In 2006 I was 26 and given two choices: either don't have the operation and die in a month from late-stage cancer; or have my large intestine removed and there will be complications down the track.

I had over 200 polyps in my large intestine and bowel cancer, so it needed to come out. I'm lucky, I did not need a bag.

In September 2015 I had two cardiac arrests, two strokes, a AAA aortic dissection and repair.

Not sure if the possible symptoms I experienced in the two years prior were due to the cancer. I was 24 at the time and no doctor believed me, saying it was all in my head.

28/2/22 marks 17 years bowel cancer free. I have CT scans to check but I'm alive.