Amber Kissell, now 45, was initially misdiagnosed by doctors who dismissed her symptoms like fatigue, bowel issues, and weight loss post her second child’s birth as common ailments such as a fissure or haemorrhoids. Despite finding blood in the toilet, medical professionals claimed she was too young to have cancer. However, after experiencing dizziness, Amber underwent a colonoscopy, revealing she had advanced stage four colon cancer that had spread to her liver and lymph nodes.
Following 12 rounds of chemotherapy, Amber’s tumors vanished, and she has since remained cancer-free. Recalling her journey, Amber, a clinical coordinator, expressed her frustration with the delayed diagnosis, stating that her health deteriorated before the correct diagnosis was made. Despite being repeatedly told she was too young to have cancer, Amber’s persistence in seeking answers eventually led to her life-saving treatment.
Amber’s battle with cancer began after the birth of her daughter Isabella in 2015, where postpartum complications led to alarming symptoms including blood in her stool and extreme fatigue. Despite seeking medical help, Amber’s concerns were dismissed as minor issues like a fissure, leading to a delayed cancer diagnosis. Even as her condition worsened, medical professionals continued to attribute her symptoms to less severe conditions like haemorrhoids.
On a pivotal day in 2017, Amber’s health crisis escalated when a dizzy spell at work prompted a hospital visit. Subsequent tests confirmed her worst fears – she had stage four cancer. Following consultations with specialists, Amber commenced aggressive chemotherapy, which proved successful in eradicating the tumors in her liver and lymph nodes. Subsequent surgeries and treatments further contributed to her miraculous recovery.
Today, nearly a decade after her diagnosis, Amber remains in remission and only requires annual checkups with her oncologist to monitor her health. Her story serves as a testament to the importance of advocating for one’s health and persisting in seeking proper medical attention, even in the face of initial misdiagnoses.
