Kelly’s Story

“This October marks 2 years of being cancer free after being diagnosed with colorectal cancer at the age of 33. My reason for sharing this story is because my heart goes out to the many cases where early onset colorectal cancer was detected too late. Some of these cases the problem wasn’t presenting to the GP but the true battle was getting the GP to refer them for a colonoscopy. However, for me it wasn’t, it was a complex presentation that highlights the importances of both the patient and doctor being vigilant.

Diagnosis was complicated by pregnancy, recovery from a caesarean and life with two full on boys under two. My first sign of my cancer was the overwhelming and relentless tiredness. However, blood tests showed that I was anaemic and I received an iron transfusion, which did not improve the state of fatigue. The symptoms continued to develop with blood appearing in my stool but again, relating this to my cancer was masked by haemorrhoids post pregnancy. It wasn’t until I presented with all my symptoms, including changes in bowel habits and mild abdominal pain, that a stool sample was taken. This showed elevated inflammatory markers and I was referred for a colonoscopy.

Next step was getting the colonoscopy and to be honest I was thinking I would be getting a diagnosis of Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis, how wrong was I??

After the colonoscopy and in the recovery room, when the drugs were wearing off, I realised something was definitely up. I could tell the nurses knew something that they weren’t telling me. And sure enough, as soon as my husband arrived we were escorted to a private room where I was told the horrible news that I had cancer in my sigmoid colon. My first thoughts were of the worst case scenario, what would happen if I was no longer around? My only concern at the time was for my husband and kids who were way too young. I was also counting my blessings that I had had my two children so close in age and my family was complete.

The lead up to surgery felt like a rollercoaster of emotions as we didn’t know the severity of the cancer until I had surgery. My mind was either in denial or I was planning in my head for the worst case scenario. My prevailing thought during this time was that I needed to stay positive though it all for my husband and boys.

Three weeks post diagnosis through the public system I had Hartmann’s procedure where they removed the malignancy and sigmoid colon and formed a colostomy. Thankfully cancer was not detected in any of the 16 lymph nodes removed and I was given a 90% chance that I was cancer free.

I was also diagnosed with serrated polyposis, a syndrome that makes you more likely to get bowel cancer. Since then I have had proctocolectomy surgery to remove the remainder of my colon and rectum with the formation of a permanent ileostomy.

2 years down the track and my life is back to normal even with an ileostomy and I feel like I am one of the lucky ones. At the time I felt angry with my body for failing me but I have since been able to appreciate how well it bounced back despite everything. My last test to prove to myself that I could do everything I could do prior to cancer was to run a half marathon. I succeeded in doing the Hawkes Bay half this year – living proof you don’t need a colon to run a half marathon!

I will forever be grateful for the care I have received throughout my journey, they really are life savers.

Below is a photo of my son Jack and I after proctocolectomy surgery ”