44 Year Old Woman Reveals 4 Symptoms That Led to Her Cancer Diagnosis!
Elaine Griffin, a mother of six from New Jersey, never expected that the symptoms she thought were related to food intolerances would lead to a life-altering cancer diagnosis. At 44 years old, Elaine was diagnosed with Stage 2b colon cancer in the spring of 2024. Thankfully, after treatment, she received the all-clear in September of the same year. Elaine is now using her experience to raise awareness about colon cancer, hoping to help others recognize the symptoms early and take action.
Let’s break down the four key symptoms that led to Elaine’s diagnosis and what you should watch out for.
1. Severe Intestinal Pain: The First Red Flag
Elaine first started noticing symptoms in the fall of 2023. At first, she thought her digestive issues were just the result of food intolerances, possibly linked to a gluten allergy. She began experiencing intense bowel movements and tried to manage the pain by tracking what she ate. In her journal, she noted how certain foods seemed to aggravate her stomach, but she didn’t think it was anything serious.
Her condition escalated when she began experiencing excruciating abdominal pain. Elaine described it as feeling “like glass going through my intestines.” To manage the discomfort, she severely restricted her diet, cutting out dairy, bread, grains, and pasta. However, the pain persisted and only worsened.
2. Blood in Stool: A Warning Sign
The next troubling symptom Elaine noticed was blood in her stool. This was a significant red flag that something serious was happening. She explained that the pain became more frequent, and she noticed blood with every bowel movement. Her stomach was bloated, and her stool was narrow and difficult to pass, providing little to no relief after trips to the bathroom.
Elaine said, “It was very hard to sit, stand, and use the bathroom,” which is not typical for most people. If you notice blood in your stool or significant changes in your bowel habits, it’s important to seek medical advice immediately.
3. Drastic Weight Loss: An Unexpected Consequence
In January 2024, Elaine experienced rapid and unexplained weight loss. Despite not exercising or intentionally dieting, she lost 20 pounds within a single month. This unexpected weight loss further alarmed her. “I did begin to associate food with pain,” she explained, which made it even harder to eat regularly.
Unexplained weight loss, especially when combined with other digestive issues, can be an indication of a serious underlying condition like cancer. It’s important not to ignore such signs and to get them checked by a doctor.
4. Fatigue: The Energy Drain
As a mother of six, Elaine was no stranger to being busy and active. However, she began noticing an overwhelming sense of fatigue that affected even her daily routine. Tasks that were once easy, like climbing a flight of stairs or walking down a hallway, left her feeling drained. “I started to feel more exhausted doing very normal things,” she recalled. This sudden and significant change in energy levels is a common symptom of many serious health conditions, including cancer.
If you’re experiencing unexplained fatigue, especially in combination with other symptoms, it could be a sign of a serious illness and should be investigated by a healthcare professional.
Diagnosis and Treatment: The Importance of Early Detection
After experiencing these troubling symptoms, Elaine sought medical attention at RWJBarnabas Health in New Jersey. She underwent a colonoscopy to determine what was causing her symptoms, but doctors were unable to complete the procedure due to a large tumor obstructing her colon. This confirmed her worst fear—Elaine was diagnosed with Stage 2b colon cancer.
Despite the challenging diagnosis, Elaine’s treatment was successful. She is now cancer-free and shares her story to raise awareness and encourage others to take early symptoms seriously.
Conclusion: Listen to Your Body
Elaine Griffin’s story is a reminder that colon cancer can affect anyone, and early detection can save lives. If you notice any of the symptoms she experienced—intense intestinal pain, blood in stool, drastic weight loss, or unusual fatigue—it’s important to seek medical attention right away. Early intervention is key to successful treatment, and Elaine’s experience proves that it’s never too late to take control of your health.
By sharing her story, Elaine hopes to empower others to listen to their bodies and take proactive steps toward their well-being. Early detection can make all the difference.
