Jeff Eline

Jeff's story

During a routine colonoscopy in 2020, a cancerous tumor was found in my ascending colon. Resection was scheduled immediately. Subsequent tests found another primary tumor on my kidney. Colon resection and removal of the right kidney happened two weeks later. Lymph nodes were checked and no sign of spread.

Two years later, a CT scan found spots on my lungs. A biopsy showed it was colon cancer. That started 12 rounds of chemo and 25 rounds of radiation. After that treatment and a three month break, a few more lungs spots were detected. I was put back on chemo.

I’m on round 22 of chemo. The last PET scan showed some spots gone and others shrunk.

Signs and symptoms

Signs and symptoms included stomach cramps/bloating/fullness.

Side effects

Side effects include fatigue, bowel irregularities, mouth sores, chemo induced nausea and vomiting (CINV), neuropathy, chemo brain, and distress or mental health issues/illness.

Jeff's advice

Just do it! Trust me when I (and many others) say that the discomfort of seeking medical advice is NOTHING compared to pain and discomfort of treatment. Early detection is key to survival. Do it! Just do it!

Listen to your doctors but also, advocate for yourself at the same time. Never settle for just one opinion. Talk to other doctors, nurses, and facilities. Not every doc approaches these issues the same.

Also, don’t think you’re going to react the same way to treatment that others do. Every personal is different. Every tumor is different. Everybody reacts differently.