Maria Kang, a 46-year-old California mother of three, was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer in November 2023. Despite her healthy lifestyle, Kang was blindsided by the diagnosis, which completely reshaped her understanding of what it means to be healthy.

Early Warning Signs

Kang had experienced persistent digestive problems since adolescence, including chronic constipation and bloating that worsened with stress. However, she had convinced herself that these issues were just something she had to live with.

After a tumor was detected through a biopsy after colonoscopy, Kang initially pursued holistic approaches for 12 weeks, but the tumor did not shrink and may have grown slightly. She then began FOLFOX, a combination of chemotherapy drugs used to treat some gastrointestinal cancers, in 2024.

Treatment and Recovery

After one treatment, Kang went to the emergency room when her colostomy stoma retracted, and a scan reportedly showed that the tumor had shrunk substantially. She then asked to stop chemotherapy and proceed with surgery.

Kang later underwent extensive surgery to remove the tumor and about a foot of her colon, along with multiple reproductive organs and her appendix. She temporarily required a colostomy and later an ileostomy.

Today, Kang says her MRIs have shown “no suspicious mass detected.” She gets regular blood screenings and scans every six months.

Kang’s cancer journey has changed her perception of health and what’s important in life. She no longer does anything that feels forced and has shifted her approach to food, focusing on balance rather than strict dieting.

The American Cancer Society recommends seeing a healthcare provider about persistent changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, or other concerning gastrointestinal symptoms.

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.