Maree’s story

I’m celebrating two years since Abdominal Perineal Reconstruction VRAM flap surgery on 13 February 2020, my 54th birthday.

All is well and all is clear.

I was so lucky to have an amazing medical team starting from my GP, gastroenterologist, oncologist, radiologist, nurse cancer carers, surgeons. plastics, exercise physiologist, physiotherapist, rehabilitators, family and friends, who championed me through the last three years from diagnosis.

I am eternally grateful to receive the gift of life. No one let me give up. It took a team to save a life. I hope my story inspires others.

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2023 Update

3 years on since surgery. My original diagnosis on 11 April 2019 was Adenocarcinoma T4 M0 N1.

I’m pleased to let everyone know all is well and I’m doing great. I have no reoccurrence, no pain, no infection. I do not have genetic Lynch Syndrome.

I’m beginning to ease back into my life and looking forward to a bright future.

If anyone is interested my previous kiss ass stories are on this platform.

I hope my good outcome can offer hope to others on this journey.

My best advice that helped me through was to trust your inner strength, be humble to all the support from family, friends and medical teams. Combine some complimentary treatments like acupuncture, meditation, organic fruit and vegetable nutrition, music, lots of sunshine and fresh air. Keep a smile on your face.

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2024 Update

All is well since my diagnosis. All tests and scans are clear.

I’m living life with a peaceful, joyful disposition every day.

I was blessed with the arrival of my granddaughter in December 2023. I was so grateful to be at her birth. Such a gift to my life.

My life is truly a gift and loving life.

Sending all my heart to everyone who is living with bowel cancer, everyone who is supporting loved ones and shout out to all the thrivers and survivors.

Big hugs to everyone living with the loss of loved ones.

Bowel Cancer Australia has excellent tools and resources everyone can access.

Be proactive with choices in your life and prevention through lifestyle choices, diet, exercise, lowering stress all help. Understand your body and awareness of any changes to take action early is always best.

Awareness of understanding your body and any changes so you can take action early. Make better lifestyle choices to prevent cancer. Don’t be complacent ‘it won’t happen to me. Cancer impacts people of all ages, it’s not just something that older people get. Education in nutrition and your environment will support you to have a healthy life. Make better choices.

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2025 Update

I’m pleased to let everyone share in my high five post pelvic exenteration surgery 13 February 2020. I woke up in ICU on my 54th birthday and now just celebrated my 59th.

I’m living well with my stoma and still unfortunately live with 100% incontinence, but with some magic pull-ups I can go out in the world and carry on living a good life.

I know have my first granddaughter that I spend a lot of time with and that brings me so much joy.

All is well.

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My lived experience advice would be: Choose life and live it to the full.