Mom Thought Stage 4 Colorectal Cancer Was a 'Death Sentence.' A New Treatment Saved Her Life

Helen Demestihas was diagnosed with advanced colorectal cancer that had spread to her liver, but a new chemotherapy treatment helped put her in remission.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 4:38pm

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An ethereal, ghostly X-ray image revealing the delicate internal structures of the human colon and liver, with faint glowing outlines of cancerous growths, conveying the medical complexity and fragility of the subject's condition.A new chemotherapy treatment helped a woman with stage 4 colorectal cancer that had spread to her liver beat the odds and achieve remission.Today in Nashville

Helen Demestihas, a 51-year-old woman from Nashville, Tennessee, was diagnosed with stage 4 colorectal cancer in 2024 that had spread to her liver. Despite the grim prognosis, a new treatment called hepatic artery infusion (HAI) chemotherapy helped shrink her tumors and allowed her to undergo successful surgery to remove the remaining cancer. Demestihas is now in remission and sharing her story to encourage others to get screened for colorectal cancer, even at a young age.

Why it matters

Colorectal cancer is on the rise among younger adults, with the disease now the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Americans under 50. Demestihas' case highlights the importance of early screening and the advancements in treatment options, even for late-stage colorectal cancer. Her story provides hope that stage 4 diagnoses are not necessarily a death sentence.

The details

Demestihas first experienced symptoms like chills, fever, and bowel issues in May 2024, but initially thought it was a urinary tract infection or perimenopause. By July, a doctor discovered a mass in her pelvic area, and further testing revealed stage 4 colorectal cancer that had spread to her liver. With 12 tumors covering both lobes of her liver, Demestihas was told her liver was inoperable. She began aggressive chemotherapy, but her doctors then recommended a new treatment called HAI chemotherapy, which involves surgically implanting a pump that delivers high-dose chemo directly to the liver. After 5 months on HAI therapy, Demestihas' tumors had shrunk enough for doctors to perform a successful liver resection surgery. She then underwent additional surgeries to remove the primary tumor in her colon and rectum, as well as tumors in her ovaries.

  • In early May 2024, Demestihas experienced initial symptoms like chills, fever, and pelvic pain.
  • By the end of May 2024, Demestihas began having bowel movement issues and thin stools.
  • In July 2024, Demestihas went in for her annual gynecological visit, where a mass was discovered in her pelvic area.
  • In September 2024, Demestihas began aggressive chemotherapy treatment at the Sarah Cannon Cancer Center in Nashville.
  • In April 2025, Demestihas became the first patient at TriStar Centennial to receive the HAI chemotherapy pump.

The players

Helen Demestihas

A 51-year-old woman from Nashville, Tennessee who was diagnosed with stage 4 colorectal cancer that had spread to her liver in 2024.

Dr. Amber Pelster

Demestihas' oncologist at the Sarah Cannon Cancer Center in Nashville who recommended the HAI chemotherapy treatment.

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What they’re saying

“I don't think any cancer patient ever forgets that moment receiving the phone call that you have cancer.”

— Helen Demestihas

“We knew we wanted to be aggressive to try to give her the best chance of being disease-free.”

— Dr. Amber Pelster, Oncologist

“If it wasn't for people talking about their diagnoses and the advancements that have been developed like HAI, I would not be sitting here today.”

— Helen Demestihas

What’s next

Demestihas continues to monitor her health and remain in remission, while advocating for increased colorectal cancer awareness and screening, especially among younger adults.

The takeaway

Demestihas' story demonstrates that a stage 4 colorectal cancer diagnosis is not necessarily a death sentence, and that new treatments like HAI chemotherapy can provide hope and successful outcomes, even for advanced cases. Her experience underscores the importance of regular cancer screenings and not delaying them out of fear.