Krebs Instead of Gluten Allergy: Shannin’s Fight for the Right Diagnosis

“I Don’t Want to Be a Statistic!”

Gluten Intolerance Turns Out to Be Late-Stage Cancer – But Shannin (27) Refuses to Give Up

Doctors fail to recognize that Shannin Desroches from Canada has colon cancer. Their assumption: a gluten intolerance.

February 22, 2025, at 1:52 PM

by Vera Coenen

Gluten allergy? No, colon cancer.

And to make matters worse, it was in the fourth stage. “I was just 26 years old at the time. You don’t think it’s cancer,” recalls Shannin Desroches from Canada. How she managed to keep fighting and how she feels today.

Shannin’s Painful Journey Begins

In October 2023, then 26-year-old Shannin Desroches experienced unbearable abdominal pain, prompting her to seek medical attention. The doctor suspected a gluten allergy. “After large meals, I experienced severe pain in my lower abdomen; it happened even with smaller meals or snacks, and I had frequent vomiting. I battled intense nausea, which kept getting worse,” she shared with People Magazine.

Despite a normal blood test, ¿Shannin stood her ground. “I went back to him and said, ‘Listen, it’s bad. Can I get a CT scan, an ultrasound, or something?’ But my general practitioner didn’t listen to me.”

Refusing to give up—after consulting four different doctors—she finally received a diagnosis in April 2024. “Every doctor before said, ‘Oh, you’re young and healthy; it’s nothing serious. Don’t worry too much.’ But I knew there was more to it. I’m a nurse, and my body was practically screaming for help,” the now 27-year-old explained.

Even when she learned the truth, Shannin could hardly believe it: she had cancer. She did not even cry, recalling, “I just stood there, staring at the doctor.” Shannin was soon admitted to the hospital where she learned the tumor was so large that the surgeon could not even maneuver the camera to properly conclude the check.

Multiple Tumors Found During Surgery

“When I woke up, the doctors told me I had stage 4 colon cancer. They removed the entire tumor and reconnected my colon. I also had a tumor on my ovary, which had metastasized. Thus, they removed my ovary and 13 lymph nodes from my abdomen, of which eleven tested positive for cancer. My liver was riddled with tumors—there were so many they couldn’t even count them,” Shannin recounted.

The issue: the doctors determined they couldn’t perform further surgery quickly due to the size and number of tumors, which posed a risk of liver failure.

Shannin’s Fight for Survival

However, it’s not all doom and gloom. During the six-hour procedure, the treating surgeon left the other ovary intact to give Shannin a chance to freeze her eggs. “It really hit home. At 26, no one thinks about these things. I had to digest my cancer diagnosis first. The thought of potentially not being able to have children, coupled with being unable to continue working as a nurse, felt like a series of devastating blows,” she shared.

Shannin was moved to her own home, with her husband Cody as her protector and caregiver. Over the coming weeks, she would undergo extensive medication and hormone treatment, leaving her feeling terrible. “It was unbearable, and I’ve never felt so unwell,” she explained.

Yet there was a silver lining: “We managed to extract seven eggs, for which I am very grateful.”

The Battle Intensifies: Failed Chemotherapy Attempts

Shannin faced setbacks as two chemotherapy attempts failed, leading her body to react with an anaphylactic shock. The only remaining option is a hepatic arterial infusion pump (HAI), which delivers chemotherapy directly to the liver. But: without cancer in the liver, the procedure is not performed in Canada. “And I have a tumor on my remaining ovary that’s currently forming. It’s all very overwhelming,” she confessed.

Shannin’s Resilience and Public Campaign

This led her to share her story on TikTok and seek donations via GoFundMe, “in the hope I can get to the States, where I can undergo the necessary surgery, as I am currently considered palliative.”

Upon receiving her diagnosis, Shannin was told she had just three years left to live. Her top priority is to remove the tumor from her liver.

Shannin’s Determination and Joy Amidst the Challenges

Yet despite the challenging health journey, 27-year-old Shannin is not backing down: last October, she celebrated a dream wedding with her husband Cody, organized within just four weeks. “It took place right on the beach in Jamaica. He took care of everything while I was ill, and I owe my entire life to him; I don’t think I could fight this battle without him.”

But the fight is far from over! Shannin declares: “I will not let the disease win. I have a five-percent chance of survival. But I don’t want to be a statistic. I will continue to fight, and I intend to win.”

We are rooting for her!

“I Don’t Want to be a Statistic”: Time.news Talks Colon Cancer Misdiagnosis with Dr. Eleanor Vance

Keywords: Colon cancer, misdiagnosis, gluten intolerance, young adult cancer, stage 4 cancer, hepatic arterial infusion, HAI pump, Shannin Desroches, cancer awareness

Time.news: Dr. Vance, thank you for speaking with us today. The story of Shannin Desroches, a 27-year-old Canadian woman initially misdiagnosed with gluten intolerance but later found to have stage 4 colon cancer, is incredibly compelling and raises serious questions about diagnostic delays, especially in young adults. What are your initial thoughts on her experience?

