Practicing Medicine

Today I had my GI consultation to figure out what’s been going on with my stomach. This has been a journey of its own. Before cancer, I’d always been more prone to constipation. But right around the start of 2023, everything shifted. Suddenly, I was dealing with loose stools, more urgency, and a totally different bowel pattern. Add to that a central stomach pain—a dull ache that’s there when I wake up and sometimes keeps me up at night. Oddly enough, I feel a little better after eating, like the food temporarily coats whatever’s raw inside. But a few hours after dinner, the pain creeps back in.

I told the doctor I’ve tried over-the-counter Prevacid, but it didn’t seem to help much. I’ve had this awful burning sensation in my chest and throat, like my entire esophagus and palate were inflamed. Even eating ketchup triggers burning now. No trouble swallowing solid food, but the discomfort is constant.

The good news? My tests so far have been clear:

• Negative celiac screening

• Negative stool panel, no giardia

We also discussed my genetic testing that found a variant of unknown significance in the POLE gene—a gene associated with polyposis and colon cancer.

And this is where the visit took a turn.

The doctor looked at my results and reassured me, “You don’t have to worry about colon cancer; it doesn’t run in your family.”

I sat there stunned. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. Why do so many doctors treat my case so generically? Breast cancer doesn’t run in my family either—and yet here I am! Sitting in a gown, living proof that family history isn’t everything.

I explained my concerns, and to her credit, she listened. I told her I wanted more answers, more proactive investigation. Unfortunately, she said that right now, I can’t safely have a colonoscopy. My body is already juggling cancer treatment, fragile electrolytes, and so much more. Pushing it further with sedation and prep just isn’t safe right now.

Instead, she ordered a CT scan of my abdomen as a safer way to get a clearer picture for now.

I left the appointment feeling mixed: grateful to be heard, frustrated by assumptions, and exhausted by the endless waiting. Every doctor’s visit is a new chapter of advocating for myself, making sure I’m not overlooked because I “don’t fit the textbook.”

I’m learning that in this journey, you can’t be passive. You have to fight not only the disease but for your care, your voice, your peace of mind. And that, honestly, is one of the hardest battles of all.