Priscilla’s Story: A Family’s Battle with Bowel Cancer
Priscilla with her brother Matt
“My name is Priscilla, and I am number three of three. 2 older brothers, Matt being the eldest and Jeremy, the middle child. Tragically Jeremy died aged 33 years, so it was then just me and Matt.
This is Matt’s story.
Matthew went on his OE with his partner Sheryl later then most of us did, but they ended up staying and settling down in London. They loved life in London. Matt was training for a marathon and eating very healthy. I recall when we were visiting him, he was certainly eating way healthier than I ever knew him to be!
It was during this time that he noticed he was losing weight, but he attributed this to his training regime. He also noticed some bleeding from his bowel, which he dismissed as haemorrhoids, a common assumption. He had been seen by medical professionals for ongoing anemia, and was prescribed iron tablets. The medical professionals had thought the anemia was due to recent travel to Vietnam and a virus he had picked up.
In 2008, while working as a builder, Matt suffered a heart attack and once he finally got himself to hospital, he was transferred into ICU. It was during this hospital stay that they also discovered a large mass in his bowel—Stage 4 cancer—this on top of his now severely damaged heart.
Days prior to this discovery, the specialists had discussed a possible heart transplant for him, so this revelation completely sideswiped us all. Not only was he battling a damaged heart at just 38 years old, but my parents, back in New Zealand, then received a call from the hospital specialist who shared the devastating news: the cancer had metastasised to his liver. This meant he was no longer a candidate for a heart transplant.
It was in London that genetic testing revealed Matt had Lynch Syndrome, a genetic condition that predisposes individuals to several types of cancer. With his heart condition worsening, my mum flew to be with him and his partner, to help nurse him through bowel surgery. Afterward, they awaited stabilisation before traveling back home to New Zealand.
Matt and his partner, Sheryl, eventually returned home, and we were able to spend time with him. In that precious time, Matt was able to marry Sheryl, surrounded by family and friends. My husband, Glenn, officiated the wedding, and our children were part of the wedding party. It was a beautiful celebration.
Sadly, Matt passed away in July 2010, just three months after their wedding. Glenn had the honour of conducting his funeral with pretty much the same guests who attended the wedding.
Over the time of Matt’s diagnosis, my father was also diagnosed with bowel cancer, though thankfully it was operable. The genetic testing for Lynch Syndrome helped us understand the recurrence of cancer in our family, as my father also tested positive for it.
I can’t help but wonder if medical professionals were more aware back then that even fit young people could get cancer, then Matt’s growing symptoms of bleeding, anaemia and weight loss might have raised flags and maybe the cancer would not have spread as far before it was discovered? Hindsight hey.
I was tested for Lynch Syndrome as well and found not to be a carrier. It was a surreal moment, being told this while Matt was in the room, dying from the same disease. Part of me felt guilty for being “lucky,” but at the same time, we were all deeply grateful for the positive impact it would have on our children’s future and indeed my own.
Priscilla with her mum and dad
Since Matt’s diagnosis and death, my mum, who had been with him and Sheryl through his surgeries and treatments, has dedicated herself to supporting education around bowel cancer. I’ve always felt a pull to do something in line with that cause. I felt now was the time to take that step and contribute to this worthy cause, honouring Matt’s memory and the legacy of our family’s action to educate others about bowel cancer.