Medical Gaslighting: My Colon Cancer Symptoms Were Ignored! Amanda’s Story | The Patient Story

Amanda started getting light IBS symptoms and a month later, started seeing blood in her stool. She immediately asked doctors if it could be colon cancer. But doctors told her, "there's no way that would be colon cancer" and thought it was hemorrhoids or a fissure. Her symptoms then worsened and persisted for almost a year before she finally got a colonoscopy. She was then diagnosed with stage 2A colon cancer.
In this conversation, she talks about the frustration of not feeling listened to and taken seriously, how important it is to fight for answers and advocate for yourself, and why you should be on top of your health care.
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT COLON CANCER SYMPTOMS VS IBS → tinyurl.com/jnhdz2f6
Full story & transcript → www.thepatientstory.com/patie...
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Contents of Video:
00:00 Introduction
00:32 My first symptoms
04:58 Possibility of colon cancer
08:40 Getting testing done
10:08 Appointment with gastroenterologist
12:11 Getting a colonoscopy
13:36 Finding a large tumor
15:54 Getting the diagnosis
20:01 Going through chemo
27:35 Words of advice
#coloncancer #cancerawareness #symptomsofcancer #cancerscreening #colorectalcancer #cancerprevention #cancersymptoms #cancertreatment #cancerresearch #coloncancersurvivor #thepatientstory #cancerstories #cancer

[@ThePatientStory]

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[@bhollyfanhardin9627]

YOU LIVE IN L.A. AND YOUR A DEMOCRAT.......THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT YOU VOTE FOR.........YOU GO THROUGH ALL THIS AND YOU STILL DON'T WISE UP...........

[@guysumpthin2974]

Your earliest feelings were Great Wisdom.!

[@guysumpthin2974]

“Seek knowledge and Wisdom always, with the latter being the greater” -the owners manual. It takes DPC to get to the point

[@guysumpthin2974]

And to think they charge $$ the same for gas-lighting , as they do for “good” information

[@guysumpthin2974]

You’re probably low in zinc

[@MsINSANE2]

I had NO symptoms at all, and I was mid 50's. At my annual checkup my Dr. thought she detected a trace of blood and suggested that I should have a colonoscopy without telling me that. I resisted and she was really pushy about it and I finally asked her why she was being so insistent. She then told me about the blood and that it could be cancer. I got the colonoscopy, and I had rectal cancer. Large tumor. fortunately for me it was a squamous cell carcinoma, and I did not have to have surgery but did chemo and radiation. It was SOOO bad. I literally almost died from the treatment. But here I am almost 15 years to the day from my last radiation treatment and still cancer free.

[@bethanyluvsfood]

That helps me so much! My 49 year old husband just finishe rectal cancer treatment so ty for your post!!! God Bless you!

[@hellokittydimaggio]

You could Have probably lived your whole life normally with th e cancer I’m sure a lot of people who die have cancer and never knew 😮

[@20-NYC]

Sorry to hear, can I know how you knew the treatment almost killed you, and why?

[@Oshaoxin]

@@20-NYC Chemo wreaks havoc on your immune system. Radiation therapy may kill the cancer but it may affect healthy parts of you in a bad way. Just read up on it, there are some pretty nasty side-effects. But is that worse than worsening multiplying cancer?

[@StanjaFleetwood]

Thank god

[@ariellephan]

The current diagnosis benchmark is outrageously high. Do we need to be at stage 4 and near death to be able to be taken seriously? Great job Amanda for persisting to fight your battle while no one was listening.

[@Patriot1789]

None of the doctors she saw for that first year were following normal protocol. Abnormal bleeding that persists needs to be followed up with testing that looks for specific problems. They didn’t do any testing or they did a blood test, but only a colonoscopy can tell you what’s going on inside.

[@birdtj82]

Yeah in USA and CANADA feel like I am in 2nd/3rd world country. They charge so much money for insurance. Drs are ordered “DO NOT randomly order test unless obvious reasons “ ordered by medical community or Government(in Canada) so wont drain resources. Finally u get d Fking MRI/CT…its like 1-3 months wait. N takes another 2 weeks for result, n u dont even hear the result u have to book another appointment. Its so BACKWRADs. Ppl live in Asia, KOREA, CHINA, (maybe hongkong) U JUST GO into hospital, SAme MRI /CT machine from Germany …literally i looked it up the machines in Canadian mount Sainai, PRincess Margret hospital (4th biggest cancer hospital i the world). Asians pay like $300 get it fringin done within 3 days (CT/MRI). N 70% national coverage for old age ppl pass 60 yr old. I think its like 100% for farmers n service/government industry . Something like that. D same exact polyp my mom found out within weeks,,,,n got it snitched in stomach ( extend a needle n burn it take like a few seconds). For me ---i went thru this exact same frigin story. Its so tramatizing. What’s the point to live in USA n Canada. The medical system is broken ! Ppl back home are telling me ppl in USA etc are flown to ASia now to get cancer treated. Its like the same machine, medication PD-1 immunol therapy. (Got approved in 2020 after years of wait) that EXACT Same drug they sell in USA for $8000 a month PD-1, in ASia is $850. (Due to mass population n huge demand ) . I found out that the drug is available in Canada. But where I m at …the FREE medical does NOT cover those newer pricy drugs. Drs still proscribe drugs from like 15 yrs ago like Cisplatin cost $3000 for a cycle of treatment vs ON GOING $8000(immuno therapy) a month every month first 12 months even tho the effective rate is MUCH much higher, 65% vs 38-40%

[@kizziah7777]

Yes, you have too. They will let you die.

[@nyoodmono4681]

The opposite is true. You are so easily diagnosed with cancer and then you are in a world of chemo shit

[@JulieFooks]

​@@Patriot1789 qqqqq . 😅 😅😊😅😊😊😅... 😅ml.. 😅😊😊. 😅.... ...

[@kambam1851]

Something the medical industry needs to stop is saying “your so young” and then not testing further

[@lovelyjesiel]

“You don’t look sick” is CRAZY to me.

[@carolynswan1171]

Sometimes we don’t have to look sick to be sick

[@anubhagat7216]

So you apparently wait till they look sick along with feeling sick with symptoms. Doctors can get crazy at times

[@cockeyedoptimista]

Unbelievably stupid doctor.

[@HeraclitusThoughtBubbles]

I’m 38 years old. When I was 18, my boyfriend, who was young in his 20s, was diagnosed with colon cancer. When we met I was really young, he was strong, he could pick me up and carry me around, and laugh and he biked, and he was an irrigator, business owner, just very very active. He was diagnosed in September when I was 19, by November I was carrying his groceries. By November the following year, he was dead. YOUNG PEOPLE GET COLON CANCER. There was a me before him and a me after. I’ve never been the same. Thanks for sharing your story.

[@crystallemus1645]

I’m so sorry for your loss. May he rest in eternal peace 🙏🏻 Continue to hang in there.

[@kimrittenhouse4898]

I totally get how you feel…I say the same thing: the before me and after me. After over 2 years going through all of this…it sux. But people who haven’t had cancer don’t understand how we feel. Sorry for the loss of your boyfriend. ❤

[@debragillen255]

So sad . I’m so sorry to hear . Hope you are good . And yes .. young people get these cancers not just elderly

[@TahitianTreatSkeetJuiceJr]

younger people also tend to be more reckless with their lifestyles, so yeah, they can get all sorts of things u think only old folks can get

[@eyemallears2647]

Thank you and sorry

[@michellegrovak]

My son was 33 when he was finally diagnosed with Stage IV colon cancer. The doc said he was too young for insurance to pay for a colonoscopy. He's still alive, fighting for 10 years.

[@deepthoughts8393]

Phoenix tears/ RSO helps with curing all cancers

[@FathimaSaleem-qp8uw]

Is he responding to chemo

[@vanessaspencer6620]

It really is so hard! I'm 32 and the Drs are not taking me seriously. With my symptoms, they are just like "oh maybe you need new glasses etc etc 😐

[@jillkemp5521]

Love for you and your family from England ❤

[@deepthoughts8393]

@@Sheseasyouthereimpostersbeware look it up. I take it for sleep. I have researched it. It’s medical cannabis. You are only getting the beneficial extracts from it. Yes it cures cancer because Rick Simpson cured his own cancer from using this. I’d take it any day over chemo that kills you

[@amandablanco8725]

This happened to my best friend. Doctors kept dismissing her symptoms and finally by the time it was detected it was stage 4 colon. It had already spread to her liver and lungs. She unfortunately passed away in 2022 leaving two small children 😔 Shame on all the doctors who don’t listen and care for their patients.

