She Was Diagnosed With Colon Cancer After A Doctor Wrote Her Off As Being Fat, And She Credits TikTok With Saving Her Life
Fatphobia is real and can be fatal.
Many plus-size people have shared how they are treated differently– in academic settings, during social outings, and even just while out in public– due to their size.
But, back in February of 2021, one woman named Amanda shared her utter frustration after a doctor’s appointment went wrong on TikTok.
She had visited a gastrointestinal doctor complaining of pain every time she ate. Amanda was also experiencing recurring and severe abdominal cramping for months. Her doctor, though, wrote off her concerns.
“Maybe it’s not such a bad thing,” the doctor said in regards to her eating habits.
This initial tear-filled TikTok went viral, reaching nearly six hundred thousand people and gaining over one hundred thousand likes. People from across the nation encouraged Amanda to report the doctor and seek out a new medical office.
Amanda thankfully did report him to the medical board. However, her pain ended up being nowhere near “nothing.”
One year later, Amanda has posted an update on her condition.
TikTok; pictured above is Amanda
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“I took that video a year ago today and, in a month from now, it will be the anniversary of when they found my cancer,” Amanda said.
“It still baffles me that a doctor ignored all of my textbook colon cancer symptoms just to put fat, ignorant, and lazy medicine on me instead.”
Amanda also shared how, after recording the initial video, she marched back into the doctor’s office and demanded an apology.
Amanda did not know she had cancer at that time but still stood up for herself– because regardless of anyone’s size, it is a doctor’s duty to follow up on any and all possible diagnoses.
“I do not know who that girl is who did that, but she is a bad***. And she is going to talk about this every day of her life. I hope that one day, somebody will actually listen,” Amanda said.
This TikTok skyrocketed to virality and, again, sparked rightful outrage toward her unethical doctor. Over forty-four thousand people liked Amanda’s video, and her comment section filled up with over six hundred supportive comments.
“Fatphobia is dangerous. We should not have to be warriors, but I am so proud of you for being one,” one user commented.
“Bad doctors are an epidemic! I am so sorry that happened to you,” wrote a second user.
“I am listening. I am currently a medical student, and I hear your story. Thank you so much for sharing,” added a third.
Amanda’s story is also proof of how impactful the TikTok community can be. She believes that the herd of supporters who emerged after the initial video saved her life.
“I remember when this video went viral, I had no idea that TikTok would save my life,” Amanda said in a third video.
“I posted that video after feeling the lowest and most lonely I have ever felt, and hundreds of thousands of people came to me with symptoms and diagnoses in an attempt to help me,” she continued.
Amanda described how the relentless encouragement from her followers led her to seek out a new doctor and ultimately find out about her cancer diagnosis.
“I genuinely do not know if my cancer would have been stage four if I did not listen. Now, I get to live. So thank you, everybody,” she finished the video while fighting off happy tears.
Amanda’s video is proof of how the medical system is damaged. Symptom assessment and treatment based on appearance alone can be deadly. There needs to be a significant change.
In the meantime, her story also shows how important it is to trust your gut. If something truly feels wrong, seek a second opinion– or even a third, if needed. Unfortunately, sometimes only you can be the largest advocate for your health, even when seeking medical care.
To learn more about Amanda’s journey to her diagnosis and stay updated on her treatment, you can visit her TikTok account here.
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