Katelyn Huchin

In recognition of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, Katelyn Huchin wants to share her story to help others who may be experiencing the same symptoms she had well before the screening age of 45.

Huchin said she was actually relieved when she found out she had cancer. The 22-year-old, now cancer free, said she had symptoms for several years when her boyfriend urged her to see a doctor. At first, she was embarrassed by her symptoms, but now, she realizes her body was trying to tell her something was very wrong.

“I had symptoms like blood in my stool and irregular bowel movements since I was about 16 or 17 years old, and I just knew something was wrong with me,” said Huchin. “I wasn't able to go to a doctor due to financial problems, so my parents told me to try changing my eating habits. I did do that, but the symptoms still continued.”

She opened up to her boyfriend about what was happening, and he encouraged her to see someone. He helped pay for the doctor visit, then helped pay for her colonoscopy.

“The doctor couldn’t even get the camera in all the way before finding the tumor,” said Huchin. “I was diagnosed with stage IV rectal cancer. I finally had an answer.”

She was just 20 years old when she started chemotherapy and radiation. She wanted a second treatment opinion to make sure she was doing the right thing. Physicians told her that surgery was needed to give her the best outcome.

"I told her there’s an effective process for this type of cancer. Once she had completed her chemotherapy and radiation, the next critical step was to surgically remove the primary cancer and rectum out of the pelvis,” said Dr. Michael Keller, colorectal surgeon at Methodist Hospital | Specialty and Transplant. “It was a major operation, and she needed a temporary ostomy bag to protect the new bowel connection. We successfully removed the rectum and took out the entirety of the cancer. Colorectal cancer is curable."

Unfortunately, she went on to develop stage IV disease with spread of her cancer to the liver. She was evaluated by Dr. Lokesh Bathla, hepatobiliary surgeon for removal of tumor from the liver. She successfully underwent liver surgery at Methodist Hospital | Specialty and Transplant. Dr. Bathla removed 25 percent of her liver, effectively getting rid of the cancer. Once Dr. Keller reverses Huchin’s temporary ileostomy, she’ll have normal bowel functions again. 

Huchin had help from a nurse navigator with Methodist Hospital | Specialty and Transplant. Kaylee Peacock, BSN, RN, ONN-CG, guides patients through the care process providing them with support, directions and follow-up.

“She was there for my first procedure to get my mediport, then at my first MRI scan, explaining things along the way,” said Huchins. “She brought lots of joy and encouragement — reminding me how far I’ve come and helping me look on the bright side.”

Huchin also had support from her family, especially her father, her boyfriend and his family, and her church family.

“This has forever changed my life. I’m focusing on my health more than ever. I’m focused on my mental health, too, because of the stress it put on me and my family,” said Huchin. “This makes you realize how short life can be, and that you can’t take things for granted.”

Now she hopes to help others recognize the signs and symptoms and give them hope.

Colorectal cancer symptoms

Some of the symptoms associated with colorectal cancer include:

• Unexplained weight loss
• Bloody stool
• Inconsistency in bowel habits, including diarrhea or constipation
• Abdominal discomfort that lasts for more than a few days

The American Cancer Society recommends that people of average risk start getting colonoscopies at age 45. If they have family history or symptoms, they should talk to their primary care provider before age 45. Learn more about colorectal cancer and treatment options.