[@purple_phoenix1971]

This is EXACTLY my story!! So scared. I have a Colonoscopy coming up next week. Pray for me 🙏🏻

[@natanyasteelman]

Similar to mine too! Just had colonoscopy and upper endoscopy. Results showed some esophagitis and a few polyps in descending colon which they biopsied. Now waiting on results. Was on antibiotics prior to procedure but since I’m allergic to penicillin, I was given an alternative which wiped out my entire microbiome to the point that I passed out the next day due to dehydration and malabsorption. It’s now been 2 weeks that I’ve been in/off horrendously sick - nausea , bloating, chronic diarrhea and stool mucus, and 3 instances of bright blood in it.

[@purple_phoenix1971]

I will pray for you @natanyasteelman Such a worrying time for us both ❤️🙏🏻 xx

[@mackenzieowens161]

good luck!!

[@Lily_049]

🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@purple_phoenix1971]

@@mackenzieowens161 Thank you ❤️

[@hollie1352]

I just lost my 27 year old healthy daughter to stage 4 colon cancer. Your a brave young lady hang in there.

[@sandrakayiwa820]

God have mercy on your family I’m sorry for your loss

[@sarahcrain8083]

I am so sorry.

[@Summerdee223]

I'm so sorry for the loss of your daughter. God bless you and may you get comfort from your memories of your time with her. Sending you a warm, loving cyber hug.

[@berna_emec]

So sorry for your loss! :( Rest In Peace to your daughter. ❤️

[@judyklein2526]

I lost my husband to stage 4 colon cancer. Dr said it was probably his belt buckle pressing on his stomach when he sat at his desk. It has spread to his liver and his lung. It has galvanized me. He did have a 10 hour colon and liver resection, chemo , radiation and ultimately clinical trials. He would have tried anything. He really wanted to live but ultimately the cancer won.

[@angeliki_55]

I was a cancer nurse for 4 years half of my patients were either misdiagnosed or ignored by their physicians. Please don’t let others tell you how you feel and always insist. Hope everything goes well!

[@mightyobserver12]

They're only there when it is already worst

[@NS-xt5wv]

I think it’s also important to keep looking for a doctor that will believe you, meaning getting second, third, forth etc opinion and keep being your advocate.

[@Viper4ever05]

I don't understand why they choose to gaslight their patients? they act like they have something better to do.

[@gigitonsvajv]

Keep on pestering the Drs. Advocate for yourself.

[@tchili1]

@VPX4 Because they are lazy and don't care about their patient's suffering. I just went to my Oncologist yesterday and same thing. I was there for follow-up of the most deadly breast cancer, Triple Negative, and am only one year out. I asked why they won't do a follow-up scan and not just blood work and they said, "because we don't do that." Right. They wait until we are having symptoms at stage IV when it's too late. Makes me furious because I watched my mother die a horrific death from ovarian cancer because she was not listened to until she was dying. Then they wouldn't even give her enough pain meds to relieve it at all. she was screaming and writhing in the bed. Most horrible thing I've seen ever and was an ICU RN.

[@ModernResilience]

The fact that you need a primary care doctor to refer you to a specialist is so maddening.

[@laurablalock8850]

My insurance doesn't require a referral. My insurance is a huge reason why I have kept this job.

[@amandapierce61]

Should always push for a PPO plan instead of HMO. With PPO you don’t have to have a referral.

[@dejanae7336]

I agree.

[@jacquelineglitter4328]

I had problems like you. I went to the ER and he told me it was hemroids. I told him I wasn't leaving the hospital until he did something. He gave me a referral for a Colonoscopy and I had a large mass. It was only stage 1 cancer and Im glad I stood up to that doctor.

[@JCX-9]

Yes good for you. Seriously we have to almost become our own doctors these days. I was 18 when a doctor almost removed my ovary. I went for second opinion and the doctor said the symptoms will clear eventually and no surgery is needed. I don’t know how my life would have been if I listened to that first idi0t doctor who obviously was in it for the money. Anyway i think these days group of doctors has to decide if surgery is needed not just one doctor.

[@nicholeeddy5071]

Did you tell that Dr about the results??

[@daCubanaqt]

Good on you. It’s sad you have to fight so hard for your own health when medical professionals are supposed to be doing it for you. Everyone has to be their own advocate.

[@shennashepard6750]

My brother had the same issue with no insurance, massive rectal bleeding, abdominal pain and at ER told likely a hemorrhoid but should get colonoscopy. But had no PCP so slipped through cracks for a few more months. Finally, when colonoscopy found out had stage 4 colorectal cancer with a massive tumor. It’s very frustrating when doctors just write it off as something minor without thorough examination.

[@dbedazzling1]

Love it 😅😅😅😅 get in their face n demand test be done, they take your money n does nothing.

[@Melycast3]

I was 37 when I had my very first colonoscopy. Had some blood in my stool. My gastro immediately requested a colonoscopy. He told me "I have a 25 year old patient that was just diagnosed with cancer. There is no age too young to get it." I am so glad he did. Colonoscopy came back normal, thank God.

[@xBaphometHx]

What was it then? A fissure?

[@IglooDweller]

Glad you had a great doctor. :)

[@lionhearted6545]

@@xBaphometHx it may be. I had blood in my stool too

[@PoM-MoM]

So what was the blood in your poop caused from (since you said your Colonoscopy was normal?)

[@lacee513]

They should of check your small intestine

[@BookishBeena]

I’m dealing with getting my own diagnosis and it is astonishing how difficult it is to be taken seriously by doctors. It shouldn’t be this hard. We, patients, deserve better

[@journeyoflovelightawakening369]

Me too! We know our own bodies.. when you know.. you know ❤

[@reginalooby850]

God Bless You. 🙏

[@johnserrano8683]

$$$$$

[@LogarAcc]

Demand a written refusal of further exams, and your current symptoms. That way, you can tell them if another doctor finds what they couldn't, you'll drag them to court

[@andreinabarthly8543]

Me too! I’m fighting to get my diagnosis and it’s draining. Why aren’t there more resources and help for people like us!

[@eclectictomboy6873]

It's sad when you're smarter than your doctors.

[@HardKnox333]

Yeah, my mother was medically gaslit for years over gut issues. She had awful continuous symptoms and multiple scopes. She was diagnosed with IBS and then Celiac disease. Only when her belly started filling with fluid did they finally do a full body scan and found her cancer. The cancer began in her bile duct and had already metastasized and spread through her liver and abdomen. She was given 9 months to live and a "we're so sorry we didn't catch it sooner" from her GP. Lesson I took is never just take the doctor's word for it. You live in your body and know when something isn't right. Don't be too polite at your own expense.

[@DaniBadger777]

I am so sorry this happened to your mom and your family.

[@ld2478]

gaslighting is a strategic use of psychological manipulation to undermine a person’s faith in their own judgment, memory, or sanity. your mother was not gaslight. she was not listened to and misunderstood.

[@icomeinpeace3756]

How do I get my doctor to do a full body scan

[@Blackraregem]

I wish people could start suing the doctors because I feel like the doctors just being lazy. This is so sad. I’m so sorry that happened to your mom.

[@vortex2826]

Medical malpractice and negligence lawsuits!!!

[@traveler320ak7]

I DO NOT understand why doctors didn’t send her to a specialist to get it checked out. Mind boggling that they thought blood in her feces is caused by grief. Amazing.

[@ernestoddelgado3350]

It happens everywhere. I’m dating a doctor and he is the first medical professional to say “you should get a colonoscopy “. Five doctors went through “it’s anxiety, it’s diet, it’s IBS” until I finally went in today and got a referral for the colonoscopy. I thought I didn’t have a choice until my partner said “sadly doctors will not advocate for you the way you can advocate for yourself”

[@debragillen255]

They are out of touch with reality

[@denicefeliz7923]

Same thing with me, I lost a lot of blood went to the hospital for 3 days and they give me more blood and then just tell me to take more vitamins and iron. My goal was to see a specialist which took many months to get approved. Finally had the colonoscopy, tumor in my rectum, waiting to find out if cancer or not. for now I need blood test an MRI.

[@BillySBC]

Probably parents paying off people at the medical school to get their kid pushed through, that's all I can figure.

[@lucasb409]

they couldnt be bothered to fill out more paperwork and spend more time reviewing screening reports. Talk about health 'care'.

