Jenny M’s story

My first colonoscopy (due to blood in poo) was in Jan 2022. It didn’t pick up anything unusual.

In April 2023 I started having stomach pains which I didn’t ignore. I had tests in July 2023, but they were clear. Constant pain continued. In May 2024 I experienced excruciating pain during the night for two hours straight. I knew something wasn’t right. In June 2024 I had an Ultrasound, X-ray, CT Scan and bloods taken. In July 2024 I had a gastroscopy and colonoscopy.

At completion I was informed that they couldn’t perform the colonoscopy due to a mass found. They tried a smaller scope but couldn’t get passed it. The doctors next words were, ‘Would you like me to refer you to a surgeon?’ This was the beginning of the rollercoaster ride.

The news shook my family. Our hearts dropped. I experienced the agony of a colonography which provided the surgeon with a 4D scan of the tumour. A sigmoid bowel resection was performed in August 2024. Two out of the 18 lymph nodes removed were cancerous. After another CT, MRI and PET scan, it was discovered that I had another cancer spot in my liver. Back to surgery I went. Stage 4 cancer, not happy.

Chemo started in November 2024. My hands and feet started tingling immediately. I was wobbly on my feet. It was hard to grip things. My calves and fingers were cramping. My jaw was tight. I felt an obstruction in my throat. My nose felt like I was constantly about to sneeze. My eyes weren’t functioning properly, not focusing quickly. I was hugely sensitive to cold air and cold water. It was freaking me out. I’d get a shock when I’d try to yawn or inhale deeply.  I was tingling like fireworks inside. I could only eat or drink warm things.  My lips were numb. My arm that had the cannula inserted was really hurting. I had extreme random hot flushes and overall felt very, very weak. My appetite disappeared and I lost 10kgs quite rapidly.

The physical and mental trauma of chemo took a toll on my life. It took me to a very dark place that I never, ever want to repeat. Unfortunately, it also affected my return to work. When corresponding with my boss of 15 years, and explaining that I was still unwell (at my 4th cycle of infusions), and not ready to return to work, I was hit with, ‘Have you considered resigning?’  Talk about getting kicked when you’re already down.

My last chemo tablet was taken on the 29/4/25 (my birthday).  With the help of my psychologist, my friends and my family, I’m slowly getting back on track.

My one piece of advice:

Act on any unusual symptoms. Immediately.