Patient Voices: Aline Kidd
Patient Voices: Aline Kidd
Overview
With no family history of cancer and a healthy, active lifestyle, having cancer was never something Aline Kidd imagined. A mother of two and an active church member, she spent most of her days working out, eating healthily, and spending time with family.
But while on vacation in 2021, Aline noticed blood in her stool. She had experienced hemorrhoids before, but this time felt different. “It was different because of how the blood was intertwined within my stool,” she recalled. It was also bright red.
After returning home, she booked an appointment with her primary care provider, who referred her to a gastrointestinal specialist. “He did a colonoscopy, removed some tissue, and of course, I came back positive,” said Aline. “I was only 41 when I got diagnosed with colon cancer.”
Colon Cancer Survivor
About colon cancer
Colon cancer, commonly referred to as colorectal cancer, occurs when small, noncancerous growths called polyps grow on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. These polyps may turn malignant (cancerous), invade the colon wall, and spread.
Aline was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer, the most advanced stage of this disease. Though not curable, stage IV colon cancer can be treated to prolong life, manage associated symptoms, and improve a patient’s quality of life.
Navigating insurance challenges
Historically, colon cancer is diagnosed in individuals over 50. Health insurers usually only cover colonoscopies for high-risk people under 45 when recommended by medical guidelines, making it difficult for people like Aline — who have no family or personal history of cancer — to access and get coverage for colorectal cancer screening.
Unfortunately, insurance policies do not reflect current trends. Colon cancer is becoming more common among younger adults. According to the Cancer Research Institute, 1 in 5 colorectal cancer diagnoses now occur in individuals under 55.
Aline’s journey to Texas Oncology
Aline first had colon cancer surgery in September 2021. After surgery, tests showed no remaining disease, and her first oncologist told her everything looked fine during each follow‑up.
About a year later, she began experiencing persistent bloating and pain — symptoms similar to those before her initial diagnosis. She repeatedly told her oncologist that something felt wrong, but he dismissed the possibility of recurrence because of her age and suggested it might be related to her ovary.
Eventually, repeat testing showed that the cancer had returned — this time inside her right ovary. At first, her doctor suspected ovarian cancer, but additional testing confirmed it was a recurrence of her colon cancer that had spread to her ovary.
Due to communication challenges and feeling dismissed, Aline parted ways with her first oncologist. She considered another provider, but the practice was too far from home.
Seven to nine months later, Aline’s bloating returned. “Now it was worse. I felt like I was six months pregnant forever, because my stomach was just so inflamed,” she shared. “I could not eat much. I couldn’t even drink because I would feel full.”
At a standstill, Aline joined a colon cancer Facebook group and saw a post praising Texas Oncology. Curious, she reached out. After hearing about positive experiences — and realizing that Texas Oncology-North Cypress was only 12 minutes from home — she called immediately and secured an appointment within two to three days.
Care close to home meant that Aline could drive herself to appointments while her husband worked. “That was truly a blessing,” she shared.
Colon cancer care at Texas Oncology-North Cypress
Aline was scheduled to see Nikesh Jasani, M.D., a board-certified medical oncologist. After evaluating her, Dr. Jasani recommended chemotherapy. Aline hesitated, worried about losing her hair, maintaining her workouts, and most importantly, caring for her children.
With compassion, Dr. Jasani walked her through the benefits and potential side effects of chemotherapy, as well as how the integrated care team helps patients manage symptoms.
“I have such a great group of doctors at Texas Oncology, and they’re just so awesome,” said Aline. “Dr. Jasani is considerate. He’s so smart. He actually listened to me individually, and he saw me as a person. I love how he explains everything. He is up to date with research, and he’s always learning — a student at heart. I never felt rushed no matter how busy the clinic looked.” Aline experienced multidisciplinary care at Texas Oncology, receiving consultations from colon and rectal surgeon Dr. Victor Barnica and had her hysterectomy performed by Dr. Silvana Nobre.
Aline agreed to proceed with chemotherapy and began treatment after her port was placed. She didn’t see much of a difference after her first two infusions, but by her fourth treatment, results became noticeable.
Originally the size of a football, Aline’s tumor had shrunk, making her eligible for surgery.
Though chemo was tough on Aline, she remained strong for her kids. Her first husband had passed away shortly after her diagnosis, but she held onto a conversation they shared. “Remembering what he told me, I had to fight stronger. I didn’t allow my mind to consume me because I had to be there for the kids.”
The power of clinical trials
After multiple rounds of chemotherapy, Aline underwent a complete hysterectomy, a surgical procedure that removes the entire uterus, and follow-up “cleanup” chemotherapy. However, her colonoscopy showed thickening in her colon.
Not wanting to undergo another surgery, Aline chose radiation. But radiation wasn’t having the result she hoped for. “I’ll be okay for a few months, and then I go back — it keeps coming back,” she explained. “I was getting to the point where my body needed to recover because my lymphocytes were dangerously low. My white blood cells were low, and my body needed to take a break.”
That’s when Dr. Jasani informed her about a clinical trial based out of Los Angeles. “Before Dr. Jasani, there’s no way I would have even known about it. Dr. Jasani, he’s trustworthy. So, when he said, look into it, I sure did. I did my research, looked it up, and applied,” Aline explained.
She enrolled, and out of 350,000 people, Aline was the seventh participant selected to receive immune-boosting injections designed to help her cells fight cancer and strengthen her immune system.
The trial made a noticeable difference for her. “I really feel energized. I don’t feel drained or too tired like I’m used to after chemo and radiation,” she shared. Because chemotherapy and radiation damage can’t distinguish between cancer cells and healthy ones, some patients may experience side effects, such as tiredness and fatigue.
Colon Cancer Survivor
Raising awareness of clinical trials
Following her success, Aline was invited to New York for a special airing of Dr. Chris Como’s Why Can’t We Cure Cancer, attended by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “I’m going to go and talk as a patient about how my experience has been and why it has to get approved,” she said.
Deeply humbled by her journey, Aline hopes clinical trials can offer new options for patients facing recurrence. “I just want to advocate for the people and give God the glory. My faith, Dr. Jasani, and his team are what kept me alive,” shared Aline.
The information included in this testimonial is based on one patient’s unique experience and is not intended to represent all patient outcomes or expectations.