[@patriciaheath7112]

This is what happened to me when I was 30. 2 doctors told me that is likely hemorrhoids or a fisher. I was in between houses and living at my parents and away from my regular doctor. I ended up going back to my family doctor and he sent me for a barium enema test. He told me later he listened to my symptoms, not race or age. He saved me, within 3 weeks I had a sigmoid resection, it was caught early and did not have chemo or radiation. This was in 1994, I just turned 60. Sending you lots of love and prayers.🤗

[@doinglifemyway1755]

Great to hear 👏

[@theirishcailin333]

Glad you were diagnosed so quickly and that you're doing well

[@sandilobianco6734]

@patriciaheath7112, Thanks, I didn’t know about a barium enema test. I thought there was only the colonoscopy.

[@NJgateway]

Sorry for my ignorance, but what is a fisher?

[@christineamyette3592]

@@NJgateway it's spelled fissure, basically a tear

[@vanessarivas3733]

To all doctors who DO ACTUALLY CARE, take time to listen, have empathy, and true care and love for the work… THANK YOU!!! ❤️

[@beatricefrask5230]

Colon cancer in young oeople has increased by 30 percent in the young population in he past 20 years. I wish Doctors would listen and screen them sooner. Thank you for sharing your story!

[@maryannc.4102]

It s all the pollution chemicals and stuff like that in the food...processing food..if u look back at our grannies or great grandmothers they would tell you no such a diseases were present back in those days..

[@martinemikita9281]

It makes me REALLY curious as to WHY this has increased by 30%... I personally think it's in our food... something is causing this.

[@shannen7917]

My cousin was medically gaslighted for about 5 years and was diagnosed with stage 3B colon cancer at age 32. They told her the same thing - hemorrhoids. Fortunately for her, her health is doing well today

[@MaryC-ug4pf]

I had the same experience, also found with stage 3B colorectal cancer that was suspicious for metastasis... no one bothered to examine me just came to the conclusion I had hemorrhoids. Thankfully, I found a family doctor who listened and examined me right away. 7 days later I was in surgery for colorectal cancer. I live with a permanent ostomy now. I've survived 5 years so far with no complications... thank goodness. Some people said my doctor was only a GP... and I told them he was the only one who listened when the specialists did nothing.

[@ssonkogarvey]

When these things happen when you later get a diagnosis years later, should you or has anyone here taken legal action about the level of care from a GP?

[@konniep801]

Sounds like they may have a lifetime customer now? I think that’s the point and what they’re trying to do. If they treat you at stage 1 or 2 you’ll most likely won’t get to stage 3 or 4 and you’ll now then be educated on your sickness which then means no trips to their office which then means no money you see how that goes? They need to gaslight you until you’re at stage 3 or 4 where they can make the real money off you not at stage 1 or 2. See what I mean? Real wicked

[@madelineweissman4682]

@@konniep801this isn’t gaslighting this is just so maddening to listen to by her. I’m 32 and have had three colonoscopies. People need to do their own research and advocate for themselves. The health system is flawed, everyone knows it. She had blood for SIX FUCKING MONTHS I would pay for a colonoscopy out of pocket idk ONE MONTH INTO IT! these stories are maddening cuz I get it trying to tell your story but Jesus it’s more maddening when the patient just is ignorant and doesn’t advocate for themselves

[@zamfambam]

@@madelineweissman4682what the hell are you talking about? Some people don’t have the opportunity to just pay for their own colonoscopy. You may be well off financially. Which it’s easy for you to say. Have some empathy.

[@RobertStiles]

Any competent doctor would have ordered a colonoscopy. It's outrageous that they are dismissing these symptoms.

[@XLightChanX]

i think the most outrageous thing is that they didn't even confirm their diagnosis. if she's bleeding for MONTHS, maybe look at her supposed fissure and haemorrhoids and TREAT them? like even w/o cancer that's no way to live, let alone not making sure it's just that and NOT cancer, blows my mind.

[@RobertStiles]

@@XLightChanX I suspect it was because she didn't have insurance and was misdiagnosed at urgent care.

[@jbrdbr111]

Dr should have his license revoked.

[@saramae194]

The fact it took that long for a stool sample infuriated me

[@wendyhannan2454]

How many people have died listening to Dr who didn’t take their patients symptoms seriously. I’d hate to think.

[@lysduchamp]

I was not searching for anything related to colon cancer, but woke up, after my laptop had been left playing and ended up here. This message, about medical gaslighting and self-advocation with medical practitioners is one I needed to hear. I am certainly being ignored and gaslighted about the pain I'm feeling and symptoms I am experiencing in my body right now. If Doctors must be so egotistical, then please send me for the tests and tell me "I told you so", later if you must! Better that, than a delayed diagnosis of something serious (such as cancer) which requires treatment sooner rather than later!

[@user-nq6mf2gu7z]

get it checked asap . you have the right to be looked after and treated. Dont be fooled

[@heidimisfeldt5685]

Maybe go to emergency room and refuse to go home until ... they finally take you seriously, and do whatever tests you feel that you need. 🙏🙏🙏

[@Linda-xw9lj]

My daughter went through pain for a long time, every visit she was told IBS. One day took her to ER after 2 years she was told cancer . She died 3 weeks later.

[@prettyb.9083]

Sorry for your loss 💔 💐

[@Lilia__anna]

I'm so sorry 💔

[@Entheogenics]

Never listen to a doctor that ignores your intuition that something is wrong. Go somewhere else as quickly as possible. Don’t look back. When cancer is in play, there’s no time for doctors who aren’t taking a patient seriously. You have to advocate for yourself. Don’t allow yourself and referrals to get lost in the system. Call every single day. Go to the emergency room every single day. It’s your life, take it seriously and don’t allow people to delay your treatment.

[@helenhamrick5303]

What a courageous young woman! I sure hope she will remain cancer-free.

[@1summerflower]

Some people are too exhausted to try out many doctors as most are not very knowledgeable and compassionate , people sick and tired .

[@dylpickles91]

Unfortunately that’s not how the American healthcare system(capitalism) works for everyone especially the average American. You can’t just go to any doctor w/o a referral, and even with referral your insurance company can still deny it. It’s crazy when you see people with higher income jobs (because you need a job to have health insurance) don’t need a referral and can go anywhere and the average American can not.

[@user-my8bb6nc1x]

youre making it the patient's fault because they are failed by doctors. you can only seek out so many doctors especially on the NHS. so if its a boys club of docs who doesnt take you seriously, you're f*cked

[@squirrelattackspidy]

This predisposes someone has the time and money to go to doctors and get the tests.

[@lisafiorilli155]

Thank you for making this video. Medical gaslighting seems to have become the norm in our healthcare. My husband was told he had the flu, then told he had pneumonia and finally hospitalized. We learned it was stage 4 lung cancer and we lost him 4 weeks after his diagnosis. I am so glad you advocated for yourself. You are a beautiful and intelligent young woman and I wish you health and happiness and a very long life. ❤️

[@bekind5738]

I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful husband.

[@tchili1]

I'm so very sorry about the loss of your dear husband and how it all was ignored until it was too late. I can relate because my dear Mother died a horrific death from medical malpractice. She suffered severe back pain and saw her internist who told her it was all in her head. This went on for a year until she couldn't stand it anymore and went to a gyn who found an ovarian tumor the size of a hen egg and scheduled her for surgery. It had already metastasized to her liver and intestines. She only lived for 6 months and died at Christmas. It was so preventable and her internist dhowed his guilt by coming to her funeral with a basket of flowers. Too little too late.

[@XX-bn9sf]

My wife died from lung cancer less than 2 months after diagnosis. Horrible way to die.

[@lisafiorilli155]

@@bekind5738 thank you so very much ❤️

[@lisafiorilli155]

@Dale Gribble yes he was told his breathing problems were from having almost died of COVID pneumonia in 2020 .. and yes it cost him his life

[@Christina-kq7fl]

The same thing happened to my best friend about 5 years ago. She found a lump in her breast and told me about it. I suggested that she should have called her doctor. She spoke with a NP and they told her that it was a “swollen milk lump” from breastfeeding.I told her to get a second opinion, but she always did things her way (I don’t blame her for her decisions though). About two years later she would have spells, in which she would fall but couldn’t get up. She was in the E.R. constantly. The last time she went into the ER they had her biopsy results which confirmed she had stage IV breast cancer. She was diagnosed Feb. 2019 and passed away November 24, 2019 (a few days before her 30th birthday). It still hurts me to this day! We have to take our health into our own hands people. I’m hearing a lot of stories surrounding malpractice with health care professionals. You really have to be your own advocate and fight to make doctors listen to you. It’s sad.

