Trigger Warning: This article discusses cancer and its symptoms, which some readers may find distressing.
A single mother diagnosed with stage four colon cancer is sharing her story to raise awareness about the symptoms she initially dismissed.
Radwah Oda, a working mother from Texas, received the devastating diagnosis while juggling her office job and caring for her child. Now, she is using her experience to encourage others to advocate for their health, emphasizing the importance of recognizing potential warning signs.
Oda posted a TikTok video—now viewed over 2.3 million times—highlighting the symptoms she overlooked, assuming they were minor issues. She hopes her story will help others seek medical attention early, especially since many people are initially told their symptoms are unrelated to cancer.
When listing the five main warning signs, she reassured viewers: “If you experience any of these symptoms, don’t panic, but do see a doctor.”
Changes in Stool
One of the most common indicators of colon cancer is a change in bowel movements. For Oda, this was the first noticeable sign.
She observed that her stool had become thin and pencil-like, but she attributed it to constipation. Additionally, she noticed blood in her stool but assumed it was due to hemorrhoids.
However, recent studies have identified blood in the stool as one of the top ‘red flag’ symptoms for younger patients. Oda also experienced a persistent feeling that her bowels were never fully emptied.
“Each time I used the restroom, I felt like I still needed to go. I kept pushing and pushing, but nothing would come out,” she shared in her video.
Unexplained Pain
Abdominal pain is a known symptom of colon cancer, but pain in other areas of the body can indicate that the disease has spread.
Oda experienced discomfort on her right side, near her breast.
“I assumed my bra was too tight, even though the pain was only on one side,” she said.
Doctors later confirmed that her cancer had metastasized to her liver.
Chronic Fatigue
No matter how much sleep she got, Oda remained overwhelmingly tired.
“I would still need to nap multiple times a day, and nothing seemed to help,” she explained.
Cancer-related fatigue occurs because cancer cells consume a significant amount of the body’s energy.
Additional Symptoms
In a follow-up video, Oda shared other, lesser-known symptoms she experienced before her diagnosis. These included:
- Loss of appetite
- Unexplained weight loss
- Persistent stomach pain
Initially, she believed these issues were caused by a severe stomach bug.
Importance of Seeking Medical Advice
Oda’s story is a crucial reminder not to ignore persistent or unusual symptoms. If you experience any of these signs, it is essential to seek medical advice as soon as possible.
Advocating for yourself and pushing for answers could make all the difference in catching serious health conditions early.
Post a Comment