Shannon W., Choriocarcinoma
Symptoms:Molar pregnancy, vaginal bleeding, overall feeling of unwell, cramping, weight loss, elevated HCG level, feeling bloatedTreatments:Chemotherapy, surgeries (D&C, total hysterectomy)
When Shannon found out that she was pregnant, it was supposed to be a joyful chapter in her life. But within weeks, things began to feel off. Spotting led to a heartbreaking miscarriage and a D&C (dilation and curettage procedure) followed. Her doctor mentioned a possible molar pregnancy, but pathology came back negative so she was told to try again. Only, she never really felt better. It would be months before she was told she had a choriocarcinoma.
Interviewed by: Nikki MurphyEdited by: Katrina Villareal
Even as her symptoms — persistent bleeding, clotting, stomach discomfort — continued to raise red flags, Shannon was repeatedly reassured it was “normal” following aD&C. Deep down, though, she felt something just wasn’t right and things weren’t improving. Months later, she visited a walk-in clinic where a concerned provider decided to look deeper. Another ultrasound led to a second D&C, and this time, pathology confirmed amolar pregnancy. From there, things escalated: she was referred to an oncologist, where she finally heard the wordchoriocarcinoma(a rare cancer most often occurring in the uterus).
Choriocarcinoma is a rare and aggressive cancer that can arise from placental tissue. Shannon was diagnosed withgestational trophoblastic neoplasia, which later turned into choriocarcinoma. After a series of scans, the cancer was found to be contained in her uterus. WeeklyHCG blood teststracked her progress. At first, the numbers dropped, but when they started to climb again, chemotherapy became inevitable.
She opted for the aggressive five-drug regimen, which required hospitalization. The toll was significant, especially emotionally.Losing her hairwas devastating. Life outside of her diagnosis stood still. Shannon described feeling like the world kept spinning without her, while she was stuck trying to reclaim a version of herself she wasn’t sure existed anymore.
Eventually, remission brought relief, but four years later, her symptoms returned. A bloated stomach and a heavy gut feeling turned out to be a second encounter with choriocarcinoma — this time bigger, stronger, and more emotionally draining. Shannon underwent afull hysterectomyand another round of brutal chemo. She preserved her ovaries, which helped her hormonally, but the decision not to have children had long since been made due to the risks.
Throughout it all, Shannon leaned on happy distractions — laughter, humor, connection — and clung to her ability to find light in dark places. She speaks openly aboutlosing parts of her identity, especially her mental state, but is also reclaiming herself piece by piece. Most of all, she urges others toadvocate for themselves. If your gut says something is wrong, listen to it. Push for answers. You deserve to be heard, supported, and believed.
Watch Shannon’s full video to find out more about her story:
This interview has been edited for clarity and length. This is not medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider to make informed treatment decisions.
The views and opinions expressed in this interview do not necessarily reflect those of The Patient Story.
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Originally published on The Patient Story: https://thepatientstory.com/patient-stories/uterine/gestational-trophoblastic-neoplasia/choriocarcinoma/shannon-w/
