Finding Strength After a Stage 4 Colon Cancer Diagnosis: Albita’s Story
When Albita, a vibrant 33-year-old living in Colorado Springs, first noticed blood in her stool after a night out in 2019, she brushed it off. She thought it might be stress, diet, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Life was busy, and concerns about healthcare costs and fear of bad news made it easy to delay seeking help. But the symptoms didn’t go away.
By January 2024, after years of subtle signs and persistent discomfort, Albita finally underwent a colonoscopy. That’s when her world shifted: she was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. The cancer had spread to her liver.
Albita describes that moment:
"I just started crying because I’m like, oh my God. Stage four—it’s so scary."
Despite working in the medical field as a pharmacy tech, the news was overwhelming. Yet, her oncologist offered her hope: stage 4 did not mean a death sentence. With treatment, there was still a path forward.
Navigating Treatment and Finding Strength
Albita’s treatment journey has been intense. She endured multiple rounds of chemotherapy, radiation, a liver resection, a colon resection, a hysterectomy, and now lives with an ileostomy she affectionately named "Stella." Through it all, Albita has shown remarkable resilience.
Managing side effects like fatigue, brain fog, hair loss, and severe skin issues pushed her to her limits. At times, she questioned how much more she could endure. But she found strength in the small victories, the support of her medical team, and her determination to live fully.
One of the biggest lessons she shares is the importance of listening to your body—and to not delay seeking care when something feels wrong.
Embracing Change and Living in the Present
Life with cancer has changed Albita in profound ways. She’s more mindful about what she eats, how she cares for her body, and the importance of cherishing each day. Though she sometimes mourns the carefree girl she once was, Albita has grown into someone she deeply admires.
In her own words:
"You know, it's just one day at a time. You can only handle what's in front of you. Don't stress about the past, and don't stress about the future. Just focus on living now."
Her journey is not only about surviving cancer—it’s about transforming through it, finding unexpected strength, and inspiring others along the way.
A Message of Hope
Albita’s story is a reminder that even in the darkest times, hope persists. She encourages anyone facing a cancer diagnosis to take it one step at a time, lean on support networks, and remember that while cancer changes your path, it doesn't define your future.
PMA—Positive Mental Attitude—till the end.
About the Patient Story
The Patient Story shares authentic patient experiences with compassion and scientific rigor. Starting with cancer and expanding to other conditions, the platform combines patient narratives with medically vetted information on symptoms, clinical trials, insurance, and support—presented in a human-centered way.
For more information on how HuMOLYTE can support your gut health during chemotherapy, visit our product page or consult your health care provider.
This blog was reviewed by Dr. Sourabh Kharait.
This blog is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment plan, hydration strategies, or diet. The information provided here is based on general insights and may not apply to individual circumstances.
