MrBallen’s Medical Mysteries: Episode 82 - "Running on Empty"
Host: MrBallen
Produced by: Wondery | Ballen Studios
Release Date: April 29, 2025
Introduction
In Episode 82 of MrBallen’s Medical Mysteries, titled "Running on Empty," host MrBallen delves into the perplexing and harrowing medical journey of Sarah Weber, a 39-year-old mother whose unexplained symptoms gradually unraveled into a life-threatening diagnosis. This episode masterfully navigates through the complexities of misdiagnosis, the emotional toll on a family, and the breakthrough that ultimately leads to Sarah's recovery.
Sarah's Initial Symptoms and Daily Struggles
The story begins in early 2014 when Sarah Weber returns home from a demanding day at the sports supply company she co-founded with her husband, Paul. Despite their passion for running, Sarah's life felt overwhelmingly chaotic, juggling her business responsibilities and raising three young children.
Quote:
"Sarah had never felt this weak after a day's work. She was only 39 years old, but her body felt like lead and her brain felt foggy."
(Timestamp: 03:15)
Sarah's persistent fatigue, muscle strain, and a creeping sense of gloominess marked the onset of her mysterious ailment. These symptoms persisted for weeks, prompting her and Paul to seek medical help beyond mere fatigue.
First Medical Consultation: Anemia Diagnosis
Concerned about her deteriorating health, Sarah scheduled a doctor's appointment. During the visit, she detailed her high energy lifestyle, lack of substance abuse, and recent exhaustion. The doctor attributed her symptoms to anemia, noting that her blood test showed slightly low red blood cells, common among young women.
Quote:
"Running a business while raising three kids was enough to wear anybody out."
(Timestamp: 06:40)
She was prescribed iron supplements, offering hope for improved energy levels. However, after two months, Sarah's symptoms not only persisted but worsened, introducing new challenges like anxiety and a strange feeling in her abdomen.
Worsening Symptoms and Misdiagnoses
Despite adhering to the prescribed iron supplements and incorporating exercise and yoga into her routine, Sarah's condition did not improve. She experienced significant weight loss, chronic exhaustion, and frequent coughing fits that eventually led to coughing up blood.
Quote:
"She was as tired as ever, and her symptoms that were both physical and mental were only getting more intense."
(Timestamp: 14:50)
Paul, witnessing his wife's declining health, consulted a doctor friend who suggested a possible hormonal issue, specifically a thyroid disorder. An endocrinologist ruled out hormone imbalances, recommending stress reduction and a vacation—advice that Sarah found both absurd and ineffective.
A Critical Moment: The Life-Threatening Cough
In early July 2014, after following alternative medical advice with no improvement, Sarah experienced a severe coughing fit that expelled a significant amount of blood. This alarming event underscored the urgency of her situation, compelling her to return to her primary physician.
Quote:
"Sarah’s overwhelming sense of dread immediately returned. Something was wrong with her, and there was no way it was just stress."
(Timestamp: 20:10)
Her husband Paul acted swiftly, taking her to the hospital where further examinations were conducted.
Specialist Consultation and Accurate Diagnosis
At the hospital, pulmonologist Dr. Corbin Moss reviewed Sarah's case. Initial diagnoses pointed towards pneumonia, but recurring symptoms and recent episodes of coughing up blood necessitated a more in-depth investigation. Dr. Moss recommended a bronchoscopy, a procedure to inspect Sarah’s airways and collect tissue samples.
Quote:
"Sarah’s results were definitive. She had lung cancer."
(Timestamp: 23:05)
The diagnosis was a devastating blow: non-small cell adenocarcinoma, a common type of lung cancer, especially rare among non-smokers.
Treatment and Breakthrough
Despite the grim diagnosis, Sarah was fortunate to have a ROS1 mutation, a rare genetic flaw present in only about 1-2% of lung cancer cases. This mutation made her cancer more responsive to targeted therapies.
Quote:
"ROS1 positive cancers are much more treatable than other forms of lung cancer."
(Timestamp: 28:40)
Sarah began targeted therapy, receiving drugs designed to block the abnormal signals from the ROS1 mutation. This precision medicine approach significantly slowed the progression of her cancer.
Recovery and New Beginnings
Remarkably, Sarah achieved remission and has been cancer-free for over three years. She returned to her entrepreneurial endeavors, resumed her active lifestyle, and embraced meditation. Additionally, Sarah now dedicates her time to supporting other cancer patients and survivors through courses that promote peace and strength during their battles.
Quote:
"Even when things get dark, they are never alone."
(Timestamp: 34:10)
Sarah's journey from despair to recovery highlights the importance of persistence in seeking accurate diagnoses and the potential of targeted therapies in modern medicine.
Conclusion
"Running on Empty" encapsulates a poignant tale of resilience and the relentless pursuit of answers in the face of medical uncertainty. Sarah Weber's story serves as a testament to the advancements in cancer treatment and the critical role of specialized medical expertise in saving lives.
Note: The details in this episode are inspired by true events, with some elements fictionalized for dramatic effect. The content is intended for informational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Episode Credits:
Written by Aaron Lan, Edited by Heather Dundas
Sound Design by Matthew Cielelli
Senior Managing Producer: Callum Plews
Coordinating Producer: Sarah Mathis
Senior Producer: Alex Benedon
Associate Producers: Sarah Vitak and Teja Palakonda
Fact-Checking by Sheila Patterson
Head of Production: Zach Levitt
Script Editing by Scott Allen and Evan Allen
Coordinating Producer: Samantha Collins
Production Support: Avery Siegel
Executive Producers: MrBallen and Nick Witters
Head of Sound for Wondery: Marcelino Villapando
Senior Producers for Wondery: Laura, Donna Palavotta, and Dave Schilling
Senior Managing Producer for Wondery: Ryan Lohr
Executive Producers for Wondery: Aaron O'Flaherty and Marshall Louie
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