[@LifeBetweenTheDash]

Bleeding since Sept 2019 and all this gaslighting. I'm so sorry. I had to learn to fire any Dr that tells me my answers are wrong but they themselves have no solution. Good for you for fighting for yourself.

[@ShopStylebyme]

I am so mad at those doctors. They knew since 2016 younger people were getting colon cancer. You’re amazing.

[@VDRO]

What could it be? 🤔

[@ShopStylebyme]

@@VDRO crazy. I think the doctors are lazy. Remember, a primary doctor is NOT gonna make more money because you have cancer, if anything they make nothing because you have to go to an oncologist and not a primary doctor anymore. I unfortunately know from multiple experiences.

[@LetsBeHealthy_]

truly you are an inspiration

[@F_U23]

2021 it went up....keeps going up.

[@Sc-dd6hb]

@@VDRO To what are you alluding?

[@nancybee250]

I hate that young people have to go through this. My 28 year old daughter was told for 2 years that her swollen lymph nodes and breast lump was just a cyst and didn't need a biopsy and she was being over anxious for no reason. Long story but she was eventually diagnosed with advanced breast cancer. I think medical gas lighting is just a whitewashing term. Its medical arrogance that doctors feel they have superior knowledge and that patients don't know anything. I strongly urge anyone with similar situations to file a complaint with there state medical board so that's held accountable. I am to see you are looking happy and healthy!

[@JUSTICEBRIGGS-HALL]

I’m 22 and my mom had past away from a battle with breast cancer last month November 24th from cancer that had spread to her lungs and brain. She was only 45. She was first diagnosed around the age of 40 and beat it like months down the line but it had came back more aggressively last year. I remember from last year to to August 2023 she would tell me she have pneumonia because she would cough a lot and cough up mucus but I knew something was wrong but just couldn’t figure it out until one day in September she cough up blood and was rush to the hospital. From there that is when my older sister told me she had lung cancer. I broke down into tears. From that time on she was in and out the hospital until it kept getting worse then she had to stay in the hospital. They gave her chemo and other treatments to treat her cancer but it wasn’t working. So the doctors took another scan and come to find out her cancer had spread and became stage IV. The doctors told me and my older sister, and older brother that she wasn’t going to make and only had weeks or 2 months max to live due to how aggressive it was and also how it spread to her brain. Then 2-3 weeks after they told us that she had past away in hospice.This shit hurt so much, just watching her being okay 2-3 months ago and now I’m watching her dead body on the hospital bed. Idk if I would ever get over this. I really loved her. I just want everybody to take their health serious. If you know something does not feel right with your body, DONT WAIT.go get it check out. The faster you go check about your health ,the higher the chance of you living a long life.

[@matios6013]

Thanks for your advise🙏🙏

[@Jorge_Soto_]

Thanks to share

[@heidir8877]

So sorry for your painful loss. 😢

[@timgeary1084]

Your story is frightening, so glad you listened to yourself. That saved your life.

[@thegirlwithribbons]

12+ years of medical school and you can’t trust a large percentage of them. 😩😩😩😩

[@zagan1]

A gp is just the basics. They only know just enough to have an idea. a specialist goes further into a field.

[@scarred10]

​@@zagan1a GP is an expert in general medicine at primary care level.Their role is gatekeeper in recognising serious illness and then referring g to specialists.

[@roblacerra3257]

Well because education doesn’t equal brains. It just doesn’t. I know some really loopy people that have masters .

[@ad6417]

Looser medical school requirements have allowed a lot of low cognitive people into the medical field.

[@scarred10]

@@roblacerra3257 you need a very high level of general intelligence to get into and then through med school so yes that does equal brains but being good at your job is a different thing in top of that

[@mostlyvoid.partiallystars]

“You don’t look sick???” Omg my head would explode. Absolute rage. I’m so so sorry.

[@maris.story2]

I'm sorry you went through this. So glad you fought for yourself. I had a doctor tell me what I needed was a psychiatrist because I was dizzy all the time, my right ear hurt, and I had a hard time breathing. If I had listened to the idiot I'd me dead. Turns out I had brain aneurysms and a narrow wind pipe. I almost died during surgery. But God is goo, and I am recovering well from the nightmare I went through.

[@KaliKali-hv9bt]

Wish you could have told that doctor how wrong he was!!!😡😡😡😡😡🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬

[@VLove-CFII]

This scared the crap out of me. Thank you for being so positive. YOU ARE AMAZING!

[@kentclark9740]

I really think doctors are to blame for all the late stage cancer diagnosis’s. People need to do a class action lawsuit with all the people that were given a hard time getting tested for cancer. I’ve been trying to get tested for almost two years now and they take their time for everything instead of just letting us get checked.

[@annoravetz5908]

There is a company called Lifescan. Its several hundred$$. I don't know if it's covered by insurance. I'm thinking of doing that.

[@johnserrano8683]

Schmuck DR'S are into selling poison! Very misleading and hide behind well everyone is different! Stealing someone's quality of life. 4 profit 1evil clown!

[@chasuav]

@@annoravetz5908Thanks for that information. I’m going to look into Lifescan.

[@kikitauer]

It's not just cancer but other conditions too. Medical gaslighting is absolutely rampant, probably around the world. It definitely is in the UK and in EU.

[@monaalfaro8907]

They don’t make any money until you have to do chemo or radiation, so why would they want to heal you?

[@jettsoma]

I worked in an OB/GYN office and we had a new patient that was 32 years old. She found a lump in her breast, but because she was only 32, her doctor wouldn’t order a mammogram. She went to two others that denied her, too. Our doctor ordered one, and she had a very aggressive cancer (after biopsy) that had already spread to other organs. This was in the early 90s, when cancer treatments weren’t as good as they are now, so she ended up dying. She had a mastectomy and chemotherapy.She should have never been denied a mammogram because of age. You should have never been denied a colonoscopy because of your age! I’m so glad to hear you are being monitored closely.

[@jetta.silence6356]

My doctor told me at 42 that I didn't need a mammogram. He asked if I had a reason to need one. I said yes im a woman over 40. He kept questioning me and finally gave in. I had it..luckily I was fine but we should never be questioned.

[@jettsoma]

@@jetta.silence6356 That’s ridiculous! My sister was sick since March, with severe GI symptoms…pain, nausea, vomiting non stop for hours, weight loss, diarrhea, and of course. Dehydration. She’s 73. She finally saw a GI doc after one month, and he spent 5 minutes in the room with her, then told her she looked fine, so she must be ok. No tests, scans, nothing. When she was checking out, she tried to make another appointment, but they said she couldn’t because the doctor said no follow up needed. She finally saw a NP, who ordered an endoscopy, blood work, and stool samples. I forgot the name of what she has, but it’s a nasty bacteria the gut that’s very hard to treat. I get so mad 😡

[@dawnelder9046]

My young cousin was dead by 34 of breast cancer.

[@Ohheyari]

@@jettsomasounds like H pylori

[@Ohheyari]

@@jettsomahope she’s doing better!

[@fannyfebrina2244]

Hi Amanda. I'll try my best writing in english. So I'm 32 yo (next months) and having soo similar issues as you have. I looked like a healthy young girl, dont seem fatigue but i realize i had my first blood last year and thought that was just hemorrhoid. Till it happens everytime, not only everyday. Even when i was sitting on my bed, the blood still coming. I still dont wanna go to hospital, and try to change my lifestyle, fasting, exercising etc. It's still going since i read about cancer 4 days ago. And keep learning about it till i watch your video right now. Hope we're all getting better and get back our true health. Best wishes for us and all who's struggling with cancer or other disease

[@sandyely2011]

Please go to your dr!!

[@fannyfebrina2244]

@sandyely2011 i did, thank you. I was so nervous and had anxiety. But thank God, i finally face it. Im still waiting for next appointment and going to have PA test. I hope i can through this and getting better really soon

[@moonl00p27]

What a gorgeous, smart and kind young woman! This is an incredible story and everyone should pay attention to all of it. Stay well Amanda, what a wonderful generous woman you are. Xx

[@MankindFails]

Smart ? she said she lived in LA and she supported the guys that burned her city...

[@detroitlionspistonstigersr6735]

​@@MankindFailsahh yes there's the 50 year old angry white man...how are you gunther?

