“My Symptoms Were Blamed on Anxiety”: A Cancer Survivor’s Story of Self-Advocacy
This month, we honor the courage and perseverance of those living with and beyond cancer. Survivorship is not defined by remission alone—it is defined by resilience, by voice, and by the refusal to be ignored. Raquel’s story reflects the reality for many young adults navigating cancer: being overlooked, misdiagnosed, and yet—undaunted.
A Diagnosis Delayed
At just 33 years old, Raquel is facing terminal colorectal cancer. Her symptoms—frequent bowel movements, abdominal bloating, and blood in her stool—began years earlier. She changed her diet, tried fiber supplements, and assumed her discomfort stemmed from lifestyle factors.
Eventually, she booked a long-overdue physical with her primary care physician. She was detailed and honest, describing the full-body abdominal pain, changes in digestion, and chronic gastrointestinal issues. But instead of ordering further tests, her doctor dismissed her concerns.
“My symptoms were blamed on anxiety,” Raquel recalls.
“She referred me to a psychiatrist instead of investigating further.”
Ignored, Until the ER
It wasn’t until Raquel nearly fainted from pain in her apartment that she went to the emergency room. There, clinicians immediately took action—bloodwork, imaging, and biopsy. The diagnosis came swiftly: advanced metastatic cancer, originating in her colon and spreading to her liver, ovaries, lungs, and abdominal lining.
While the truth was overwhelming, Raquel processed the news with remarkable calm.
“I told myself—no matter what happens, I’m going to get through it.”
Chemotherapy and the Fight for Options
Raquel began chemotherapy soon after her diagnosis. While some metastases have responded, others have not. Surgery has been deemed too risky by some providers. But she’s not giving up—she’s actively seeking second opinions from cancer centers like MD Anderson and Sloan Kettering.
Why? Because she knows that every decision, every delay, and every dismissal matters.
“The more cancer in your body, the more chance it has to spread. I want options. I want a chance.”
“You Know Your Body More Than Anybody Else”
Raquel’s central message is clear: self-advocacy is essential. She encourages patients—especially young adults and women—to trust their intuition.
“If your symptoms persist, something is wrong. Don’t accept being dismissed. You deserve to be listened to. If the first doctor won’t, find one who will.”
She reminds us that survivorship is not just physical—it’s emotional, intellectual, and spiritual. It’s knowing that you deserve care, and having the courage to demand it.
Survivorship Means Being Seen
Raquel’s story is not just about cancer. It’s about listening to yourself. It’s about resilience in the face of indifference. It’s about reclaiming control in a system that often minimizes young people’s pain. And it’s about sharing that journey so others can act sooner.
About the Patient Story
The Patient Story shares authentic patient experiences with compassion and scientific rigor. Starting with cancer and expanding to other conditions, the platform combines patient narratives with medically vetted information on symptoms, clinical trials, insurance, and support—presented in a human-centered way.
For more information on how HuMOLYTE can support your gut health during chemotherapy, visit our product page or consult your health care provider.
This blog was reviewed by Dr. Sourabh Kharait.
This blog is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment plan, hydration strategies, or diet. The information provided here is based on general insights and may not apply to individual circumstances.
