Tara E’s story

In 2020 in the midst of the first lot of COVID crazy, I saw my GP in regard to vaginal discharge that was starting to become annoying – my GP felt it was vaginitis and gave me antibiotics and sent me on my way. Six months later in February 2021, after no major change in the discharge, I again went to my doctor who completed an internal check and felt a lump. Believing it was vaginal, I was sent for scans and referred to a gynaecologist.

Three weeks later while lying on a bed at the gynaecologist – he advised me that it was ‘back passage’ and referred me to a colorectal surgeon. He took a biopsy while I was in his office. Three days later (after being told I couldn’t get in for 4 months) I was called in the surgeon’s office and was told I had bowel cancer…it felt extremely surreal – I’m only 45 – too young to have bowel cancer…no symptoms, not sick blah blah blah – all of that was irrelevant really as it just came down to – I have cancer.

From there it led to multiple scans and tests – a colonoscopy showed I only had one tumour – which was a relief – however it had started to push through to my vagina (hence the discharge) and that in removing the tumour I would have to have a proctectomy (sew up my butt) and have a permanent colostomy.

That started an 18-month period of hell – colostomy surgery first – then because my bowel twisted, I had to have it redone a week later. 5 weeks of daily radiation treatment, ending in extreme pain (I cannot describe how much radiation in that area hurts) and another week in hospital where they kept an eye of my bowels (possible perforation) and I also had gallstones.

A 6 week break to heal my body and then a 14-hour surgery to remove the tumour, sew up my butt, hysterectomy, and my gallbladder removed. It was July 2021 by this stage, and the second lot of COVID was in full swing.

I was allowed no visitors in hospital and was in a private room to ensure no infection. It was a very lonely, painful period and the worst of my whole 18-month journey. Due to the surgery I was unable to sit for 8 weeks – another frustrating side effect of the surgery.

In October 2021 I started chemo and it is everything people say it is. While I never vomited – I was nauseas all the time, felt extreme cold (couldn’t hold a carrot to peel it as it felt too cold), weak and tired. Chemo went through to May 2022 – it wasn’t smooth sailing with my liver showing signs of not handling the chemo and the chemo had to be reduced halfway through. It was a case of damned if you do, damned if you don’t. Less Chemo, chance of cancer returning. More chemo, chance of cirrhosis of the liver.

At the end of the journey, I was cancer free. I asked my surgeon what my diagnosis was when the tumour was first discovered (I didn’t want to ask at the start). My surgeon told me that would have had six months to live if I had no treatment.

I am blessed and thankful every day – I may have had my life changed forever and have a permanent colostomy that is a journey all on its own, but I am alive and get to spend a little more time on this earth with my wonderful husband, three beautiful children and amazing family and friends. Life is full – I work full time, camp often, walk, exercise, laugh, cry, live!

My one piece of advice:

Take the bowel test – as horrible and uncomfortable as it is – it is better than ending up where I ended up and if you are too young to have the test (like I was) listen to your body and get yourself a good GP.