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

Kristy Segal

Patients & Survivors Stage IV Rectal Cancer Maine
Back to Champion Stories
Guest Post by Kristy Segal • August 18, 2022

Story: "I was diagnosed during the COVID pandemic. I had acid reflux and constipation, and went to the ER but had to go in alone. Due to the severity of the reflux burning my vocal cords, the doctor ordered a CT scan.

"I found out my diagnosis by myself in a hallway lined with stretchers and patients because there weren’t enough rooms. The doctor and a nurse came over with tears in their eyes as the doctor explained he found a mass in my rectum and a couple other masses on my liver. He informed me that this put me at stage IV cancer; my prognosis would not be good; and for me in to see oncology the next day."

Advice: "Seek medical treatment immediately and do not let a doctor tell you it’s something more common (like hemorrhoids) due to your young age."

Topics: Side Effects, Treatments, Chemotherapy, Radiation, Surgery, Fatigue, Bowel irregularities, Chemo induced nausea and vomiting, Skin rashes (skin toxicity, chemo rash), Chemo brain, Neuropathy, Ostomy
About the Author

Kristy Segal was diagnosed with stage IV rectal cancer after going to the ER with acid reflux and constipation. She resides in Maine.

Follow Kristy
Related Resources

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.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

Related Stories

Patient/Survivor Stage III Rectal Cancer

Ashlyn Carter

Side Effects, Fatigue, Rectal bleeding or blood in stool, Other (please explain)
Family Member of Patient Blood Relative Stage III Colon Cancer

Liliana Bolaños

Side Effects, Fatigue, Rectal bleeding or blood in stool, Ongoing change in bowel habits, Stomach cramps/bloating/fullness, Anemia/low iron
Patient/Survivor Stage III Rectal Cancer

Stephanie McBride

Side Effects, Fatigue, Rectal bleeding or blood in stool, Ongoing change in bowel habits, Narrow stools, Stomach cramps/bloating/fullness, Anemia/low iron