Gene D’s story

June is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month but it also marks the 8th year anniversary of my Stage IV diagnosis on 21st June. It’s been a rollercoaster to say the least.

I was 36 and sailing through life with my wonderful husband and three beautiful kids. Cancer was definitely not on the cards!!

In the years that followed I had a bowel resection, two liver resections, 12 cycles of chemo, micro ablation, radiation and CyberKnife.

After completing my chemo, I wanted to make a difference and decided to embark on a nursing degree, I qualified in 2021. It was a true blessing to work as an oncology nurse with people who I could relate with, share my story and give hope to.

I started back on chemo in 2023 and I’ve lost count on how many chemo cycles I’ve had but, I still live each day (well most) with a positive mindset and hope.

My family and close friends have been the biggest and best support I could ever wish for. I am beyond grateful to them. In hindsight, the symptoms were sneakily obvious but when cancer is not on your radar it’s the least thing imaginable. However, the question will always be there -‘what if I got checked sooner’.

My one piece of advice:

However big, small or irrelevant you think your concern may be, get it checked. Prevention is better than cure !!