Dr. Eleanor Vance: Thank you for having me. Shannin’s story is, unfortunately, not unique. While colon cancer is often associated with older populations, we are seeing a concerning rise in cases among younger adults. Her misdiagnosis, attributed to the initial assumption of gluten intolerance, highlights a critical issue: the need for broader awareness and more aggressive diagnostic approaches, even when initial blood tests appear normal. Dismissing symptoms based solely on age or common, less serious conditions can be devastating.

Time.news: The article mentions Shannin experiencing unbearable abdominal pain and nausea. These are common symptoms for many ailments. What specific “red flags” should both patients and healthcare professionals be aware of that might point toward something more serious, like colon cancer, especially when considering the patient’s age?

Dr. Vance: That’s a crucial point. While abdominal pain and nausea are common, persistence and severity are key. The “red flags” to look for, even with normal blood work, include:

Persistent and unexplained changes in bowel habits: This includes diarrhea, constipation, or changes in stool consistency. Blood in the stool,even if it’s microscopic,should always be investigated.

Unexplained weight loss: Notable weight loss without intentional dieting is a worrying sign.

Fatigue: Persistent and overwhelming fatigue,not just tiredness,can be an indicator.

Abdominal pain: As Shannin experienced,severe and persistent abdominal pain that doesn’t respond to usual treatments should warrant further examination.

Iron deficiency anemia: This can be a sign of bleeding in the digestive tract.

Patients need to advocate for themselves and insist on further testing if they feel their concerns are being dismissed.doctors, in turn, need to consider a broader differential diagnosis, especially with persistent symptoms, and not solely rely on age as a factor.

Time.news: Shannin consulted multiple doctors before receiving her diagnosis. What can patients do to effectively advocate for themselves and ensure their concerns are taken seriously by medical professionals?

Dr. Vance: Self-advocacy is paramount. Hear’s what I recommend:

Prepare thoroughly: Before your appointment, document your symptoms, including when they started, how frequently they occur, and what makes them better or worse.

Be persistent: If you feel your concerns are not being adequately addressed, politely but firmly insist on further testing or a referral to a specialist.

Seek a second opinion: Don’t hesitate to get another viewpoint from a different doctor.

Bring a support person: Having a friend or family member with you can provide emotional support and help you remember crucial information.

Keep records: Maintain a file of your medical history, test results, and doctor’s notes.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions: Make sure you understand your diagnosis, treatment options, and potential risks and benefits.

Trust your instincts: You know your body best. If something doesn’t feel right, keep pushing for answers.

Time.news: Shannin’s treatment options are now limited, and she’s seeking treatment in the United States due to access issues in Canada regarding a hepatic arterial infusion (HAI) pump. Can you explain what an HAI pump is and why it’s significant in treating liver metastases from colon cancer?

Dr. Vance: A hepatic arterial infusion (HAI) pump is a surgically implanted device that delivers chemotherapy directly to the liver through the hepatic artery. This allows for a much higher concentration of chemotherapy to reach the liver tumors while minimizing systemic side effects. It’s a valuable option for patients with liver metastases from colon cancer, particularly when other treatments have failed or are not suitable. The fact that Shannin is facing difficulty accessing this treatment in her home country highlights disparities in healthcare access and the importance of advocating for innovative treatment options.

Time.news: What is the typical prognosis for stage 4 colon cancer, and what factors can influence survival rates? Shannin mentions having only a 5% chance of survival, but is persistent to fight.

dr.Vance: the prognosis for stage 4 colon cancer is unfortunately challenging, and the 5-year survival rate is generally lower than earlier stages.However, it’s crucial to remember that statistics are just that – statistics. They don’t define an individual’s journey. Several factors can substantially influence survival rates, including:

Tumor characteristics: The size, location, and genetic mutations of the tumor can impact treatment response.

Extent of metastases: The number and location of metastases (spread of cancer) can influence the prognosis.

Overall health: A patient’s overall health and fitness level can affect their ability to tolerate treatment.

Treatment response: How well the cancer responds to chemotherapy,surgery,and other therapies is a crucial factor.

* individual patient characteristics: Age, lifestyle, and psychological well-being can all play a role.

Shannin’s determination and positive attitude are incredibly critically important. While it’s essential to be realistic about the challenges, maintaining hope and focusing on quality of life can have a profound impact.

Time.news: what message do you hope readers will take away from Shannin’s story?

Dr. Vance: I hope Shannin’s story serves as a wake-up call. We must raise awareness about the rising incidence of colon cancer in young adults,encourage early screening for those at risk (family history,certain genetic conditions),and empower patients to advocate for their health. We also need to support research into more effective treatments and improve access to innovative therapies like the HAI pump. And above all, we need to listen to patients like Shannin, whose experiences provide invaluable lessons for both healthcare professionals and the public. Her fight is a reminder that even in the face of daunting odds, hope, determination, and self-advocacy can make a difference. support her gofundme!