“Shamari’s Journey”

Written by: Karega Walters
In honor of: Himself

My name is Karega Walters, affectionately known as Shamari and 2017 at the age of 35, I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Colorectal cancer.  Since, I have had over 20 rounds chemotherapy, three rounds of radiation therapy, two liver ablations, and two surgeries to stop the growth and spread of the cancer. 

April of 2017 is when I began to notice blood in my stool. Two days later the blood returned so I called one of my close friends, who is a registered nurse and told her what was going on and she suggested that I go to the emergency room. I took her advice and had a colonoscopy at Montefiore Hospital was discharged the next day. 

Several days later, I received a call from the doctor asking me to come into his office to discuss the results. He disclosed that there was an indication of cancer in my colon and further diagnostic exams to include a PET scan and CT scan to confirm his original diagnosis. 

In May of 2017, stage 4 cancer of the colon that had metastasized to my liver was confirmed. My option at that time was to have surgery followed by chemotherapy. At this point I wasn’t afraid or worried. When I told my family and close friends they were devastated, but I told them not to worry and that I will be fine. I was determined to get this thing out of my body and go on with my life. In June of 2017 I underwent my first surgery. It was then I had both a part of my colon and liver removed followed by six months of chemotherapy. I thought my journey had ended. 

In the end of 2018, I began to feel a pain in my lower left abdomen. Having gone through cancer in the past, I did not hesitate to go to the doctor. After another PET scan it was confirmed I had rectal cancer. I had radiation for six months when I was told the tumor had shrank as much as it could and that surgery was needed. In March of 2019, I underwent a second surgery to remove a tumor and began chemotherapy that ended in February 2020. At this point there was no sign of Cancer through serum markers and was told to follow up with scheduled colonoscopy and PET scans. 

Covid-19 stopped all elective surgeries including my colonoscopy which did not take place until July 14, 2020, my 39th birthday. I was informed that a tumor had returned in the same location as the first tumor back in 2017 and that there was also another spot on my liver. I was able to then have another liver ablation and told that I should again begin chemotherapy. At this point, I began to question the traditional route of treating cancer. I had done chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery yet the cancer continued to return. 

Earlier in the month, I reconnected with a high school friend who was also battling cancer. Unfortunately, he recently lost his battle. Before he passed he suggested that I should consult with the doctor he was seeing. He spoke very highly of Dr. Jesse Stoff, and I began I to do some research and set up a consultation with Dr. Stoff. His extensive credentials are in the areas immunology and integrative medicine with a focus on the treatment of cancers and autoimmune diseases.  

After reviewing my case he informed me that the side effects of the chemotherapy and radiation treatments have left my immune system weakened and compromised and he would like to take a different approach in treating my body.  The goal of his treatment is to heal my body and reboot my immune system through his integrative medicinal treatments. I am fully covered under my employer’s medical plan, but unfortunately Dr. Stoff is a private practice that does not accept my insurance. My family and close friends told me they are willing to help me financially in paying for these treatments, which is estimated to be about $4500 monthly. 

I was opposed to asking for help, because I didn’t want to feel like I was a burden to anyone. However, after speaking to several friends and my family they encouraged me to share my story in an effort to help educate others and to spread awareness of my journey with cancer. 

Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States affecting both men and women of all ages. Cancer screenings for this type of cancer are typically performed at the age of 50. However, due to frequent diagnosis in younger populations, screening is now available at younger ages. Home test are even being administered. 

This type of cancer can be difficult to detect because often times one does not feel any symptoms and by the time symptoms present itself the cancer may be more advanced, which is what happened to me.  When I found out I had cancer it was already at stage 4 and had advance to my liver.

I have been humbled and appreciative of the support I have received from the Gofundme account. I would like to thank all my friends and family for all the support that I have been receiving, and I want to extend a big thank you to everyone else that has been donating to my cause. They say it takes a village to raise a child and with the outpouring of love that I am receiving it can also be said that it takes the same to save a life. 

Much love to all.