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104: Raphael Ilgenfritz survived rectal cancer and colon cancer | colonoscopy | radiation treatment
Raphaela Ilgenfritz survived colon cancer and rectal cancer. She is from London, United Kingdom, where rectal cancer is known as bowel cancer.
Her cancer journey did not begin in the way most cancer journeys begin. She was going through post-menopause during the COVID pandemic. When she noticed something different about her bowel movements, she thought those differences were tied to menopause. A flight attendant who had traveled the world, Raphaela put in for early retirement at age 55. Because she was still employed by her airline, she was eligible for an annual medical checkup. A doctor concluded Raphaela had hemorrhoids, but she disagreed, believing her problem was something else.
She requested a colonoscopy. It revealed a polyp. Raphaela asked if it could be removed, and the doctor said he couldn’t because it was “too big.” She requested and was able to make an appointment for a CT scan and an MRI. After those tests, she was told she had Stage III bowel cancer.
The doctor said if there was any good news, it was that my cancer had not spread to any organs; however, the location of the cancer was such that it was inevitable Raphaela Ilgenfritz would become a stoma, meaning for the rest of her life she would have to wear a colostomy bag.
Before Raphaela could get the polyp removed, doctors had to determine whether she needed chemotherapy or radiation treatment. Then she was told because of the location of the polyp, she would not have to go through either regimen. Six days after her diagnosis and just before Christmas in 2021, the surgery was scheduled.
In the meantime, she had to become accustomed to living with and maintaining a colostomy bag. As unpleasant as this was, Raphaela quickly realized, “I’ll have a bag for the rest of my life or a tag on my toe.” She addressed having a colostomy bag like her first being a parent. At first one has no idea how to change diapers, but then it becomes second nature. The same dynamic played out for Raphaela with her colostomy bag. She says it doesn’t define her life. It is just what she does.
Meanwhile, Raphaela Ilgenfritz was thrilled to learn her surgery had gone as well as it could have. Her care team announced to her, “Raphaela, we have got all the cancer,” which at that time of year became an unforgettable Christmas present.
Raphaela says whether one calls it rectal cancer or bowel cancer, the disease is a silent killer. That said, if you notice anything unusual about your bowel habits, to get them checked out. This, she says, is the only way to get in front of this type of cancer. She amplifies her message with a show on UKHealthRadio. Her message also is carried on her website, https://www.stoma4life.com
Additional Resources:
Support Group:
Raphael’s website: https://www.stoma4life.com
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By Jim Foster
5
22 ratings
Raphaela Ilgenfritz survived colon cancer and rectal cancer. She is from London, United Kingdom, where rectal cancer is known as bowel cancer.
Her cancer journey did not begin in the way most cancer journeys begin. She was going through post-menopause during the COVID pandemic. When she noticed something different about her bowel movements, she thought those differences were tied to menopause. A flight attendant who had traveled the world, Raphaela put in for early retirement at age 55. Because she was still employed by her airline, she was eligible for an annual medical checkup. A doctor concluded Raphaela had hemorrhoids, but she disagreed, believing her problem was something else.
She requested a colonoscopy. It revealed a polyp. Raphaela asked if it could be removed, and the doctor said he couldn’t because it was “too big.” She requested and was able to make an appointment for a CT scan and an MRI. After those tests, she was told she had Stage III bowel cancer.
The doctor said if there was any good news, it was that my cancer had not spread to any organs; however, the location of the cancer was such that it was inevitable Raphaela Ilgenfritz would become a stoma, meaning for the rest of her life she would have to wear a colostomy bag.
Before Raphaela could get the polyp removed, doctors had to determine whether she needed chemotherapy or radiation treatment. Then she was told because of the location of the polyp, she would not have to go through either regimen. Six days after her diagnosis and just before Christmas in 2021, the surgery was scheduled.
In the meantime, she had to become accustomed to living with and maintaining a colostomy bag. As unpleasant as this was, Raphaela quickly realized, “I’ll have a bag for the rest of my life or a tag on my toe.” She addressed having a colostomy bag like her first being a parent. At first one has no idea how to change diapers, but then it becomes second nature. The same dynamic played out for Raphaela with her colostomy bag. She says it doesn’t define her life. It is just what she does.
Meanwhile, Raphaela Ilgenfritz was thrilled to learn her surgery had gone as well as it could have. Her care team announced to her, “Raphaela, we have got all the cancer,” which at that time of year became an unforgettable Christmas present.
Raphaela says whether one calls it rectal cancer or bowel cancer, the disease is a silent killer. That said, if you notice anything unusual about your bowel habits, to get them checked out. This, she says, is the only way to get in front of this type of cancer. She amplifies her message with a show on UKHealthRadio. Her message also is carried on her website, https://www.stoma4life.com
Additional Resources:
Support Group:
Raphael’s website: https://www.stoma4life.com