Yolandi’s story

In August 2023 I started having abdominal pain, which I originally thought was a type of gastro bug, but after a week of intermittent pain, I went to my GP and she ordered bloods and a faecal test.

The only bloods that were outside of normal parameters were my thyroid function and low iron levels. I have an autoimmune thyroid condition, and my iron has been low on and off for a few years since having my children. I did not experience any changes in my bowel habits and I never had any blood in my stool.

My GP suggested trialling some dietary changes and I found that when I ate a lot of gluten containing food, it would trigger my stomach aches.

In October 2023, I went on an overseas holiday and became unwell with what I thought was food poisoning. I went to see a doctor and he advised that I have IBS. Two days later I presented to an emergency department and after investigations, it was determined that I had a full bowel obstruction in my colon.

Once the surgeon confirmed that it was a tumour, I had a hemicolectomy and an ileostomy, and I was medically cleared to travel back home to Australia.

I had a PET scan and my diagnosis of Stage 3 b bowel cancer was confirmed. I started chemotherapy in December 2023 and completed treatment at the end of May 2024.

I am still under surveillance but my last scan in January was clear. I am having three monthly blood tests, six monthly CT scans and colonoscopies.

My one piece of advice:

Advocate for yourself and insist on colonoscopies – in the end it is much more pleasant than surgery and treatment. Don’t dismiss symptoms.