Cancer Voices SA

“At 42, I was diagnosed with Stage 4 bowel cancer.

Like many younger Australians, bowel cancer wasn’t even on my radar. Looking back, I’d been experiencing abdominal pain for months before my diagnosis. I had also noticed swelling in my abdomen and was concerned that my clothes weren’t fitting me the way they used to. I was also exhausted all the time and often found myself falling asleep in my chair when I would normally have been on the sidelines cheering on my children at sport. At the time, I was a busy mum of three young children and working full time, so bowel cancer never crossed my mind. I thought I was simply gaining weight after turning 40 and feeling tired from my busy life.

By the time I went to see a doctor, the pain was so bad that I thought I might have appendicitis. Instead, I learned that I had a ruptured bowel caused by a bowel tumour, and the swelling in my abdomen turned out to be a large tumour that had spread to my o***y. I was diagnosed with Stage 4 bowel cancer.

Over the past two and a half years, I have undergone multiple major surgeries, more than 30 rounds of chemotherapy and faced several recurrences. Despite every treatment option available to me, my cancer has come back and spread. I am now receiving ongoing chemotherapy to help control the disease.

This journey has been incredibly difficult. Ongoing chemotherapy with no end date is something I still struggle to comprehend. I am incredibly grateful for the love and support I have received from my family and friends, who have supported me since my diagnosis and throughout my treatment.

I hope that by sharing my story, more people will recognise the signs and symptoms of bowel cancer and seek medical advice when something doesn’t feel right.

My hope is that with increased donations and investment in research, a cure for bowel cancer is just around the corner.” ~ Ann-Marie.

+++++

Ann-Marie’s signs and symptoms of bowel cancer included: a lump or swelling in her abdomen and extreme tiredness for no reason.

Not everyone experiences symptoms, particularly in the early stages of bowel cancer. That’s why it’s important to listen to your body and not delay speaking with your GP if you are experiencing any of the described symptoms for two weeks or more.

Know the signs and symptoms of bowel cancer.

Head to the Bowel Cancer Australia website for further details and to join our campaign by sharing your own awareness placard.

June is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month. Please like and share this post with your family, friends and networks to help save lives.

Have you carried out a quick and easy mouth cancer self check at home lately? Here is all you need to know - https://www.mouthcancerfoundation.org/self-examination/