In , Casandra Costley, then 32, noticed rectal bleeding. But, she thought it was a hemorrhoid and never thought to tell her doctor. Slowly, her new bathroom habits dramatically impacted her participation in day-to-day life.
She eventually visited a gastroenterologist, who performed a colonoscopy, and she learned she had Stage 4 colon cancer. When Costley first noticed rectal bleeding, she assumed it was a hemorrhoid, as they run in her family.
Over the years, the bleeding and pain occurred intermittently, what Costley thought was normal. Last year, she underwent weight loss surgery and changed her diet, and her symptoms disappeared. But then the bleeding returned with new symptoms. Soon, Costley lost her appetite, and her bowel habits changed. When her symptoms interfered with her daily routine to the point where she struggled to get through the day, she asked her urologist to recommend a GI doctor.
That doctor ordered a colonoscopy, and when Costley woke from it, she knew something was wrong. She had never considered her bleeding and pain could be cancer. Three days after the biopsy, Costley knew what type cancer she had β invasive adenocarcinoma, which is the most common type of colon and rectal cancer, according to the American Cancer Society.
The CT scan revealed the cancer had metastasized to her liver and possibly her lung. After this, she'll undergo scans to see if it's working, and doctors will add to her treatment plan. Costley and her family often make jokes and try to find the humor and joy in life. As with any type of cancer, early detection leads to better outcomes. Recognizing the symptoms and talking to a doctor about them can lead to quicker diagnosis.
