A mother of two who was consistently told she was ‘too young’ to have cancer shared her ordeal of being misdiagnosed with piles before being diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer that had already spread to her liver. Amber Kissell, aged 45, recounted how her health concerns began following the birth of her daughter in late 2015, when she noticed troubling changes in her body.
Initially attributing the symptoms to post-pregnancy effects, Amber, a mother to Connor, 18, and daughter Isabella, 10, sought medical advice after observing blood. Despite being reassured by her primary care doctor that it was a fissure, she harbored suspicions that something was amiss.
Upon consulting a colorectal specialist, Amber was once again assured that the issue was minor, diagnosed as hemorrhoids, and was sent on her way. However, the persistent bleeding prompted her to revisit the specialist multiple times, each visit resulting in the same dismissive response.
Despite her concerns and inquiries about the possibility of cancer, Amber felt invalidated by being told she was ‘too young’ to have such a condition. Reflecting on the experience, she regrets not pursuing a second opinion sooner, admitting to denial and the reluctance to accept a serious illness.
As months passed, Amber’s health deteriorated, marked by troubling symptoms such as dizziness, blurred vision, fatigue, and bloating. A pivotal moment came when excruciating abdominal pain left her in tears, followed by a frightening episode at work that prompted her to seek emergency medical attention.
Subsequently, Amber underwent a colonoscopy that confirmed her worst fears – a stage 4 colon cancer diagnosis, with metastasis to her liver, at the age of 36. Determined to fight the disease, she underwent rigorous chemotherapy, which remarkably eradicated all cancer cells in her body, leading to remission.
Nearly a decade after her diagnosis, Amber continues to raise awareness about colon cancer, especially among younger adults, emphasizing the importance of taking symptoms seriously and advocating for proper medical evaluation. She encourages proactive screening and urges individuals not to dismiss warning signs, underscoring the potential of early detection in effectively treating the disease.
Despite the emotional impact of her journey, Amber remains resilient, sharing her story to inspire others to prioritize their health and seek medical attention promptly when experiencing concerning symptoms. Her experience has reshaped her outlook on life, emphasizing the unpredictability of tomorrow and the necessity of proactive healthcare decisions.