Patient Shares Experience of Medical Dismissal and Cancer Diagnosis

Jessica Sanchez endured about five years of persistent symptoms, including constipation, excessive bleeding, night sweats, and extreme fatigue, which were often dismissed. When this 40-year-old mother of two finally had a colonoscopy, doctors uncovered a tumor. Further biopsies identified rectal adenocarcinoma, a common form of rectal cancer, developing in the glandular cells lining the final segment of the large intestine.

Sanchez expressed mixed emotions upon learning about her tumor. “Receiving news of my tumor after waking up, I immediately felt validated and confirmation of what my intuition felt,” she stated. She also felt scared and frustrated, considering how long she endured symptoms without answers.

The physical toll of her condition added to the challenge of seeking a diagnosis. “Being a mom of two special-needs kids and having no energy, poor sleep and your body not functioning correctly no matter what you add [or] subtract from your lifestyle is extremely frustrating,” Sanchez explained.

“I regret not advocating fiercely, demanding another opinion, requesting they document their refusal in my charts,” Sanchez said. “I want to tell women to be loud and make waves. Being polite and compliant while feeling dismissed will not get you the answers you need [or] deserve.”

Although a biopsy was conducted during the procedure, Sanchez had to wait for a follow-up appointment the next week to get the results. Now, she undergoes CT and MRI scans to determine the cancer stage and whether it has spread.

Reflecting on her journey to diagnosis, Sanchez admitted she often accepted reassurances that her symptoms were due to minor issues, despite her intuitive concerns.

While facing the uncertainty of a cancer diagnosis, Sanchez found strength in the steadfast support of friends and family. “Seeing people ‘drop everything’ to help has been one of the most meaningful experiences of her life,” she mentioned. “I’m learning to hold space for both deep sadness and immeasurable gratitude.”

By sharing her story online, Sanchez aims to highlight the struggles of medical dismissal and inspire others to advocate for themselves. “I’ve never been one to cry on the internet, but I’ve spent most of my life suffering in silence,” she concluded. “If I genuinely want to build connection and help other people, I absolutely have to be transparent and get over my fear of being seen.”