Amber Kissell, now 45, faced a harrowing journey after being initially dismissed by doctors who attributed her symptoms to common issues like haemorrhoids. Despite experiencing debilitating fatigue, bowel problems, unexplained weight loss, and blood in the toilet following the birth of her second child, medical professionals insisted she was “too young” to have cancer.
Growing increasingly concerned, Amber pushed for further investigation and underwent a colonoscopy, revealing a devastating diagnosis of stage four colon cancer that had already spread to her liver and lymph nodes. Following a rigorous course of 12 chemotherapy sessions, her tumors vanished, and she has since remained in remission.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Amber, a clinical coordinator, recounted the emotional turmoil of facing mortality at a young age with two young children to care for. Despite being repeatedly assured she was cancer-free due to her age, her persistence ultimately led to the life-saving discovery of her condition.
The ordeal began shortly after the birth of her daughter Isabella in November 2015, when Amber struggled with postpartum complications that were initially misdiagnosed as a fissure by her primary care physician. As her health deteriorated, she persisted in seeking answers, even questioning the possibility of colon cancer, only to be met with skepticism due to her age.
It wasn’t until a critical incident at work in March 2017, where a dizzy spell prompted a hospital visit, that the true extent of her illness was revealed through a colonoscopy. The diagnosis of advanced cancer shocked her, but she found solace in the compassionate care of her chosen medical team who embarked on an aggressive treatment plan involving chemotherapy.
After undergoing successful chemotherapy and surgery to remove the remaining cancerous tissues, Amber experienced a miraculous recovery, with scans showing the eradication of tumors and a return to health. Today, nearly a decade later, she remains in remission, requiring only annual check-ups to monitor her well-being.
Amber’s story serves as a testament to the importance of advocating for one’s health and seeking second opinions when faced with persistent symptoms, regardless of age or initial diagnoses.