[@silent1826]

​@MankindFails bingo! I feel terrible for anyone who has had to battle cancer. My heart goes out to them.... I also feel terrible for anyone who was fooled into supporting the Summer of Love in 2020 that George brought our way.

[@MankindFails]

@@silent1826We have one bad George but two good ones, Lucas and Orwell haha!

[@thomasjensen6243]

Gorgeous??? What does that matter? Would she be worth less if she was not gorgeous?

[@susanb4213]

My husband was diagnosed with Stage 3b colon cancer at the age of 47. He went through a year of hell, but has been cancer free for 15 years. Fortunately, my daughters are armed with this history, and a good thing because both of them have had recent colonoscopies that revealed multiple pre-cancerous polyps. Without their Dad's history, their concerns would probably have been ignored because of their young ages when they presented with complaints. D1 is 33, D2 is 29. Had they waited until the recommended 37 years old, they could easily have had cancer by that time. So glad you recovered.

[@tch5528]

God bless you both❤❤😂😂😂

[@roxann.stumbo]

😊Very Happy for All of your family 💞

[@maritzacastano3412]

I'm so sorry this happened to you. My sister had these same symptoms. After many doctor visits she was finally referred for a colonoscopy and diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer at 21. She had multiple tumors and sadly passed away at 23. No one took the symptoms seriously because of her age. I'm glad you advocated for yourself and listened to your body. My other sister and I go for a colonoscopy every 5 years as a preventative measure. Best of luck to you ❤

[@user-og2ne4bi8w]

I hate doctors nowadays. Anyway... ... there are new ways to deal with cancers now and soon. Surgery isn't the best solution to colon cancers. Hopefully we can all wait till then.

[@Charly-H]

Sorry for your loss ❤️

[@yonikab8066]

So sorry 😢😢

[@Bernardlopez09]

Yup, they are all based on the age. This generation is different now.

[@EYEQuestionEverything]

❤❤❤

[@heidi1651]

I also had a big and surprising loss and then developed cancer. The symptoms overlapped and I think my body was made more vulnerable to cancer w the loss. Best to you.

[@collettehartshorn581]

It took me three years to get my Drs to take me seriously with my symptoms, I ended up having my large bowel removed and a permanent colostomy. I was gaslighted all the way and had to fight so hard to be taken seriously, all they did was throw more and more laxatives at me I feel your anger and frustration xxx

[@lunchladyev]

My 31 year old daughter was diagnosed with stage 4 rectal cancer!! Same thing, they blew her off as IBS since it runs in our family!! We must advocate for our health!

[@janejohnson3031]

I hope your daughter is doin well , can i ask a couple questions about this far as symptoms i bn a nervous wreck

[@MJ-gj6mj]

How long did she have to wait to get her diagnosis??

[@djkenny1202]

Symptoms are good to know. I’m sorry.

[@jonnitrea]

How’s she doing now? Hopefully better ❤️

[@marial3609]

So sad… I live in a small island but we have great doctors and we can get a diagnosis and surgery within days from doctors educated usually in Greece, the USA or the U.K. I sometimes feel trapped and dream of going back to the U.K. or the USA and then I read about cases like these and I realise that sometimes it’s better when you are not just a number for those who are supposed to provide for you.

[@catherinebiermann7940]

Since when does grief call blood in your stool???????

[@user-my8bb6nc1x]

Surprised the doctors didn't label blood in stool "anxiety"

[@elliet1754]

I had a Urologist tell me that my uti symptoms that were getting worse over a period of a week, $600 later, that he think it might be a pinched nerve and referred to neurology. I threatened him with Mal practice, and chewed him out and listed my symptoms and asked point blank how can a pinched nerve cause xyz symptoms that doesnt make sense , and then I got my antibiotics- I was right. So many doctors dismiss females specifically for their symptoms and the statistics are worse depending on age and minority groups.

[@AndrewMcEntire-eh4ct]

You are amazing! You’re saving more lives than you’ll ever know… I wish you all the best, you deserve good health, love and happiness ❤

[@youtubeokay5769]

How is she saving lifes

[@MaryWiepert-jd2sm]

Today, We must be our own advocate! Push forward! Don’t let it go! You know how you feel!

[@TheAcquibajo]

These days it’s “Do it yourself healthcare” . We patients MUST must be proactive as Amanda has done- or more so. Get 3 and 4 opinions. It means your life.

[@MJ-gj6mj]

A lot of times, we are bound by our insurance and money restraints. Asking for time off to see the Drs., paying the co-pays, receiving literally 3 minutes of a visit after a 2 hour wait....SMH! Something has to change so people CAN get 2nd and 3rd opinions.

[@vilhelminalakatos8767]

My grandma had pancreatic cancer. She was dismissed and misdiagnosed for nearly 2 years . When they finally diagnosed her it was so advanced she died in 2 months . My uncle sued the doctors .

[@vilhelminalakatos8767]

@@Hagogs her first symptoms were that she couldn’t eat , she got full very quickly , she got bloated every time she ate something , so she started eating very plain / clean foods She went to see the doctors throughout all this . She felt sick and bloated all the time When they finally did an ultrasound her whole stomach was inflamed and riddled with cancer

[@empress1243]

Im glad you're okay and now spreading awareness. . we should really trust our own body and stand up for your life. no one will fight for your life more than you. Keep being strong beautiful and smart person you are..❤

[@lmini05]

Thank you for sharing your story! Keeping you in prayer🙏🏽

[@bunnycat007]

Former pediatric nurse here... the dark circles I could see around your eyes in some of those photos, especially the black and white photos, were a giveaway that you were anemic, even if labs weren't showing it. I can't believe how many doctors totally miss these important 'subtle' signs of someone young.

[@blahblah6237]

Could you give me more info about how this would look like? I have dark circles too and just wanted to be sure it’s not anemia. How do you tell between anemia dark circles or regular dark circles? Are you talking about the photo at 5:37?

[@bunnycat007]

@@blahblah6237 if you have similar dark circles, it doesn't always mean anemia, could be fatigue or something else, best to have a doctor run some labs.

[@rossothecrimson7]

This happened to me, I insisted I was anemic due to physical job, heavy periods, not drinking enough water. They refused to check anything other than regular CBC...8 yrs later in and out of ers and pcp offices, and I finally almost passed out behind the wheel. Er found my anemia way after it dropped my hemoglobin. 😡😡😡😡 they refused to check ferritin, iron panel, reticulocytes years ago. Looking back at picks I was a weird yellow washed out color with light brown "eyeshadow" around my eyes.

[@idontcare1481]

@@blahblah6237They can also be called “Allergic Shiners” that arise from food allergies it does not always mean anemia.

[@sensimania]

Sometimes dark circles can be genetic. I've had dark circles since my early 20s and I wasn't anemic - my mum has had the same her whole life. I get what you're saying though. The doctor could've at least asked if those circles had always been there

[@AmiLyn100]

I'm happy you fought for your life. Sending love ❤. Oncology nurse here of 10 years, and I had a patient who was 23 years old. She was bloated and tired all the time. Went to the doctors, and they kept saying, "It's PMS, you're a woman, and women have cramps." It was stage IV Ovarian cancer. She lived two months. I was so angry the doctors kept pushing her off, and she ended up with us too late. I'll never forget her; a beautiful soul, with a life cut short. Fight for your right and your life. Don't be ignored! Hugs and keep pushing on!!! ❤❤❤

[@sumanghosh5983]

My doctor also ignored my dad lymphoma symptoms now sadly he passed away

[@CannaNoir]

My mom had cervical cancer at 22 as well. Hysterectomy was done and was cancer free until 2 years ago, she had hpv and cancer and she lost so much weight so fast but I lived with her, so I didn't see just how bad of shape she was truly and she's gone now because she was blown off so much.. doctors like those that dismissed your late 22 year old patient are why I've given up. I don't go to a Dr unless something is super severe and even then I still walk that line of life and death without really knowing it. I've been "lucky" to survive to this age of 34 because of Dr's that almost killed me because they blew me off and made me believe I was crazy or made me believe it was all in my head for so long. We need more like YOU that TRULY care for others health. If we had more like you, people would have more faith in health care providers and more people would seek help and have life saving diagnosis before it's too late.. we wouldn't have so many like your late patient go so young.. most my relatives don't live past 50. My dad was 44, mom was 50s, several uncles and aunts passed before 40, and so on.. there's 3 of 12 of my dad and his 11 siblings left... all from cancer exceot 2. 1 was MS, the other "diabetic walk". Gangrene in her legs they amputated and went to her heart. You'd think their health issues would make them more adamant with my health.. but nah. 😅🙃

[@elisaholland29]

Women hear this from doctors a lot: ‘It’s just your period.’ Shockingly dismissive to 50% of the population.

