A Mom’s Fight from the Inside Out

Written by Angela Webb 

My world changed last March 2025, when I was just 42 years old. I thought that the doctor was bringing me a Sprite after my first colonoscopy, but he brought me a cancer diagnosis instead.  

I had been having symptoms of constipation and diarrhea for a while, but these symptoms kept getting explained away as side effects of motherhood or the medications I was on. Even blood in my stool was blamed on hemorrhoids. I am grateful that Kelli DeSerano, ARNP, mentioned the word colonoscopy in my first appointment with her. If that had been brought up earlier, maybe things could have looked different.  

The hardest part of the cancer diagnosis was telling my family and waiting; all the unknowns and answers do not come fast. Nothing is harder than calling your mother or sitting down with your young children and telling them your diagnosis. For me that was stage 3c moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma colorectal cancer. The experience was a mental game, as my first thoughts were how I had lived a good life and had a lot of opportunities that others didn’t get. I knew I couldn’t live in that headspace long, so I leaned into my faith and got to work.  

The first phase of treatment was 25 sessions of radiation and Capecitabine chemo pills. The radiation team at the University of Iowa handled everything with such care, and I looked forward to seeing the team. The second phase was more Capecitabine and high doses of Oxaliplatin infusions. I struggled with the cold sensitivity, and I still suffer from neuropathy in my hands and feet. My wonderful nurse, Jadyn Miller, answered all my questions and I am forever grateful she was on my care team. The third phase was a colon resection, a partial hysterectomy, and temporary ileostomy.

In December of 2025, I had a clear CT scan and a negative Signatera blood screening. I am on surveillance and hopeful for more clear scans. The community support carried me through the tough days.  

My advice for others who may find themselves in a similar situation is to accept help when it is offered. I had a wonderful support system who helped do laundry, picked my kids up from school, and delivered meals on nights where I was too tired to do much. My hope for the future is that the screening age will be lowered and  more awareness will be brought to young people getting colorectal cancer. Cancer truly doesn’t care if you are a mom, a Girl Scout Troop Leader, on the PTO, or living your best life.