Kate’s story

Months of knowing something was wrong. Numerous doctors’ visits, to just be told I have gastro due to being a primary school teacher. Months later, a locum was filling in and he gave me a referral to a gastroenterologist.

Stage 3 rectal cancer. I was 36 years old. Married, with two children, 14 and 11. It’s the last thing I was expecting. I was young and healthy. I’ve always eaten well, exercised and maintained a healthy weight. Occasional drinker. Never smoked. I did not have the lifestyle factors associated with bowel cancer.

The diagnosis hit my family hard as my Pa died of bowel cancer just before my 11th birthday and my Nanna survived Stage 2 rectal cancer in her 70s.

This diagnosis was lifechanging. It made me reassess what was important and what matters, as well as come to the reality that I will not live forever and the end could be nearer than I thought.

Chemotherapy was brutal, I won’t lie or sugar coat it. But being who I am, whenever anyone asked I would say ‘I’m going well’, and ‘I’m okay’; put a smile on my face and make a joke. Coping mechanisms.

The message I spread now is that you are never too young for bowel cancer, it doesn’t just affect the elderly. Young people are being diagnosed more regularly, and women are no less likely to have it.

I have connected with many brave, strong, kick-ass women along my journey, and now I’m on the other side of mine, they continue to inspire me to live life and be happy every day. You never know what’s around the corner.

My one piece of advice: Enjoy each and every day, tell those around you that you love them, you’re stronger than you’ll ever know, and you never know what’s around the corner, live life to the fullest.