[@justicevibes1252]

​@@elisaholland29I heard this from my doctor as well. Doctors are still dismissive. It's really sad what healthcare has become here.

[@way2muchNFO]

Hi l MOo thT g t t I ghye

[@Poseoptional01]

You explained your experience so well, you’re so strong, thank you for sharing.

[@Kat-nh7un]

This channel needs to blow up ASAP in terms of followers cause it is SO important to be your own patient advocate! Honestly, doctors and health care providers should start getting sued for this chronic negligence. They CONSTANTLY push aside your genuine concerns. They let me go over five years undiagnosed with RA and now I am only 32 and can barely walk. It’s just unbelievable what they get away with!!!! So happy and grateful this young woman is safe and alive 🙏

[@helainefossier]

Wow! Me too! It took going through 4 Rheumatologists before one would take me seriously. I kept hearing that it was all in my head and I was depressed. They kept pushing anti depressants on me. I could hardly walk or move myself, now finally I’m on Xeljanz.

[@sciencenotstigma9534]

Thank you so much for this! I was told I had no injury at the ER and I’ve lost many productive years, since it turned into Degenerative Disc Disease and Dystonia. If you think something is wrong, keep seeing doctor until you get answers!

[@Shoppinghappens]

I hope y’all reported this to your state board of medicine

[@thalianieve8717]

It'll never stop until it all ends

[@caseyb86]

I was diagnose at 28 by a doctor in England when we were there in the Air Force. We left within a month or so after and I started seeing a doctor in NY where our next base was and he didn’t believe the diagnosis and sent me to PT for months. I wasn’t diagnosed by a doctor here in the states until I was 33 and had been told by several docs I was drug seeking. I don’t understand the logic in thinking with most primary care doctors today.

[@user-gu8oi3rm7q]

igrotum is a name I trust in my battle against cancer. Its proving its reliability day by day.

[@rusticrossley7504]

Every single day. A new liar pos pops up. I so agree with you

[@mirrormirror444]

What’s igrotum

[@jamesonklein9363]

lol look at this scam post and all the bot likes, amazing

[@higherview136]

Thank you very much. I’m looking it up right now and will be researching this time this point forward. I really do not trust western allopathic medicine at this point

[@naomijacobitz4971]

Igrotum

[@Ron239]

We're all praying for you. What a story! Be well and be happy. ❤

[@DreamWalker886]

Thank you for sharing Amanda, I whish you a quick recovery!

[@dthom71]

Someone will see this story and be motivated to advocate for themselves and as result, will be around for their loved ones. Thank you for sharing, I'm almost certain your experience will save lives.

[@ThePatientStory]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@deborah5227]

My mom’s doctor, said he didn’t like running needless test. He told my mom that she looked very healthy for 70 so he treated her for constipation. One day. She was in so much pain she ended up in ER and they did an MRI finding her in stage four colon cancer that had spread to her stomach and lungs. Always trust your gut instinct.

[@bayoubilly6971]

They told me I didn’t look sick enough to have cancer and went miss diagnosed for over a year Ended up with stage 4 cancer befor I demanded they do something

[@lcmlcm2460]

So good to see you alive and kicking. I see so many people in my family and people that I went to school with that has or had serious cancer diagnosis. Im sorry that you went through this, really. Thank you for your story ❤

[@MAYBEE90]

Wait.. you saw blood in your stool and no doctor ordered a colonoscopy?? This is why it is so important to be your own advocate. If you know something is wrong, keep insisting to be tested. You know your body best. Thank you so much for sharing your story.

[@caseyb86]

I’ve complained of blood for over a year. All I get it ointments and foams and prescription laxative type meds. She looked and didn’t see any hemorrhoid’s or fissures but assumes it’s from the constipation from my other meds so has done nothing else to make sure it’s not anything serious. I wasn’t worried until I saw this.. I have cramps and bloating everyday. I was bleeding for months at a time when using the bathroom. I think I’m going to ask for a referral to a gastroenterologist for sure now. I’m in my late 30s and the too young excuse isn’t an excuse for anything anymore. I hate hearing that when they say it for heart attacks and stuff too.

[@omarvelasco8734]

@@caseyb86what kind of bleeding was it. Was it bleeding when you wiped or in the stool and was it a lot

[@caseyb86]

@@omarvelasco8734 when I wiped. I finally got my colonoscopy 2 Fridays ago. All is good. Glad to have a piece of mind. They’ve just put me on some meds to regulate me and then time will heal the fissure.

[@eileenbunton6658]

I am sorry you went through all that. It's a horrible feeling when your Dr. will not listen to you. I know what it's like to have colon cancer too. Was diagnosed in April of 2019. Did not know what stage I was until a month later. It was stage 4 and spread to my liver. I had chemo at the cancer center and came home with a pump. After 6 treatments I then had surgery and 6 more treatments. I have been cancer free for 4 yrs. I am very grateful to be a survivor!

[@ThePatientStory]

Wow! What an incredible story. We are so happy to hear you've been cancer free for 4 years ! Thank you so much for sharing.

[@eileenbunton6658]

@@ThePatientStory thank you for sharing your story too!

[@aparnavarma3363]

Please tell us what diet you follow after cancer detection. Thanks.

[@eileenbunton6658]

@@aparnavarma3363 I really did not have a special diet. There were days after chemo that I did not have any appetite.

[@lstruggy]

@@eileenbunton6658 I’ve heard one of the main reasons chemo patients smoke marijuana to gain some appetite so they could eat and sleep my friends mother went through this she’s fine now and marijuana helped her to get through chemo

[@mistygroves3503]

Amanda, bless you. and I wish you good health in your future. Thank you for sharing your story. I had tears in my eyes for what you went through. Hugs

[@brandyservin1238]

Thank you for this. I'm so glad you didn't give up on yourself.

[@loudahlia]

My cousin was diagnosed with colon cancer at 36. As an advanced practice nurse I can’t stress enough the importance of being persistent and advocating for yourself at all times if you have odd symptoms. If someone doesn’t listen to you - go see someone else until someone does listen you and demand imaging and/or referral to see a specialist. A lot of primaries blow people off. Don’t ever let a doctor tell you - “you are too young it’s not cancer”. Young people get cancer too all the time. Colon cancer is actually one of the cancers being found more and more now in younger people than before.

[@TwoBassholesandaKaren7107]

Medical providers need to quit putting the advocacy burden on patients. Don’t be a flying monkey. Challenge your colleagues and change the culture where Medical Deities have all the power. Patients are doing what they can. Nothing like gaslighting after being gaslighteded.

[@mifnp8887]

As a primary care provider I am so thankful for these courageous patients. Being an advocate for your own health care is absolutely essential. ❤

[@maggiem8143]

Just not sure how to do that here in BC when you have a doctor that dismisses your concerns and refuses to send you for further testing or to a specialist!

[@dwade1816]

Can you tell us patients the "magic words" to get pcp's to listen and order tests when we KNOW things don't feel right? My "migraine" 6 MONTHS AFTER the "diagnosis" was REALLY a left interjugular cerebral venous sinus thrombosis and right sigmoid sinus clot. What do we say or ask for when we're not being listened to?

[@mifnp8887]

@@dwade1816 I'm so sorry you have a PCP that won't listen to you. I would either: a) Find a new provider, or b) tell him/her that you will file a complaint with the National Practitioner Data Bank if he chooses to continue to ignore you. I am also a Veteran that receives care in VA. I cannot tell you how many times I have spoken to administration about relatively simple issues. If the provider is in a health organization it's likely a leadership problem. If it's a private practice the problem is likely personal- perhaps the provider is overwhelmed and doesn't know what to do. If patients continue to complain about the same issues they need a referral and/or a second opinion. Period. I wish you the very best moving forward! ❤

[@Monicalala]

@@maggiem8143I suggest you kindly express your concern and ask them to take your health issue seriously, even as a possibility. Doctors are also stressed and a kind conversation can open them up to look closely.

[@TehKaiser]

@@dwade1816 Threats of suing him or complaint to the health board. Laypeople are discouraged from submitting complaints but that is the only path, but don't count on adjudication in your favor.

