How Elizabeth Wachsberg Survived Stage 4 Cancer
What would you do if your symptoms kept getting brushed off — only to find out it was Stage 4 colon cancer? In this episode of the YMyHealth Podcast recorded LIVE at Fight CRC's 2026 Call on Congress in Washington, DC, co-host Julie Woon, talks with Elizabeth Wachsberg, who shares her story of being diagnosed with colon cancer at 38 after years of misdiagnoses and unanswered questions. Now a Stage 4 colon cancer survivor, she’s shares her journey from misdiagnosis to survivorship and becoming a fierce advocate form early detection.
During our discussion, Elizabeth highlights the red flags she wishes people talked about sooner, why younger adults can’t afford to ignore colorectal cancer, and how self-advocacy at doctor's appointments can truly save your life. It’s an honest, eye-opening conversation that could change the way you think about your health and how to navigate it.
🎧Tune in now to learn how to 'trust your gut' and a new way to self-advocate for a colonoscopy!
Highlights:
(00:00) Introduction to Elizabeth Wachsberg's Story
(01:04) Life Before Diagnosis: Symptoms and Misdiagnoses
(03:53) Multiple Doctors and Missed Opportunities
(07:07) The Moment of Diagnosis: Tumor in the Colon
(09:32) Emotional Impact and Family Support
(14:40) Understanding Stage 4 Colon Cancer and Treatment Options
(16:31) Hope and the Possibility of Cure
(20:04) The Role of Cultural Messaging and Young Adults
(22:20) Identity and Survivorship Post-Diagnosis
(26:49) Advocating for Yourself in Medical Settings
(28:23) Signs and Symptoms to Watch For
(29:54) Trusting Your Gut and Taking Action
(32:51) Healthy Lifestyle Choices and Myths about Diet and Cancer
(35:01) The Impact of Online Misinformation and Personal Decisions
(36:26) The Importance of Medical Science and Treatment
(39:57) Reflections on Survivorship and Hope
(43:04) Allowing Yourself to Have Bad Days
(44:03) Looking Forward: The Future of Cancer Treatment and Advocacy
(47:02) What Gives Elizabeth Hope Today
(47:51) Closing Remarks and Resources
Links:
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Learn more about this episode's guest, Elizabeth Wachsberg here:
*Follow her on Instagram @elizabethwachsberg and on Tiktok @elizabethstage4story
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Learn about YMyHealth's Podcast Co-Host and Content Marketing Strategist, Julie Woon, here:
https://www.ymyhealth.com/team/julie-woon
Thanks again to our sponsor, Dr. Sarah Diekman, Director of Diekman Dysautonomia! If you’d like to learn more about our sponsor and her practice that provides care to patients with POTS and Long COVID, go to https://dysautonomiaexpert.com