Unfortunately, in October last year (2023), I was diagnosed with bowel cancer. I was 40 years old when I was diagnosed, and wanted to share my story so younger people like me are aware, this is no longer an old person’s cancer.

In January I started to feel fatigued. I went to my local GP and was given iron tablets. He put it down to being a female and having a baby two years prior.

In May my neighbour called an ambulance because I was having rapid heart pupations after a painful bowel movement. The hospital ran tests, said I was fine, and sent me on my way.

In June, July, August and September I was not fine. Losing more weight, feeling more fatigued, pains and rapid heart palpitations after bowel movements.

I went to my local GP for so many tests, every couple of weeks during these months. I wore a heart monitor and had scans of my stomach and was referred to my gynaecologist. All tests were clear. I kept telling him it’s my stomach!

So I decided to take it upon myself and rang around to find a gut specialist. So many were booked out for months, until I found one. So, I called a different doctor and did not take NO for an answer, and got a referral to see the specialist.

I told the specialist my symptoms. He then rushed to book me in for a colonoscopy.

I woke to be told a large mass of 4cm was found and removed in my bowel. He tattood the area while we await the results to see if it is cancer.

He said he will call me on Thursday with the results.

Monday came, and he was ringing already. He told me those words you never want to hear. That I have cancer!

Results came in that it was ‘poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma’, which is considered high grade because it usually spreads faster.

The next couple of days were such a rush with a PET scan to see how far it has spread. Then blood tests to find out the staging. I was a mess, all I could think about was my boys who are six and two. How their lives would be ruined without there Mum.

Waiting the next results of the tests where unbearable.

Although thank the lord and loads of prays, it hadn’t spread to my liver. Because of the high grade cancer, it may be in my lymph nodes on its way to my liver.

The specialist referred me to a surgeon, I was booked in for a urgent meeting to discuss the surgery. And the possibility of Chemotherapy if the cancer was in my lymph nodes.

Days before the surgery I was a mess.

I had a right hemicolectomy, the right side of the my colon was removed, lymph nodes and my appendix. My small bowel was moved and stapled to the rest of the bowel that was left.

After this four-hour surgery, I spent the first few days worrying and praying about the results of my lymph nodes. God was listening, they were all clear!

After three days in hospital my heart started rapid heartbeats again. I was rushed for tests to check that I didn’t have a blood clot. It was clear, so I was now under a cardiologist as well as the surgeon.

After spending 8 days in hospital I was finally clear to go home.

Two weeks later I was in a ambulance, I’m now on heart tablets. Even though my heart is fine, my body is not. As I’m so underweight and run down. It’s not coping.

Now I have a slow recovery ahead of me, followed by some more tests to make sure the cancer markers are clear. Then constant reviews with the cardiologist.

I’m so lucky to be here. Please listen to yourself, not a GP, you know your body

I am now on week 11 and it’s a lot harder than I thought. Because my body is so weak from this going on for too long. Recovery is slow, but I have faith and I’m grateful for everyone around me. 🙏❤️

My one piece of advice for others

Listen to your body, advocate for yourself!