Kaia’s story

12 months ago today…. ‘Happy Arsesaversary’.

June 14th, 2023 was the date and day that change me and my family forever…

I was diagnosed with Stage 3 bowel cancer.

Shocked is not even a word that explains what you are feeling at that moment. I just cried and cried… my heart broke.

Tim did all the hard work, asking questions and finding out what we needed to do, while I sat with my head spinning and to be honest, I felt like it was never going to stop.

I put on the bravest face I could and walked out of that room, hugged my babies and we drove back to Emerald. I silently cried the whole way.

I didn’t sleep that night. I was still spinning.

Thursday morning, I seemed to have had a surge of power to take action.

I called my preferred specialist’s office and somehow by the grace of god, and got an appointment for the next week.

We flew to Brisbane and made a plan.

We come home, in a way better head space and ready to beat this. We organised Julie my heart mum to come be with my babies.. terrified about what the result would be but that I would fight to do whatever I needed for them.

10th of July, Tim and I flew back down for my scheduled surgery. After 5 days in hospital, home to recover. 3rd August I headed in for my first chemo appointment. I finished my chemo journey after 12 weeks, four IV sessions and 480 tablets later. I wasn’t up to ringing the bell, but I just shook it a little (no video). I did however stamp my fingerprint on the tree of life. The chemo did knock me around more than I cared to admit.

It was rough.

I feel like I am the luckiest person in the world, on the 11th of April this year we did another trip to Rockhampton and my oncologist gave me the all clear, I will never forget the smile on his face and I don’t think it actually sunk in until we were on our way home.

I have just this week had my 12 month colonoscopy check… All clear! Again I cried.

I have been so lucky to have had some pretty special people around during this time, my husband for one. Checking in on me every day, the support and love.

I’ve met some really amazing people as well, some who are doing it a hell of a lot tougher than me and still smile every day.

Know your body!!!! Be your own health advocate and push for more answers!!!

As a beautiful friend of mine said after going through with her husband’s journey and it rings in my mind ‘Check your Poo’!!!!

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My one piece of advice:

Be your own health advocate!!! You know your body best, make sure you look after yourself. You are important!!!