Mom, 31, Was Told Her ‘Unbearable’ Acid Reflux Was Just a Pregnancy Symptom. Then Doctors Found a 3-Inch Tumor

**Texas Mother Advocates for Self-Advocacy Following Colon Cancer Diagnosis**

A Texas mother is using her cancer journey to encourage others to trust their instincts when it comes to their health. Geraldine Levano, 31, from Houston, experienced severe acid reflux during her pregnancy but found her concerns went largely unacknowledged by healthcare professionals.

As Levano approached the due date of her second son in 2022, she began to suffer from debilitating acid reflux. Initially attributing her discomfort to pregnancy-related symptoms, the intensity of her pain left her questioning whether there was a more serious underlying issue. “I couldn’t even take the pain,” Levano said in a recent interview.

Despite her medical background as a former assistant, Levano felt compelled to voice her concerns about her symptoms repeatedly. However, her obstetrician and colleagues reassured her that what she was experiencing was typical for expectant mothers. “And of course they’re like… it’s just the baby, you’re fine,” she recounted, expressing frustration over the lack of attention her symptoms received.

As the weeks went by, Levano sought medical help on multiple occasions as the pain became more unbearable. Each time, she was told that her unborn child was healthy and that her discomfort was not abnormal. Efforts to alleviate her suffering through medication proved futile. “Nothing would help,” she recalled. “It just felt like a burning sensation with pain, and I just felt like something was stuck there.”

Tragically, the situation escalated shortly after Levano gave birth in April 2022, when she detected a painful lump beneath her ribs. The persistent acid reflux continued to plague her. On a visit to the doctor, an ultrasound raised significant concerns, prompting further imaging the same day. By the time of her examination, Levano was in such severe pain that she found it difficult to walk and unable to hold her newborn.

Upon arriving at the hospital, a doctor reviewed her ultrasound results and delivered a harrowing diagnosis: Levano had colon cancer. According to Dr. Amit Agarwal, a colorectal surgeon treating Levano at Memorial Hermann Hospital, imaging revealed a large tumour that was nearly obstructing her colon. This mass was the cause of her severe acid reflux. “The mass was actually pushing up on the stomach from behind it,” he explained. The consequence was that anything Levano consumed was not digested properly, resulting in acid backing up.

Following the diagnosis, Levano underwent surgery to remove the tumour, which led to the need for a temporary colostomy bag. Subsequently, she underwent chemotherapy and immunotherapy. The journey through recovery proved particularly challenging as she juggled caring for her newborn and a three-year-old while also coping with her mother’s diagnosis of endometrial cancer at the same time.

“It was very, very hard,” Levano admitted. After several months of treatment, she had her colostomy bag removed in December 2022, and her experience with immunotherapy yielded far fewer side effects than the chemotherapy. In August 2023, she had a significant milestone, celebrating the end of her cancer treatment by ringing the bell.

Reflecting on her experience, Levano acknowledged that she had previously overlooked several warning signs of her cancer, such as weight loss, constipation and anaemia – all of which she attributed to her pregnancy. Now three years into remission, she feels “really good” physically and has recently received clear results from routine colonoscopy and endoscopy procedures.

However, Levano’s journey did not conclude with treatment. Following her cancer diagnosis, she discovered she has Lynch syndrome, a hereditary condition that increases the risk for various cancers, including colorectal and uterine cancer. To better manage her cancer risk, she chose to undergo a partial hysterectomy and continues to have regular screenings and annual colonoscopies.

While she acknowledged that the preparation for screening procedures can be unpleasant, Levano firmly emphasised their importance. “Yes, the prep is disgusting,” she noted. “But at the end of the day, if it can save you, do it.”

Ultimately, she hopes that by sharing her story, others will feel empowered to advocate for themselves when facing potential health concerns. Levano’s message is clear: “If you feel like something is wrong, never take no for an answer.”