arrow copy Created with Sketch. FightCRC Logo fcc-logo-light
Kathi Heintzelman

Kathi Heintzelman

Patients & Survivors Stage III Colon Cancer Florida
Back to Champion Stories
Guest Post by Kathi Heintzelman • April 1, 2023

Kathi's Story

After being diagnosed anemic after routine bloodwork, my primary care wanted to order a colonoscopy which I refused. Five months later, I had a total blockage requiring emergency surgery. My surgeon total me the day before, while I was alone in my hospital room, it could be cancer.

Kathi's Advice

The sooner a patient has a colonoscopy, the sooner treatment can start and possibly of diagnosis will be a lesser stage. Please get screened. If you are diagnosed, find something to keep you busy after treatment by volunteering to be a voice.

Topics: Side Effects, Treatments, Chemotherapy, Surgery, Fatigue, Bowel irregularities, Pain, High blood pressure, Neuropathy, Chemo brain, Distress or mental health issues/illness
About the Author

Kathi Heintzelman was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer at age 52. She resides in Florida.

Follow Kathi
Related Resources

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related Stories

Patient/Survivor Stage IV Rectal Cancer

Rebecca Goins

Side Effects, Fatigue, Rectal bleeding or blood in stool, Ongoing change in bowel habits, Narrow stools, Unable to have a bowel movement (bowel obstruction) or constipation, Stomach cramps/bloating/fullness, Unexplained, sudden weight loss, Anemia/low iron
Family Member of Patient Blood Relative Stage IV Colon Cancer

Jimena Gaytan

Side Effects, Fatigue, Rectal bleeding or blood in stool, Ongoing change in bowel habits, Unable to have a bowel movement (bowel obstruction) or constipation, Stomach cramps/bloating/fullness, Unexplained, sudden weight loss
Patient/Survivor Stage III Rectal Cancer

Bill Phillips

Side Effects, Fatigue, Rectal bleeding or blood in stool, Narrow stools