Meet Jamie

Jamie Orth, stage IV colon cancer Wheeling, West Virginia

Jamie's Story

My name is Jamie Orth. I am 27 years old and live in Wheeling, WV. In November of 2014, I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Colon Cancer. On November 20, 2014, I had surgery at Cleveland Clinic where they removed a two inch lump from my colon, along with my left over to which the cancer had spread into. As for being diagnosed, I didn’t put it off. I went to my family doctor for a year and complained about the same pain/symptoms. I was experiencing many different symptoms. One day I would be constipated and the next I would have bloody, mucus like bowel movements. I complained about a pain on my left side, it felt as if I was laying on a softball whenever I would be forced to lay on my left side. I was told over and over again, “There’s nothing over there but intestine so, you have nothing to worry about.” Well, I did have something to worry about, there was something in my colon! My family doctor just kept giving me a higher dose of constipation medicine each time I went in and complained. Finally, after almost a year of complaining, she decided I needed to go for a colonoscopy. November 7, 2014 I went for my colonoscopy and the doctor could only get his scope in approximately 8 inches and couldn’t get any further due to the large mass in my colon. He did a biopsy and sent the lab work out. Fast forward a couple days to November 11, 2014, I was read the results of the biopsy and diagnosed with Stage 4 Colon Cancer. My family, my fiancé and myself all hit the road for Cleveland Clinic. On November 20, 2014, Dr. Ian Lavery removed a two inch mass from my colon along with my left ovary in to which the cancer had spread. I am very happy and proud to say that I started my chemo treatments at the end of January 2015 cancer free! My goal is to push through these chemo treatments and remain cancer free! I take chemo every other week for 12 rounds. My final treatment will be June 24, 2015…not that I’m counting or anything! Being diagnosed with colon cancer has totally changed my outlook on life. I don’t take things for granted anymore and have learned that life is too short to spend it with people who don’t make you happy. Surround yourself with happiness and love. ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING DURING CHEMO! I am proud to say that all the nurses and some of the patients look to me for my upbeat attitude and personality when I go in for chemo. I always keep a smile on my face and try to talk to everyone when I am there. Everyone has a story, we all may not be fighting the same battle but, we all have the same end goal. I pray and hope that one day we live in a world where there is a cure for this horrible disease. Until then, just have to stay positive and keep on truckin’! Thank you for taking the time to read my story.

What One Million Strong means to Jamie

One million strong means that absolutely NO ONE fights alone! I have met so many amazing people since I began this journey. The fighters, advocates, supporters, etc. are all amazing within this community of Colon Cancer Warriors!

Jamie's Advice

TALK TO SOMEONE. It can be anyone, even if it's breaking down and crying to your dog. Getting all of that off your chest helps a ton. The more you keep your fears, worries, concerns, feelings, etc. inside the more alone and isolated you will feel. There are SOOOO many wonderful people out there that are just waiting to help you. Don't ever feel like you are alone. More... Share your story! Do Something – become an advocate! Sign up for the latest Fight CRC news!

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