Joe Faratzis, who was diagnosed with stage 4 colorectal cancer, has shared the warning signs he ignored before learning about his illness. He admitted that he “put these symptoms off for months” before deciding to undergo a colonoscopy for more answers.
On TikTok, Joe revealed that he initially dismissed his symptoms and didn’t take his doctor’s concerns seriously. However, after experiencing ongoing issues, he finally chose to act. He is now urging others to seek early screenings, saying that “early screening could save you and your family,” and warning against waiting too long to see a doctor.
Joe’s symptoms started in 2019, and he was diagnosed at the age of 28, five years ago. Despite his doctor’s recommendations for a CT scan, he believed the symptoms were not serious at the time. He admitted that he thought he was invincible until he could no longer ignore the warning signs. Joe decided to share his experience to help others who might be overlooking similar symptoms.
Some of the symptoms Joe experienced included:
- Sweating and night sweats – Dr. Cathy Eng from Vanderbilt University Medical Center highlighted night sweats, weight loss, pain, fatigue, and shortness of breath as signs of advanced colon cancer.
- Lower right abdominal pain – Healthline explained that the location of pain in the lower right abdomen could indicate cancer in the ascending colon, the first part of the colon that attaches to the small intestine.
- Frequent trips to the bathroom – Joe mentioned that he was using the bathroom far more often than usual, possibly several times a day.
- Abdominal cramps when bending over – Joe recalled experiencing pain every time he bent over, but he ignored it, believing it was just a minor issue.
- Constipation and cramps – Constipation and diarrhea are common indicators of colorectal cancer, as stated by the MC Anderson Cancer Center.
- Blood in stool – Initially, when Joe noticed blood in his stool, he thought it was caused by hemorrhoids and ignored it. However, the big turning point came when, months later, he noticed a significant amount of blood after passing gas. This alarming symptom led him to seek medical attention.
Joe’s tests included chemotherapy, surgery to remove cancerous sections of his colon, and procedures to treat lesions on his liver and lungs. Thankfully, his health improved, and in 2023, he received his first clear CT scan. He celebrated a full year of clear scans in April, marking a significant milestone in his recovery.
Looking back, Joe expressed regret, saying that if he had gotten a CT scan in 2019, when he first noticed symptoms, he might not have ended up in such a severe condition. Now, he is an advocate for early detection, emphasizing the importance of taking care of your health and not dismissing warning signs. He humorously added, “Turns out, having a functioning rectum is actually vital for your quality of life.”
Lucky Colors for the 12 Zodiac Signs
Each zodiac sign has specific lucky colors that can enhance positive energy, bring good fortune, and boost confidence. Here are the lucky colors for each sign:
♈ Aries (March 21 – April 19)
🔥 Lucky Colors: Red, Orange, Scarlet
🔺 Why? These bold and fiery colors enhance Aries’ passion, confidence, and leadership.
♉ Taurus (April 20 – May 20)
🌿 Lucky Colors: Green, Pink, Earthy Tones
🔺 Why? Green symbolizes growth and stability, while pink brings harmony and love.
♊ Gemini (May 21 – June 20)
💛 Lucky Colors: Yellow, Light Green, White
🔺 Why? These colors boost Gemini’s communication skills, creativity, and adaptability.
♋ Cancer (June 21 – July 22)
🌊 Lucky Colors: Silver, White, Light Blue
🔺 Why? These soothing colors reflect Cancer’s emotional depth, intuition, and connection to the moon.
♌ Leo (July 23 – August 22)
☀️ Lucky Colors: Gold, Orange, Yellow
🔺 Why? These royal and radiant colors highlight Leo’s charisma, confidence, and strength.
♍ Virgo (August 23 – September 22)
🌾 Lucky Colors: Green, Brown, Beige
🔺 Why? Earthy and natural tones enhance Virgo’s practicality, wisdom, and sense of order.
♎ Libra (September 23 – October 22)
🎀 Lucky Colors: Pink, Blue, Pastel Shades
🔺 Why? These colors promote Libra’s sense of balance, love, and diplomacy.
♏ Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)
🖤 Lucky Colors: Black, Dark Red, Burgundy
🔺 Why? These deep colors represent Scorpio’s mystery, intensity, and transformation.
♐ Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)
💜 Lucky Colors: Purple, Royal Blue, Dark Yellow
🔺 Why? These colors enhance Sagittarius’ adventurous, spiritual, and optimistic nature.
♑ Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)
🖤 Lucky Colors: Black, Gray, Dark Green
🔺 Why? These colors reflect Capricorn’s discipline, ambition, and grounded energy.
♒ Aquarius (January 20 – February 18)
🔵 Lucky Colors: Blue, Electric Blue, Silver
🔺 Why? These colors enhance Aquarius’ innovation, originality, and connection to the future.
♓ Pisces (February 19 – March 20)
🌊 Lucky Colors: Sea Green, Lavender, Aqua
🔺 Why? These dreamy colors boost Pisces’ creativity, intuition, and emotional depth.
Using these lucky colors in clothing, accessories, or surroundings can help attract positive energy and success! 😊