very toxic chemo cocktails and possible radiation to try to obtain remission (my last treatment I only got 9 months remission), for an undetermined amount of time only to have to do it all over again usually a few months later and each time we have treatment, the cancer becomes more and more resistant to the treatments. The financial strain, and emotional turmoil this puts on us and our families is unbelievable. So, so much for all of the empathy, help, and attention we’re getting, I’d much rather have my normal life back before cancer. There is still no cure for many of us, and as for feeling less human because “at least it’s not cancer”, I felt less human after having most of my colon removed, half of my liver and gallbladder removed, lymph nodes removed, part of my intestines hanging on the outside of my body as a stoma, and being fried by radiation and being poisoned by chemo, kind of makes you feel less human as well. Not everyone who has cancer has a possibility for a cure, I don’t and many others like me don’t either.

[@tammyslaughter9587]

@@DMWB57 God bless you as well and thank you so much for the prayers! I truly hope someday you will have peace and health! ❤️

[@reginafisher9919]

If you don't want to get violently ill from chemo you have to stop eating the day before do not eat anything go on a water fast and then the day after the chemo another water fast you will never have horrible side effects from chemo if you do this, I found this out from just doing a little bit of research.

[@sw6118]

Depends on the type of chemo

[@5dianita]

Not really true. It's different for everyone. It definitely varies. I had chemo and never had these affects.

[@reginafisher9919]

@@5dianita o is it?

[@5dianita]

@reginafisher9919 Oh yes. But my husband and I had chemo and didn't have these issues. Fortunately, I question everything I read in the internet. Also, they did prescribe anti-nausea pills, but I never needed them.

[@reginafisher9919]

@@5dianita yeah that was just from a personal persons experience I listened to on KZbin, but everyone is different it might have worked for him but it might not work for someone else you know what I mean. I just don't think that someone would lie about that.

[@liveforchrist1474]

Reading the Bible out loud healed my neck. Do that every day. Praying for the world made my headache vanish. Pray every day for the missing, abused, poverty etc. Donating gives me sooo much more energy. It's healing also.

[@catherinegrace2366]

Beautiful and encouraging. I’m with you! Godspeed in Jesus name ~ CG

[@christopherschroeder5462]

kidding me

[@donrotten4791]

Magical thinking, why not?

[@eden7440]

Just because this worked for you, and that's great, but don't speak as though this is a given for others and give them false hope. I read my Bible everyday, my cancer is going to kill me.

[@carey579]

I hate it so much when people - most likely trolls - like you give false hope 😡 Keep your delusions to yourself 🐑

[@MarilynMayaMendoza]

Dear Barbara, You are a strong funny and intelligent woman. I am Jewish too and I will pray To Hashem For your complete recovery. Aloha

[@eveningstar1]

lol! she is hilarious. such a sad story, SO well told.

[@yasminmarie475]

I felt this way 💔I’m 30 with five kids stage 3a

[@ThePatientStory]

Yasmin, thinking of you and your family.

[@maxmanx1294]

She is a trip! I mean that in the best way possible.

[@deannamay4973]

Yes! We need to hear that it isn’t a terrible, excruciating ect to scare or cause such anxiety to people. Just like when you get a mammogram, as women we seem to tell everyone “ oh a mammogram is horrifying, it’s squeezes your breast it hurts, and it’s cold and uncomfortable. I was scared to get a mammogram, then, when I got one I was like why do we tell people that it’s such an awful thing it wasn’t. Then you got women with big breast. That’ll go oh, that’s because your breast aren’t big, whatever I couldn’t believe I was so terrified to do such an easy exam. Now I’m going for the colonoscopy & was worried- but Barbra’s positivity, and no drama has me looking forward to getting this done and over. Thank you so much, I know what will be done & do not have the anxiety I did about this procedure!

[@debbiemeyer7666]

I heard a man with multiple myeloma cancer took THC and it helped or totally took his nausea away, along with helping his severe back pain. Too bad doctors can’t legally prescribe it in some states. I think this man heard about it and tried it on his own and told others on his patient story that it’s something to “maybe” ask your dr if you can try.

[@michelledoliveira9299]

beautiful xox blessings

[@annetteivey]

I learned to accept that I was ok because several dr say I'm ok .. but I've not been ok! I am made feel like I'm faking or it's all in my head.. I gave up complaining about my symptoms my Oncologist actually alerted and I am in process of COLONOSCOPY endoscopy

[@ThePatientStory]

Annette, so glad you advocated for yourself and are getting care! Wishing you the very best.