[@eralec]

So sorry you went through this. You seem very brave. Good luck and many decades of a happy life to come

[@selestewithans]

You’re such a beautiful girl inside and out …I love your spirit and vibe . I’m happy you caught it “early” I wish you many many many more years of being cancer free. Thank you for sharing your story ❤ oh and I loved the rainbow mask ❤ thank you sincerely for the support 🏳️‍⚧️❤️🫶🏼 🌈 sending you a huge hug

[@galflora7730]

Taking your symptoms seriously, when your physicians failed to do so, is what saved your life. Your assertiveness and self-advocacy for your health care is so admirable, as is your fortitude. I'd recommend this video to all entry level doctors, nurses, and other allied heath professionals. I thoroughly enjoyed your video for its honesty, health literacy, and humanity. Thank you, Amanda. I wish you a long, healthy life. Sincerely, from an RN after 33 years of practice.

[@dimaknopf]

The "I'm just doing my job." Culture is the leading problem in this country. We let paper pushers dictate what we can and can't do. Assertiveness, confrontation, and a little bit of attitude should be in everybody's blood. I remember avoiding the doctors knowing how dismissive they are with symptoms until my stomach pain got so bad that my wife forced me to go .. you know what my doctor said? It might be h pylori and too much acid then had the balls to ask me if I was having any symptoms and needed anything else like the damn appointment was over. I said, " woman... I wouldn't even be here if I didn't have any symptoms.. should I wait til I'm dead before I get help?"

[@chrislapp9468]

Docs could learn from RNs about patient advocacy. And maybe go back and review the Hippocratic oath...

[@user-rc5et2qu1d]

22:56

[@user-rc5et2qu1d]

​@@dimaknopf 22:56

[@kimmyymmik]

She should’ve gotten a 2nd or even 3 opinion before that Australia trip she took. She’s blaming doctors only as if they did it on purpose. She took 6 months of bleeding for her to go again. 🙄

[@Acinom34]

my doctor laughed when i said i wanted a colonoscopy at 38. I told him i need one. After waiting months i was approved and yes they found polyps and they were removed. I went back to my doctor and he read my results and says you were right

[@lstruggy]

Same here he chuckled at me I wanted a colonoscopy I’m 47 he says you’re too young the insurance won’t approve you yet I was like dayum 😢 did u have symptoms like hers prior to the colonoscopy?

[@stevemitz4740]

@@lstruggy For people with no history, a Colonoscopy has slightly less chance of harming you, as saving you! A fact!

[@evelyncrespo5593]

Wow thank you for sharing continue to stay healthy and well informed. 💜🌸

[@kathianderson6485]

Thanks for sharing your experience. I’m sorry you had to go through this, and now, because of you telling your story, you may ultimately save many lives. Gratitude to you.

[@chaffcutter58.]

Same happened to me,told 3 doctors of symptoms, all ignored, so demanded a colonostomy, found out I was at stage 4,still dealing with secondary cancers. Hope you are cancer free now.

[@hannahhughes4801]

❤❤❤

[@cejourne123]

@chaffcutter58 Im sorry you’re going through this, I hope for your recovery but please take this time to get know Jesus and trust in him.

[@chaffcutter58.]

@cejourne123 Thank you for your kind message, 🙏 have been at peace with Our Saviour since I was baptised as a little baby,God bless you and yours.Pray that all receive of his blessings.

[@RestfulRoom]

Please read the comment under Martina McBride's ' In My Daughter's Eyes' video: My mom recorded a cover of this song for me and it took years before I could listen to it. Then it took a long time for me to be able to listen without crying. She got H1N1 back in 2009 when there was a huge break out of it. She was hospitalized and pit in the ICU 6 weeks before my 6th birthday and my little sister was only 1 1/2 at the time. The doctors told my dad and my grandparents to start preparing for her funeral because they didn’t think she was going to make it. So we prayed. Then not long after that on my birthday (September 27) she slipped into a coma. So we continued to pray and a few days later our prayers were answered as she began to get better. About a week or two after that she was home and on the mend. It was a true miracle and I don’t have a doubt in my mind that God had heard our desperate cries and answered them. I don’t know what I would do if I didn’t have her today. Praise the Lord.

[@trublu3483]

​@@chaffcutter58.What were your early signs? God bless and food luck

[@michellefilak6783]

I wish the best to you. So sorry your journey was difficult in the beginning but you found a great doctor who seems to be taking excellent care of you. Take care

[@paula1181]

Thanks for sharing your story it may save many lives . I wish you long life and happiness

[@variousJnames]

The urgent care NOT doing a rectal exam is a huge red flag to me. Go to your personal doctor if you're bleeding immediately! Also, cancer doesn't show up in bloodwork until way later.

[@sallythibodeaux7992]

Cancer does not have an age; anyone can have it at any time. Your physicians failed you, bottom line. I’m glad you finally found a doctor to help you.

[@tbong9293]

Agreed!!

[@jeaniecreswell8708]

Unfortunately this is true. Babies are born every day with cancer. As sad as it is.

[@snikkerr1949]

To be fair hands are tied all around. Given her age a doctor can't just order all kinds of tests and have insurance pay for it....there's usually an order that insurance makes doctors go thru, and colon cancer at her young age is rare. It's not the first thing any doctor is going think.

[@Alexe829]

@@snikkerr1949 Indeed. Sad to think a young life can be left to hang in balance whilst "paperwork"/$$ are deciding fate. Things need to change. Fast. First of all..protect your body, nourishment,exercise,antioxidants..healthy habits n attitude. Don't allow for any kickbacks. And get familiar with family medical history.

[@jamesdcaldeira]

You are brave young lady I wish you a long prosperous, happy life🙏

[@BrianPex]

You have such an amazing spirit. Truly amazing!!

[@JenJenANDChrissy]

I had a friend who was 33 male whose father battle colon cancer. My friend had stabbing abdominal pain one day out of the blue that was so painful, he couldn't get off the couch. He went to the ER and was admitted immediately because his intestine had ruptured due to a tumor. He had surgery to remove part of his intestines and was diagnosed with end stage colon cancer. Amanda, you are a great example of why we need to advocate for ourselves and force doctors to listen to us. And when they don't, we must keep finding the doctor who will. I've even been told by a female OBGYN that my mood swings were NOT perimenopausal (I was 47 y.o) and to seek a psychiatrist. I fired her immediately and found a Nurse Practitioner who helped with my hormone imbalances.

[@Patriot1789]

I am sorry about your friend. People need to be aware that if they have had anyone in their family with colon cancer they are at higher risk for having it themselves. This is also true for breast cancer. Both of these BTW can now be checked for with a genetic screen that may tell you that you are at higher risk.

[@loganlafauce3064]

My father passed away of CRC at age 48, they told me I needed to be screened at 37. I had to come up with symptoms that would warrant a colonoscopy at age 25 and it revealed 2 pre- cancerous polyps. I am fortunate in the sense that I was able to get them removed before something terrible happened but still I had to fight to get that. This is no longer an old persons disease. Why don't MD's wake up and realize? colonoscopies are a piece of cake and SAVE LIVES.

[@KellySmith-gp9tq]

Similar story. Read my post. See if insurance will pay for a genetic cancer mutation test and then talk to your doctor about possibly doing a prophylactic surgery (surgery on health tissues to prevent cancer from happening). I did it and do not have a colostomy bag like the old days. It was a rough 3-4 months after it but do not regret it.

[@nikkids4266]

Unfortunately, it’s a byproduct of our for profit medical system. Insurance companies DO NOT think it’s necessary, cuz they’ve set the parameters based on their profit margins.

[@ibbledibble]

@@nikkids4266 exactly. There’s no such thing as prevention or screening in America. You must be presenting with dangerous symptoms to receive care.

[@Patriot1789]

@@nikkids4266 Married to a doctor here and Imcan validate what you say. Today’s doctors do not get the same education they did in the 1960s and since the state nd the federal government no longer puts money into education we aren’t producing the number of doctors we need for our population. (Thank you Republicans, who never want to spend any money for anything to support the “general welfare.” Instead, they label it “socialism.” Reps can make poop look and smell like roses and even more amazingly: they sell it to a lot of sincere but simple people.)

[@nikkids4266]

@@ibbledibble what’s always struck me as funny. If we focused on prevention. We’d actually fair better as a society and even be more productive. We are a nation rife with chronic ailments. Many of which could easily be mitigated. The billions we waste, and when I say we, I mean us at the bottom- waste on healthcare. Only for it to end up in the pockets of few. But I know why, it’s because, prevention isn’t profitable.

