ATLANTA – A Mother’s Battle with Stage 4 Colon Cancer
Jenna Scott, a mother from Georgia, was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer in 2017, a revelation that came after doctors initially mistook her symptoms for pregnancy-related issues. At the time, Scott was 31 and in the final stages of her pregnancy with her son, Cameron.
Immediate Impact
Experiencing severe abdominal pain, nausea, and rectal bleeding, Scott’s symptoms were initially attributed to her pregnancy. However, when these symptoms persisted after her son turned one, doctors attempted to address them by changing her birth control, to no avail. It wasn’t until a gastroenterologist recommended a colonoscopy that the true nature of her condition was revealed.
“I woke up from the table and he said, ‘I don’t need to send your results off to pathology to know that you have cancer.’ And that was the day life changed,” Scott shared with PEOPLE.
Key Details Emerge
Scott’s diagnosis came as a shock, especially given her family’s lack of cancer history. “I think I went into a state of shock and disbelief,” she recalls. Before her diagnosis, Scott was a competitive cheerleader and gymnast, deeply committed to fitness.
Family and Financial Struggles
Scott and her husband Derrick faced the challenge of managing her health while prioritizing their son. Derrick initiated a GoFundMe campaign that quickly raised thousands of dollars. “In the beginning, my husband would take the news a lot harder than I did,” Scott admits.
Industry Response
Before her illness, Scott worked as an implementation consultant at a bank, a role she found both high-stress and fulfilling. Her diagnosis necessitated a shift in her professional responsibilities, impacting her confidence. “That was like a blow to my confidence,” Scott noted.
Support from Colleagues
During her year-long leave, her coworkers sent supportive videos, including one for the Colorectal Cancer Alliance’s Dress in Blue Day. “It was just amazing, the support that they gave me,” Scott said, though she eventually had to quit due to the mental toll of her treatment.
By the Numbers
– Diagnosed at age 31
– 8 years into ongoing chemotherapy and targeted therapy
– Hair has fallen out completely three times in the past eight years
What Comes Next
Despite these challenges, Scott has continued to build her career. In 2020, she joined the Black Innovation Alliance, rising to the position of Chief Operating Officer while managing her treatment schedule.
Personal Resilience
Scott’s son remains a source of strength. “I want to see him have a family of his own,” she says, highlighting her motivation to continue fighting. Her doctor has informed her that chemotherapy’s cumulative effects make it increasingly challenging.
“I take time to cry a lot, if I’m being honest. I have to manage when I can be vulnerable, because I still want my son to know that I’m strong,” Scott explains.
Background Context
Scott’s journey underscores the importance of accurate diagnosis and the impact of cancer on young families. Her experience has also highlighted the need for greater awareness and support for those facing similar battles.
Expert Analysis
Medical experts emphasize the importance of early detection and the challenges faced by young cancer patients. Scott’s story serves as both a cautionary tale and an inspiration for resilience.
Future Implications
As Scott continues her treatment, she offers advice to others in similar situations: “Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you respond to it.” Her journey is a testament to the power of positivity and the importance of support networks.
For more human interest stories, sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter.
“`
