Adrienne’s story

At 45, I was diagnosed with Stage 3 bowel cancer.

For years, I ignored my symptoms because I believed bowel cancer was an ‘old man’s disease.’ After surgery to remove the tumour, I had a temporary ileostomy followed by six months of chemotherapy.

Despite the turbulence of treatment, the ordinary demands of family life didn’t stop.

Christmas celebrations continued, my eldest daughter started school, my youngest went to kinder, and I went to Uni – often in between medical appointments and sometimes with my chemo infusion bottle hidden under my clothes.

And when things became too hard, I leaned on family and friends to help so I could rest.

Nine months later, my ileostomy was reversed. It was only then that I realised my entire rectum had been removed.

While I received excellent support for adjusting to life with a stoma, I had no support after the reversal until I contacted a nutritionist at Bowel Cancer Australia, who was incredibly helpful.

Still, the ongoing reality of poor bowel function – and the constant fear of recurrence – affects every part of my life.

My experience isn’t unique. Increasing numbers of younger Australians are facing the challenges of this serious and stigmatised disease.

My one piece of advice:

Bowel cancer increasingly affects younger people – women and men – so please don’t ignore symptoms (persistent changes in bowel habits, bleeding or unexplained fatigue).

And if you are diagnosed, reach out to Bowel Cancer Australia and join their wonderful Facebook community.

I’m so grateful for the expertise, support and understanding I’ve found there.