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Bianca Harvey’s Fight Against Colon Cancer: A Story of Resilience and Advocacy

Bianca Harvey, an elementary school science teacher, began experiencing severe stomach cramps in early 2023, leading to a relentless fight against colon cancer. Diagnosed at the age of 33, she highlights the importance of early screening, saying, “For me to get it so young, everybody was just like, how? But it’s happening to people younger and younger.” Now at 36, she continues to advocate for awareness and health screening.

The placement of her tumor rendered surgery unfeasible. “No one could remove it surgically. I begged and pleaded and asked many times,” reflects her oncologist, Dr. Nicholas DeVito, an associate professor of medicine at Duke University School of Medicine. Instead, Harvey completed 16 months of chemotherapy, followed by immunotherapy. Dr. DeVito expressed admiration for her perseverance, emphasizing that her healthy lifestyle prior to diagnosis contributed to her resilience.

In January 2023, I began experiencing persistent stomach pains, initially dismissing them as healing from previous fibroid surgery at the end of 2022.

What began as mild cramps escalated into sharp, constant pain, forcing me to seek help in the ER multiple times, only to receive vague explanations. Medical professionals speculated ulcers or GERD as potential diagnoses. Despite undergoing an endoscopy, no clear answers emerged.

As a sixth-grade science teacher in Colonial Heights, Virginia, I struggled to maintain my responsibilities, often seeking breaks to cope with the pain in my car.

During a classroom observation by my principal in June, I found myself unable to stand upright due to the pain.

I confided in my principal about my debilitating discomfort, explaining how I was reliant on pain relievers and had abandoned my usual active lifestyle.

Previously, I was a dedicated fitness enthusiast, having run since age 13 and received a track and field scholarship to Appalachian State University. After welcoming my daughter, Keilani, in 2016, I transitioned to teaching while still engaging in personal training.

The rising pain forced me to inform my clients that I needed to pause my training sessions until I received a diagnosis.

Losing weight and my appetite exacerbated my concerns.

In June, my doctor ordered a CT scan. The next day, she informed me about the discovered tumor and suggested a colonoscopy.

Overwhelmed with emotion, I notified my parents, who immediately traveled 200 miles to be by my side.

Following my colonoscopy, I learned of my colon cancer diagnosis on June 19, 2023, when I was just 33 years old, and my daughter was merely 7.

My family has a history of colon cancer; my father was diagnosed in 2019.

He had been told that my brother and I wouldn’t need screenings until the age of 37.

My father’s successful battle against colon cancer offered me a sense of hope during my diagnosis.

He was considered remarkably healthy post-surgery and currently enjoys good health at 64.

Initially, I thought my experience would mirror my father’s journey—challenging but ultimately surmountable.

While my doctors in Virginia suggested surgery, I opted to return to North Carolina to be close to my family as my health deteriorated.

Feeling helpless, I sensed my life was spiraling downward.

A recommendation from my dad’s assistant coach led me to Duke for treatment, believed to offer exceptional care.

At Duke, I was shocked to learn that my cancer had reached stage 4.

My immediate thought was, “Am I going to die?”

Dr. DeVito’s calm demeanor helped provide clarity and reassurance as we outlined a treatment strategy.

The intense pain I experienced stemmed from cancer spreading to my pancreas.

We discussed surgery, but Dr. DeVito informed me it was not an option due to the tumor’s spread.

I began chemotherapy, engaging in 16 months of treatment every two weeks.

At one point, my team considered stopping chemo due to my impressive response; however, my last scan revealed a new tumor near my lungs, indicating a resurgence of pain.

The initial chemotherapy regimen was not effective anymore, prompting a switch to immunotherapy.

Unlike chemotherapy, which indiscriminately affects healthy and unhealthy cells, immunotherapy harnesses the body’s immune response to combat cancer.

Initially, I felt a recurrence of debilitating symptoms, but now I’m adjusting to the new treatment schedule.

My faith remains a cornerstone of my resilience—I continuously pray to remain present for my daughter.

Navigating my diagnosis required juggling family dynamics; my daughter’s father supported us while my mother temporarily relocated to Virginia.

Amidst my illness, my mother’s unwavering support was vital. She ensured I had the care I needed while maintaining routine for my daughter.

My mother played a crucial role during this ordeal—from taking me to appointments to managing daily needs while I struggled with basic tasks.

Her nurturing nature provided an emotional anchor, offering comfort when it felt overwhelming.

In the fall of 2024, we decided to officially move back to North Carolina, prioritizing my daughter’s stability.

I made it a point to explain my illness to Keilani to help her understand the limitations my treatment imposed.

Adjusting to our new reality was challenging for both of us as I was often absent.

As she grows, my focus remains on being a strong presence in her life; I cannot bear the thought of her growing up without me.

The frequency of questions about my treatment plan is a reminder of the ongoing journey I face.

Importantly, I urge others to be proactive about their health. Self-advocacy is crucial; only you know your body well.

If you have any suspicions about your health or a family history, don’t hesitate to inquire about screenings.

In September 2024, I began sharing my journey on social media, declaring that stage 4 cancer would not defeat me. Engaging with my audience through Instagram, I participate in TikTok dances during treatments and relay my story via Facebook and YouTube.

The overwhelming support I received from the community was unexpected; people reach out with encouragement and share their cancer journeys with me.

I cherish the notes of support I receive, and the financial assistance has alleviated some burdens as I can no longer maintain full-time employment due to my condition.

Every day, I pray for a future free from cancer, holding onto hope for gradual improvements and healing.

Source
people.com