[@retrogal8888]

Im a rectal cancer with metastasis to lungs patient diagnosed April 2022. Level IV terminal on palliative care. I don't have any breath if I exert myself. I can walk tho in short bursts. Can you suggest a plan. Having chemo every three weeks, Carboplatin and Etoposide.

[@iwonasutton2336]

You may like to see KZbin channel “ GoodbyeLupus by Brooke Goldner, M.D. Best wishes.

[@Coffee384]

I love this woman. She’s my cuppa tea

[@maxmanx1294]

Does anyone have any advice for ingesting all the water or liquid for the colonoscopy prep? I've had 3 failed prep attempts lately. I can't drink so much water in a short period. I vomit it up. I didn't have this issue years ago for other colonoscopies.

[@GalinaGalinaxo]

Try to chill this stuff in several cups.Take it one by-one,small sips

[@JS-wi9mw]

this lady is so badass! glad she is on the other side :)

[@flashgordon4106]

Go back and sue that other doctor that discharged you,they should be held accountable.

[@tcreative8030]

Doctor's are human...let's not encourage ppl to sue doctors. We need them; more of them.

[@shapienails3067]

I 💯 Agree it could have cost her - her quality of life or even her life. What if it was a fast-growing cancer? She may have passed away before even getting diagnosed, 5 years later. I've had doctors get upset with me for wanting a 2nd opinion .. WTH!!

[@kristi.kervin]

No joke Barbara I love you and want to be your friend! (Not a creepy one 🤣) you made me laugh with your verbiage, your tone, your style, 😂 how do people hang around you and not have a six pack abs from laughing so much! I was listening in 2x speed and my abs hurt!

[@lizajane1878]

Great story. Please don’t date until you finish raising your kids. They need you lucky you are here for them. You are a MOM first❤️

[@adamgieron1909]

So can someone clarify . You end up witha a bag for life after surgery ? Or does it cone back to normalne after a while ?

[@sallyostling]

Either one is possible.

[@PinkPanther70]

Talking about a shit-bag... that was when I had enough of this video. The bag-thing is a reality for me and hearing someone say, they're too good for it, was very cold and rude.

[@ThePatientStory]

Monica, I understand what you're saying and I'm sorry to hear it impacted you this way. We've gotten a range of feedback and this helps us understand what we can do better, maybe we can categorize these so people understand the style beforehand. Thanks for taking the time to let us know your thoughts. -Stephanie

[@nuwon8154]

@@ThePatientStory you shouldn't have interviewed "BABS". You KNEW what a lunatic she was. This was all about HER. She cared NOTHING about helping someone who is going through this process. I recommend taking her off of your account. She is toxic

[@DONALD1951]

That would be my concern.. a bag or not.

[@svillanueva65]

Cancer. What nope. No time for that bless her heart

[@ThePatientStory]

😂

[@gitana6791]

Actually, a colonoscopy is not just a cutesy way to feel skinny. The liquid tastes horrible, I threw up and I can’t handle drinking that every year now. Sure, it’s not a big deal once you are under but it’s ok if you feel nervous especially if you have symptoms.

[@vib366]

85 lbs here. Not eating for a day will probably lend me the ability to faint all day and not function. Endoscopy and colonoscopy scheduled and just not looking forward to that.

[@ThePatientStory]

Colleen, sending you positive thoughts for those procedures. -Stephanie

[@annconforti9294]

Endoscopy is no big deal.

[@northstar6580]

I’ve been told I have IBS, ulcers, low B12, fibromyalgia. I went from being highly active to very lethargic! A year ago I had two episodes of bleeding (dark red) during bowel pass and stomach pain. Every time I have I have a bowel movement I feel extremely tired after to the point of just wanting to sleep. It’s becoming unbearable

[@ThePatientStory]

We're so sorry to hear of all this pain you've been through. Sending you the best wishes for answers and recovery.

[@stevo987]

Hello north star. I have every single thing you have. Feels like I'm dying. You are not alone ❤️❤️❤️

[@retrogal8888]

go get a colonoscopy NOW 😢

[@annconforti9294]

I relate! I have all you have and u have swollen lymph nodes all over my body.

[@mariaceciliadomingo3970]

How are you doing? Hope all is well