At 32 cancer was the last reality I would have expected for myself. I was starting a new career, enjoying an active social life, dating and on a path to a positive fulfilling life.

I had no significant symptoms, an overly vigilant doctor (*guardian angel) and the biggest shock of my life coming out of that colonoscopy.

My diagnosis in November 2018 was Stage 4 (resectable) bowel cancer with three liver mets.

Fast forward to today and I am 24 rounds of chemotherapy deep (plus immunotherapy for good measure), have had a bowel resection, liver resection and am preparing for a second liver resection.

It’s a lot. But I’m so lucky. Giving up is not an option.

My life has changed immeasurably and this disease is complex but I’m alive and I’m so grateful.

I love a chat, especially a raw one about my experience and I hope that in talking about bowel cancer and promoting the awareness of this disease that I can help someone else to avoid a similar outcome or connect with others on the same path to support and empower to keep pushing on.