- Liberty ‘Libbie’ Ashworth, a 14-year-old dancer from Panora, Iowa, was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer after years of suffering from symptoms and being dismissed by doctors.
- Despite experiencing back pain, loss of appetite, constipation, and blood in her stool, doctors initially reassured Libbie that she was fine and even suggested her symptoms were psychosomatic.
- After intense abdominal pain, she was rushed to the hospital where a grapefruit-sized tumor was discovered, leading to her stage 4 colon cancer diagnosis at just 14 years old.
- Following surgery to remove the tumor and half of her colon, she underwent chemotherapy and had her ovary removed due to Lynch syndrome, a genetic disorder increasing cancer risk.
- Despite treatment success, the cancer returned in 2023, leading to further complications with chemo dosage management, but Libbie remains hopeful and supported by her family and community.
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Oncology, Pediatrics, Gastroenterology