I was diagnosed in 2024 with Stage IV oligometastatic CRC, with a primary tumor in the sigmoid colon and two resectable liver metastases. I was a candidate for “curative treatment”, including a lower anterior colon resection and liver wedge removal in Dec 2024, followed by adjuvant therapy with systemic chemo (FOLFOX) and hepatic artery infusion (HAIP) with FUDR. While I am grateful to be “NED” after completion of treatment, my journey has highlighted the lack of predictive, high-quality data to guide treatment decisions for metastatic CRC – and this drives my interest in cancer research advocacy. I’ve also learned the importance of patient education: from understanding diagnosis and guidelines, to navigating treatment options and clinical trials.

As a Cancer Patient Research Advocate, I seek to apply my lived experience both to 1) help educate fellow cancer patients about emerging treatments, diagnostics and clinical trials, and 2) to help shape research priorities, design, and outcomes that reflect patients’ needs. I also volunteer in the community to provide peer support to cancer patients and survivors.

Treatment