PSA: Time to break the stigma!

For such a long time it’s been taboo or been embarrassing to talk about gut and bowel health. Now is your time to act! 

For too many years I complained of bloating, fluctuating constipation and diarrhoea, stomach cramps and blood in my poo. For too many years I mentioned it to health professionals to be told it was the IVF medications I was undergoing, irritable bowel, or colitis. To then discover at 39, I had Stage 4 colon cancer. The cancer was in my colon and liver. I named my tumours Sue and Larry and insisted the medical team refer to them as that. 

Thankful my GP and the healthcare team acted quickly and today I’m in recovering well and responding to treatment. However, if I hadn’t been so persistent the lord only knows how this story could have gone.

I have embraced the ups and downs, chemotherapy, radiation, two surgeries in nine weeks and a stoma. Yet I’m still standing and standing tall, fighting the fight and will not give up!

It’s so important to remember that no matter how tough it gets, it’s only temporary and to walk in with your head high even when you don’t feel like it. Wear a smile that gives you confidence in your ability to get through anything. Because you can, you are a warrior! One step at a time, day by day, week by week.

Bowel cancer is one of the most diagnosed cancers today and one that is unfortunately too often missed due to ‘you being too young’. If there anything I have learnt on this crazy ride it’s to not put things off or be embarrassed to speak to your GP. If symptoms persist or get worse demand further investigation or a colonoscopy. It’s time to drop the stigma and save lives!

Stand tall, trust your medical team and work with a Naturopath to put your body at the strongest position to get through the battle. Mindset is huge, things are thrown your way to help you reassess and grow. You can do this one step at a time.