Kellie’s story

Turning 50 I received the bowel screen kit from the government.

After doing the test I couldn’t believe I received a positive result. Having completely no symptoms, perfectly healthy with a busy life, I was sent for a colonoscopy. When I woke up from the procedure, I was confronted with the terrible words… you have cancer!

Immediately I was scheduled for surgery where 17cm of my bowel was removed. I was diagnosed with Stage 3 sigmoid bowel cancer with traces of cancer in two lymph nodes.

To say that my world stop spinning is an understatement. Although it was good news that the cancer was removed, my fight wasn’t over. Having to have PET scans to ensure that the cancer hadn’t spread, and then six months of chemo.

I am grateful to say that in April 2024 I finished chemo and was given the all clear.

Even though I am still doing CT’s and 3 monthly check-ups I’m loving being back at work and starting to find myself again, cancer doesn’t define me. Day to day life can still present issues and making sure that I remember to take each day in my stride is important.

I share my story on a daily basis and if I can save just one person having to go through what myself, my family and friends have endured then the struggle was worth it.

It takes a village to fight this hideous disease and I’ve been blessed with the best!

I value each day that I wake up and would strongly suggest that everyone that receives the bowel test kit…. DO IT. Do not put it in the drawer this cancer is the silent killer.

My one piece of advice:

Take 1 day, 1 hour, 1 minute, 1 second at a time. Accept help and remember tears are ok but then pull yourself up and get on with the fight!