A mother alleges that she was initially misdiagnosed with hemorrhoids due to being deemed “too young” to have cancer, before eventually receiving the shocking news of her advanced stage colon cancer diagnosis. Amber Kissell, aged 45, experienced symptoms such as fatigue, bowel problems, weight loss, and blood in her stool following the birth of her second child. Despite seeking medical attention, doctors reportedly attributed her issues to a fissure or hemorrhoids. It was only after Amber developed dizziness that she underwent a colonoscopy, revealing the grave extent of her condition with stage four colon cancer that had already metastasized to her liver and lymph nodes.
Following 12 rounds of chemotherapy, Amber’s tumors vanished, and she has since been in remission. Recalling her ordeal, Amber, who works as a clinical coordinator, expressed her anguish at the delayed diagnosis, stating that her symptoms worsened over time, leading her to suspect something more sinister. The news of her cancer spreading to her liver left her in disbelief and despair, especially considering her young children aged eight and 16 months at the time.
Amber’s ordeal began post the birth of her daughter Isabella in November 2015, where she faced difficulties using the bathroom and noticed blood in her stool, accompanied by persistent fatigue. Despite seeking medical advice, she was repeatedly reassured that her symptoms were benign, with one doctor even attributing her weight loss to commendable efforts. As her condition deteriorated, Amber persisted in seeking answers, questioning the possibility of colon cancer only to be dismissed due to her age.
After a distressing incident at work in March 2017, where she experienced dizziness, Amber underwent a colonoscopy that confirmed the grim diagnosis of stage four cancer. Following consultations with multiple specialists, she embarked on an aggressive chemotherapy regimen that eventually led to the eradication of tumors in her liver and lymph nodes. Subsequent surgery successfully removed the residual scar tissue, marking a significant turning point in her battle against the disease.
Amber’s resilience and the success of her treatment have led to her current state of remission, with only yearly checkups required. Reflecting on her journey, she described the emotional rollercoaster of preparing for the worst and then receiving the miraculous news of her recovery, emphasizing the importance of early and accurate diagnosis in such critical medical situations.