When Sarah was diagnosed with metastatic colon cancer at age 34, she was immediately determined to find the best care possible. She fought for an oncologist who would support her at every turn, and sought out specialists from many different disciplines to provide her better care. She found her own pharmacist to organize her medications, pain specialists and physical therapists to help her with painful symptoms and side effects of treatment, and other doctors to round out her care team. She was willing to do anything to remain active and play a pivotal role in the growth of her two young sons. 

“I think any serious illness is going to make a patient assess their life, their values, and their purpose,” says Sarah. “Patients deserve the highest level of care available and I wasn’t going to settle.”  

One day while chatting with a friend, Sarah was talking about the makeshift care team she assembled to give her an extra layer of support as she treated her cancer when her friend interrupted her. 

“That sounds a lot like palliative care,” the friend said. 

This is Sarah’s story.

Hosted by Dan Altano

A Quality Life: Sarah's Colon Cancer Story

GetPalliativeCare.org's podcast, A Quality Life, tells the real-life stories of people living with a serious illness, and their families. Each episode explores how palliative care specialists have helped to manage the symptoms and stress of their serious illness, and improve quality of life

A Quality Life: Sarah's Colon Cancer Story

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