Raylene H’s story

One morning I passed out in the shower. I just thought the water was too hot, and I woke up to my then partner tapping me on the face trying to bring me to. A doctor’s appointment led to blood tests, which then led to a colonoscopy, and it was then I was told ‘you have a little bit of bowel cancer’. July 31st 2013, a day I will never forget.

I was a single mum to an almost 10-year-old daughter. So many questions went through my mind. I spent the rest of the day crying, not knowing what was going to happen to me.

The next day I decided to not let it beat me. I was going to fight with all I had.

That September I had part of my bowel removed and in October started six months of chemo.

My workplace at the time were amazing. They allowed me to rest and then work the days I could. I had great support from them, as well as friends and family.

March was my last chemo, and I was glad that it was over. Still, I had port flushes for the next 12 months and regular visits to doctors for check-ups.

I’m now almost 13 years on and am so grateful to be able to tell my story, one of the lucky ones.

My one piece of advice:

Listen to your body.