Additional Coverage:
- A woman received a colon cancer diagnosis at 31. She’d had unexplained abdominal pain for years and cycled through multiple diets. (businessinsider.com)
Miami Resident Naiké Vorbe’s Decade-Long Remission Journey
Naiké Vorbe, a vibrant 42-year-old mother of five, recently celebrated 10 years of remission from stage 3B colon cancer. Her journey, however, began years earlier with persistent abdominal pain, dismissed by some as mere pregnancy symptoms. Little did she know, a much more serious health issue was lurking.
At 31, just two months after giving birth to her second child, Vorbe received the devastating diagnosis. Her fight for her life began immediately, requiring surgery to remove part of her colon, followed by chemotherapy. The cancer later spread to her liver, necessitating further surgery.
Throughout this ordeal, Vorbe’s determination never wavered. Despite the grueling treatment regimen, she prioritized her young family.
She meticulously arranged her chemotherapy schedule to allow her to fly back and forth between Miami and Haiti, ensuring she could spend precious time with her daughters. She also advocated for her future fertility, working with her doctors to preserve her ability to have more children.
Vorbe’s case highlighted the importance of genetic testing. She discovered she had Lynch syndrome, a genetic condition that increases the risk of colon and other cancers.
This discovery not only explained her own diagnosis, but also led to an early uterine cancer diagnosis for her mother, who carries the same genetic predisposition. Early detection and prompt treatment were crucial for both women.
Vorbe credits her large and loving family with providing the unwavering support that carried her through the darkest days of her treatment. From accompanying her to appointments to caring for her children, their presence provided strength and hope.
Vorbe’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, the importance of family support, and the crucial role of genetic testing in early cancer detection.