She had documented the signs that were dismissedđ
In May 2023, what Krystal assumed was routine stomach discomfort led to life-altering news. After seeking medical attention, she was diagnosed with advanced bowel cancer that had already spread to several areas of her body. The diagnosis came as a profound shock, not only because of its severity but because it contradicted everything she thought she knew about her health. The experience underscored a difficult truth: serious illness does not always match stereotypes or visible risk factors, and even people who feel strong can be facing hidden challenges.
Looking back, Krystal realized there had been warning signs she hadnât fully recognized. She had experienced ongoing abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, fatigue, bloating, and occasional night sweats. Each symptom seemed manageable on its own, easy to explain away as stress, diet changes, or the exhaustion of motherhood. It wasnât until they persisted together that their significance became clear. Her experience highlights how subtle, overlapping symptoms can sometimes signal something more serious, and why ongoing discomfort should never be dismissed simply because it feels inconvenient or easy to rationalize.
