Rachael R’s story

My name is Rachael and I am a wife. mother, daughter, sister, niece, cousin, granddaughter, friend and colleague. I am 37 and have recently been diagnosed with Stage 4 rectal cancer with the BRAF mutation. I had such minimal symptoms. After my little daughter playfully jumped on my tummy one night, I experienced two weeks of feeling like I had an upset tummy. I saw my GP who took some bloods. A week later, at my follow up appointment, my bloods were normal but my tummy was still upset. I was going to the bathroom 3-4 times a day but not ever feeling complete. I also noticed my stools were thinner. I am forever grateful that my GP referred me for a colonoscopy at that point. I have read so many devastating stories of delayed care due to misdiagnosis.

Sadly when I woke from my colonoscopy three weeks later it was to the news that I had 20 polyps removed and a large cancerous mass. I was alone when I was told. My husband was still driving to pick me up. Alone, being told you have cancer…. I can’t explain the fear that ripped through me. I was discharged after a MRI/CT but no results. I went home to my four little children with no support from the hospital and no idea what steps were next. It was a Friday, so I had no GP available to help with my panic attacks, inability to sleep, and the sheer weight of the news. I am forever grateful I work as a nurse and a lovely doctor friend provided me with so much support and some much-needed medication.

Somehow we managed through the weekend until Tuesday when I met with the surgeon. My scans were inconclusive, so I underwent a PET scan where Stage 4 cancer was confirmed. Within a week I had a Portacath inserted and started chemotherapy.

I am eight cycles into chemotherapy and every day my heart breaks a thousand times at the thought of my children growing up without a mum.

I am so lucky that I have the most beautiful and amazing family who have cocooned us in love and support. My friends and work colleagues have also risen around us and spun a web of love, care and support. I can’t imagine this journey without the people who have surrounded us and held us during this time.

I had no symptoms until it was too late. You are never too young for bowel cancer.

My one piece of advice for others:

Take all the love and support you can. Everyone wants to help – let them.