Mother Misdiagnosed During Pregnancy with Stage 4 Colon Cancer
Georgia mother Jenna Scott was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer in 2017, at just 31 years old. The journey started when she experienced severe abdominal pain, nausea, and rectal bleeding towards the end of her pregnancy with her son Cameron.
Despite voicing her concerns to doctors, she was repeatedly told that her symptoms were related to her pregnancy. It wasn’t until after her son turned 1 and she continued to struggle that she was referred to a gastroenterologist for a colonoscopy. The results were devastating as she woke up to the news that she had cancer.
Scott’s life took a drastic turn with the diagnosis, as she grappled with the shock and disbelief of having cancer, especially since no one in her family had a history of the disease. The news affected not only her but also her husband Derrick, who struggled to come to terms with the reality of the situation.
A former competitive cheerleader and gymnast, Scott was used to pushing her limits and staying physically fit. However, with the diagnosis, she had to navigate a new reality of chemotherapy, surgeries, and targeted therapy while balancing the role of being a mother to her young son.
The support from her husband, family, friends, and colleagues played a crucial role in helping Scott through her treatment journey. Despite facing setbacks like a pre-cancerous melanoma on her foot in 2020 and navigating treatments during the isolating pandemic, Scott remained determined to fight her battle against cancer.
Her strength and resilience shone through as she not only managed her treatment but also continued to pursue her career, eventually rising to become the Chief Operating Officer at the Black Innovation Alliance. Scott’s determination to see her son grow up and have a family of his own serves as a driving force behind her relentless fight against the disease.
Throughout her journey, Scott has learned to be open about her struggles and emotions, understanding the importance of seeking support and maintaining a sense of normalcy in her life. She encourages others facing similar challenges to stay positive, lean on their support systems, and take each day as it comes.
Dealing with the physical and emotional toll of cancer has tested Scott in ways she never imagined, from losing her hair multiple times to developing a skincare routine to manage the effects of treatment. Despite the visible challenges, she remains steadfast in her belief that staying positive and embracing the love and support around her are vital in the fight against cancer.
As Scott continues her battle against stage 4 colon cancer, she hopes to inspire others facing similar struggles to stay resilient, cherish the moments of normalcy, and never lose sight of hope. Her story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.