[@judycoates3622]

You have been through so much. God bless you, prayers

[@Bassbarbie]

Thank you for sharing your story so eloquently. It's unbelievable that you weren't listened to more seriously. Wishing you every good bit of fortune in staying healthy and having a long life.

[@MsKgren]

Its criminal how women, especially young women, are treated by the medical establishment. This needs to change asap.

[@JonCurtin]

what about men? that's not criminal?

[@MsKgren]

@@JonCurtin anytime any person is disregarded and gaslit by people that are supposed to help, yes, that's criminal. My statement obout it happening to women is because it DOES happen to women a lot more than men. I know from personal experience, and from reading and seeing many many accounts of this happening to other women. Sorry, not sorry.

[@bookbeing]

Unfortunately it gets even worse once you're past menopause and your body is no longer capable of producing more people. I've experienced this firsthand and watched terrible discrimination by the medical professionals. Too many are just downright rotten to older women. There is research studies that show women are routinely denied the same medicines for pain, are less likely to be admitted to the hospital than their male counterparts suffering similar medical emergencies and illnesses.

[@steveg6978]

Hey I had to insist on a PSA test, then I had to fight for an MRI only to find I had two lesion on my prostate. And it took 8 months.

[@leaveittolefty]

older women (67 here) are labeled “anxiety” for everything. i say “any anxiety you might perceive is justified. now lets go over my labs and imaging please”😉

[@carolbrady2482]

My husband was diagnosed with colon cancer a few years ago. He was in his 60s. Fortunately it was all contained and he opted not to do chemo. I am a therapist. I have had and do have clients with life threatening illnesses. Your journey through this has been extraordinary. I tell clients that difficulties in our lives come to teach us lessons that we would ordinarily miss. You have paid attention to the lessons and not only have you and are you benefiting, but you are helping others as well. I am sure that your mother is looking down at you and is so very proud.

[@ThePatientStory]

Carol, first, so glad that your husband is on the other side of the diagnosis. And what a powerful message you've relayed to your clients. Love that - "lessons we would ordinarily miss." I feel that way most times as a cancer survivor. Thank you for sharing these kind words. -Stephanie

[@unknowntools253]

​@@ThePatientStoryhi. What blood tests I can do to check it if I have disease or not. My ultrasound doesn't show any stones. But I usual feel pain only slightly pain in my upper and lower back coming to the front feeling like might be muscle pain. Cbc report is Normal but had extra lymphocytes last month in cbc test. Occasionally I'm havin loose stools it's been 3 months facing loose stools and constipation same time . I bleed as well few days ago it was first and last blood I've faced in my stool. After that I did not see blood.. What should I do which doctor I should see. I pee a lot. I don't have diabetes. But I pee. I went to urologist. No infection seen in the urine

[@kimsmith5512]

You ar such a beautiful young lady. I am so sorry you had to go through this, but so happy you are a survivor!!!!

[@susanhawkes2519]

Beautiful young, brave lady, you are so inspirational. You have certainly saved many lives with your story. Thank you.

[@Nighthearted]

Thanks for sharing your story! That was eye-opening. The healthcare system in the US is absolutely broken.

[@peterdean5300]

Yes it is broken

[@briantwil1]

Your story is almost exactly the same as mine. I finally demanded that they start testing for something other than acid reflux (which he insisted it was for 5 months). I was 40 and he kept saying that was too young for colon cancer. I was slowly bleeding to death (I didn't know it) and I KNEW something was wrong. It wasn't until my coworkers insisted I go to the emergency room because I was so pale. They thought I was having a heart attack. As soon as I got to the ER they drew blood. My hemoglobin was at 4. When the ER doc found out that my primary never drew blood, he called him and chewed him out lol. That was the start of my cancer journey. The Oncologist said that another 2 or 3 weeks and things could have been much worse. It had just started to break through the colon wall and next stop could have been the lymph nodes and/or the liver. All is good now. I remember the chemo neuropathy and "chemo brain". Sorry-that was long winded and it's only the condensed version lol. Happy that you are well now too!

[@elisaholland29]

My mom was also told she had acid reflux and ignored for a year. She died within 2 years of gastric cancer.

[@briantwil1]

I'm sorry for your loss. What a shame. I could be wrong, but a simple upper GI would have likely found the problem.@@elisaholland29

[@mel_e2346]

Wow! Great to hear all is good now. Did you notice any weight loss? Or what sort of symptoms did you have if you don't mind me asking?

[@briantwil1]

Thank you. There were three symptoms that stand out 1. I would eat certain foods (anything with a lot of rice especially) and a couple hours later I would be doubled over with what i thought was stomach pains, very cold but sweating. This went away once I was able to #2. Usually took about two or three hours. The tumor was right at the ileocecal valve and I'm guessing the rice would get compacted at the tumor. 2. I had two people telling me for a couple months that I looked really pale. That was from the low hemoglobin. And 3- I was tired from any physical activity. Just mowing my 1/4 acre lawn was exhausting, and usually I could mow 5 lawns without being tired. I tried to run and walk stairs thinking I was out of shape. Thanks for asking! btw-I didn't lose any weight, at least nothing noticeable.@@mel_e2346

[@mel_e2346]

@@briantwil1 thank you so much for your reply and thanks so much for sharing.. I feel I have been having symptoms and should get checked again. But since I wasn't losing weight, my doctor doesn't think anything is wrong. For me, I feel constipated too often, but doc doesn't feel concerned about it. At first that was a relief. But I know something is not right, just don't know the level of seriousness.

[@virginiadykstra9239]

I think you’re AMAZING. You did a great job with your story, very informative and helpful! Ty

[@blancavasquez2109]

Thank you for sharing your journey. Wishing you wellness

[@lindaglaze581]

My sister was 52 years old when she passed in the most horrible, screaming from the pain. The nurse said to her, can you not stand any kind of pain. That was 20 years ago. She had no insurance and went to every ER hospital but they would just drug her up and send her home. She went through this for over a year. Until a Doctor finally said, I’m going to find out what’s wrong with you. It was too late for my sister by that time. It had already spread everywhere.

[@ibbledibble]

Thanks for sharing this story. Roughly 30 million Americans of all ages had no health insurance in 2021. That's roughly 9.2% of the population. These people make too much to get medicaid in their state, but not enough to afford even the cheapest health insurance. There’s a myth that they can receive treatment in emergency rooms and pay off their debt later. That is NOT true. No money, no care, working poor Americans die of preventable illness every day, usually in pain.

[@sunnydays1110]

I pray she’s with the Lord, loved, and peaceful. So sorry for your loss ❤

[@aneva2464]

@@ibbledibble even with good health insurance you can get lazy doctors who do bare minimum

[@lindaglaze581]

@@sunnydays1110 She got babtized in the ER. The last words she said. She held up her hands and said , Thank you Jesus

[@sanders4911]

I'm so sorry 🙏🏽❤️

[@barbarakirsch2538]

I am so very proud of you! I am a psychiatric nurse practitioner and I see that you have endured so very much- we even call it, when a doctor dismisses your symptoms, that is called medical gaslighting! But you are such an advocate for yourself! I wish every patient would be as involved in their care! You are an inspiration!!

[@KJ-lb4tj]

It's way more than gaslighting, it's medical negligence

[@LetsBeHealthy_]

truly you are an inspiration.

[@Patriot1789]

@@KJ-lb4tj She’s lucky she didn’t die. Those symptoms went on for months! Inexcusable bad medicine!!!

[@wandastevens3183]

You have to firmly demand for tests & advocate for yourself when you do feel in your own body something is definitely not right…doctors will keep putting you off if you don’t…and by the time they get tired of hearing you,it can be too late… too far gone , you die… these doctors are going to pay the price for having peoples blood in their hands when people have pleaded with them for testing & didn’t til it was too late…

[@athens31415]

It’s attitudes like yours here that perpetrates this criminal behavior. Instead of focusing on the criminal act on hand, you just diverted attention to the victims resilience. You are a big part of the problem enabling the system to be as fraudulent as it is.

[@christhomas5761]

You are a brave young lady... Thanks for sharing your story , all the best to you.

[@maryjeancola]

You are a beautiful person . Thank goodness you kept on pushing through 😊

[@kathymoorehead7827]

It’s so hard to fight when you’re sick. Your defenses are down already. I’m so glad you found the strength to do it!! You are here for a reason! ❤

[@ThompsonSmith530]

Hello Kathy How are you doing today?

[@user-my8bb6nc1x]

how many people do doctors unalive every year through negligence