Bindi H’s story

I was diagnosed with Stage 3 rectal cancer which was starting to grow into the bowel. I went for a colonoscopy after I had experienced bleeding and discomfort I was trying to ignore, but my beautiful girlfriend (now my wife) convinced me to take action.

I came straight out of the colonoscopy to a nurse saying I needed a CT scan immediately and that they found something and the news was that I had cancer – a tumour that needed immediate treatment.

Within 2 weeks I had a further biopsy and a portacath was inserted in my collarbone area ready for chemo. After 8 rounds of chemo and 25 fractions of radiation, the tumour had reduced by about half. Due to its location, the only surgical solution was a permanent colostomy which I never wanted.

On New Year’s Eve 2025 I went in for an abdominoperineal resection, removing my rectum, part of my colon and adding a stoma. I’m grateful to have had this solution and now see my body in a very different way that needs more intentional care and kindness. I’m now cancer free and have married the love of my life and we soon go on our honeymoon in Fiji.

My one piece of advice:

If in doubt, don’t ignore the symptoms, take action before it’s too late. Tests and scans are a breeze in comparison to the alternatives. The things my body has been through now I could have avoided. Do your research, get educated and take care.