She was just 20 years old, full of dreams, and deeply immersed in her psychology studies. There was nothing to suggest that a few seemingly harmless symptoms would soon turn her life upside down. Unusual fatigue, a bit of blood in her stool—who would worry about that at such a young age? And yet.
This is the story of Dominique McShain, a young woman whose journey reminds us how important it is to truly listen to our bodies, even when everything seems fine.
Symptoms Easy to Overlook… But With Serious Consequences
At the start of her final year of university in New Zealand, Dominique began to feel a kind of exhaustion that went beyond typical tiredness. Despite sleeping through the night, she found herself needing long naps during the day. At the same time, her bowel movements became irregular, alternating between constipation and diarrhea, often with blood.
Like many people, Dominique hesitated to see a doctor. She was afraid she wouldn’t be taken seriously—“too young for that,” she thought. It was only after several weeks that she finally underwent medical tests. That’s when everything changed.
The Diagnosis: Terminal Colorectal Cancer
Blood tests revealed liver abnormalities. An ultrasound showed several large nodules. A biopsy confirmed the worst: Dominique had advanced-stage colorectal cancer. The doctors were clear—there was no cure.
The news was devastating. At just 21 years old, she was told she had between one and five years to live. Dominique made a bold decision: she left university and set out to travel the world, determined to live every moment to the fullest.
A Mission to Raise Awareness
Instead of withdrawing from the world, Dominique chose to speak out. On TikTok, she posted a video describing the early symptoms of her illness. It went viral, reaching over 5.5 million views in just a few days.
Through her posts, she wasn’t looking for pity—she wanted to make a difference. She wanted people to understand that even young adults are not immune. Her message was simple but powerful: “Listen to your body. Don’t wait.”
A Moving Final Chapter, A Life Filled With Love
Sadly, despite undergoing several months of chemotherapy, Dominique’s cancer continued to spread rapidly—first to her liver, then to her lungs. Treatment was eventually stopped. She entered palliative care and recently announced on Instagram that doctors had given her only a few days left to live.
In her final message, she expressed deep gratitude for her family, her friends, and her husband Sean, whom she lovingly called her “rock.” Their wedding, held during this challenging time, was, in her words, “the most special day of all time.”
@dominiquemcshain Hi! Ive finally filmed the story time/ symptoms of my stage 4 incurable colorectal cancer… i really hope it makes sense! My brain genuinely jumps topics so quick! I plan ti start posting a bit more also! ❤️ #colorectalcancer #youngcancerfighter #colorectalcancersymptoms #colorectalcancerstorytime #fightingtilltheend #incurablecancer #stagefourcancer
What Dominique’s Story Teaches Us
Dominique McShain leaves behind a powerful legacy: one of awareness, self-compassion, and the courage to truly live, even in the face of adversity. Her story is a stark reminder that colorectal cancer—though often associated with older adults—can also affect young people. In France, for example, cases among those under 50 are steadily rising.
While prevention remains the most effective way to fight this disease, Dominique urges us not to ignore symptoms like persistent fatigue, abdominal pain, or changes in bowel habits.
In Summary
Dominique’s story, though heartbreaking, is ultimately a call to awareness. A reminder that our health deserves our attention, our care, and our respect. And that each day—no matter how few—can be lived with strength, love, and dignity.
