There were no real warning signs other than a sharp, continuous pain across my tummy one morning. I remember my mum had to drag me to the emergency department as she insisted it was appendicitis including the ER nurses. However, what was to come would have never been in my wildest dreams.
Following the discovery of a 11cm mass on my right ovary and within 24 hours I was in surgery. The oncologist shared that given my age and zero family history, these things can easily be a normal non-malignant cyst. Upon surgery, then and there it was confirmed it was cancer, my heart skipped a few beats. It was then confirmed that the doctors didn’t believe it was the primary source. Two weeks later, I was booked in for a colonoscopy and endoscopy. By midday the same day, I was advised they had located a tumour in my large bowel and I was to be rolled into surgery later that evening for a hysterectomy and right hemicolectomy where 60% of my bowel was removed. I was diagnosed with Stage 4 bowel cancer at 39.
In early January, I went in for my first PET scan. I thought after two large surgeries I might get a break. Unfortunately, not. The PET scan revealed the cancer had further spread to various parts in my bones. Not long after I started experiencing excruciating pain in my left sacrum and right scapular regions due to the cancer.
Given the cancer had metastasised so quickly my oncologist was keen to start treatment sooner than later. So, within a week I started the first of the 12 cycles of Folfox 6. Given the pain I had, my oncologist also recommended radiotherapy for my non-chemo week to smash out five sessions of radiotherapy. I have now just completed my fourth cycle of chemo.
I’ll admit the last three months have been a whirlwind, but I have been truly blessed and grateful to have such an army of supporters around me. From my personal coach (aka my husband and rock), family and friends near and far, to my kids' school community, my workplace and the awesome team of doctors and nurses. It has been quite a humbling experience to receive such love and support. This journey has taught me a lot about compassion and care. Special shoutout to the medical team who didn’t need to get the stars aligned for me to get emergency surgery, but they did.
Prior to my diagnosis, I had no other obvious signs or symptoms and I had no history of bowel cancer in the family. So, the last thing which crossed my mind was that I could have cancer. For me I want people to know:
* Bowel cancer does not discriminate. Any preconceptions people may have had about bowel cancer my story definitely quashes them all.
* And finally let’s start talking about our poos! You never know it could be the conversation which could save your life.