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Unexplained Weight Loss: Texas Mother’s 100lb Drop Led to Colon Cancer Diagnosis
Shaedra Byrd, a Texas resident, initially attributed her significant weight loss of 100 pounds within a year to her increasingly hectic lifestyle. The then 38-year-old mother of two found herself constantly on the go, juggling her fifth-grade daughter’s school and sports activities while caring for her young son. This unintentional weight loss, however, turned out to be a symptom of a serious underlying health condition: colon cancer.
Initial Misinterpretations of Weight Loss
Byrd recalled that her dramatic weight reduction became so apparent that friends and family members complimented her. She admitted enjoying the positive attention, initially believing her weight loss was a result of increased activity due to her busy schedule. “I thought maybe I’m just doing something right – being more active with the kids,” she noted in a personal account for People magazine.
Emergence of Alarming Symptoms
In February 2022, Byrd began experiencing abdominal pain, prompting her to modify her diet to include lighter foods such as salads and chicken. She also started a food diary in an attempt to identify the cause of her discomfort. Despite dietary changes, the pain persisted even when she wasn’t eating. Furthermore, she observed a decrease in her appetite and changes in her bowel habits.
Changes in Bowel Movements
Describing her altered bowel movements, Byrd stated, “I was going to the restroom every five minutes. I would feel like I have to poo, but nothing was coming out. And when it would come out, it wouldn’t be formed. It would be a blob.” These troubling symptoms, coupled with the persistent abdominal discomfort, prompted Byrd to weigh herself, revealing the startling discovery of nearly 100 pounds of unintentional weight loss.
Seeking Medical Attention and Diagnosis
Concerned about her escalating health issues, Byrd consulted her primary care physician in May 2022. Initial tests, including an abdominal ultrasound, yielded inconclusive results. Subsequently, she was referred to a gastroenterologist, who immediately inquired about a family history of colon cancer. Byrd informed the specialist about her uncle’s death from colon cancer several years prior. A colonoscopy was scheduled for July.
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Confirmation of Colon Cancer
Byrd’s fears were realized when she awoke from the colonoscopy procedure. The doctor’s expression conveyed grave news. Upon asking about the situation, she was informed that she was “really, really sick.” Doctors revealed the discovery of a significant rectal mass. Further tests, including a CT scan and MRI, conducted by an oncologist, confirmed a tumor the ‘size of a golf ball’, diagnosed as stage three colon cancer. This stage indicated the cancer had spread beyond the colon lining to nearby lymph nodes but not to distant organs.
Coping with the Cancer Diagnosis
Reflecting on the devastating diagnosis, Byrd shared her initial reaction: “Of course, when you hear ‘cancer,’ you’re thinking death or that it’s something that you’re not going to survive. That’s what I was thinking. I was 38.” The cancer diagnosis triggered immediate concerns for her young children and husband. “I started thinking about my son – he was only two years old, and my daughter and my husband – I don’t know what life would be if God took me right now.” This prompted a determined resolve to fight the disease for her family. “I had to fight. I had to.”
Treatment and Road to Remission
Byrd underwent surgery to remove the majority of the tumor, followed by chemotherapy starting in October 2022. Chemotherapy resulted in further weight loss, dropping her weight to approximately 140 pounds, accompanied by extreme fatigue and loss of appetite due to metallic taste alteration. Following chemotherapy, she underwent radiation therapy until March 2023 and a subsequent surgery roughly four months later to remove the remaining tumor tissue.
Cancer-Free and Ongoing Side Effects
Following the final surgery, Byrd was declared cancer-free. She had a temporary ostomy bag for about a year during recovery and completed a final three-month course of chemotherapy to minimize the risk of recurrence. Byrd emphasizes the crucial support of her family throughout her cancer journey. While currently in remission, she experiences persistent side effects, including ongoing abdominal pain and altered bowel function, which medical professionals have indicated will likely be permanent due to the tumor’s location.
Importance of Early Detection and Screening
Byrd hopes her experience underscores the importance of prompt medical evaluation for any unusual bodily changes, especially unexplained weight loss and altered bowel habits. The American Cancer Society recommends routine colon cancer screening for adults at average risk, starting at age 45 and continuing with a colonoscopy every 10 years until age 75, provided they are in good health. Individuals with a family history of colorectal cancer or other risk factors may require earlier screening, potentially starting as early as age 40 or even younger.
Advocating for Health Awareness
Byrd concludes by urging individuals with a family history of colon cancer to proactively inform their doctors and advocate for themselves. “I’m happy that I went to the doctor, and I did not wait.” She emphasizes the unpredictable nature of cancer and the value of life, hoping her story will encourage others to seek timely medical attention. “If my journey can help somebody else, then I’m here for it, because we all deserve to be here and enjoy life.”