Shelley P’s story

I was diagnosed with bowel cancer on my 46th birthday in 2023.

Just three weeks earlier, I had returned from a long planned European holiday with a close friend – I had really needed that break. The months leading up to it had been intensely stressful at work, and I had brushed off my growing exhaustion and digestive issues as nothing more than stress and another flare up of IBS, something I had dealt with for most of my adult life.

In the weeks before leaving, I remember searching online for the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program. I discovered that I was considered too young to request a test by around 5 years. That single detail gave me a little reassurance, and I told myself it could not be anything too serious.

During the trip, however, the fatigue worsened. Despite being surrounded by beauty, history and once in a lifetime experiences, I felt my body struggling. The gastrointestinal symptoms intensified. I vividly remember standing in the breathtaking Montserrat, waiting to see the Black Madonna, and fighting back tears inside the church because I felt so unwell. It was meant to be a moment of wonder. Instead, I felt frightened and confused by what was happening to me.

When I returned home, my first priority was seeing my GP. He happened to be absent that day, and I saw a locum instead. She suggested some preliminary tests before referring me to a gastroenterologist. The thought of waiting for answers any longer overwhelmed me and I broke down in her office. Seeing my distress, she gave me the referral immediately. That decision changed everything.

My colonoscopy was scheduled for my birthday of all days! Shortly after waking from the anaesthetic, the gastroenterologist gently told me I had bowel cancer. He could not complete the colonoscopy as a large tumour was blocking my sigmoid colon. The words felt surreal as cancer was not on my radar, especially not on my 46th birthday.

From that point, everything moved quickly. I was referred to a wonderful colorectal surgeon in Adelaide and surgery was booked to remove the tumour. Because of existing diverticulitis, the procedure was more complex than anticipated. I awoke, shocked to learn that I had a stoma. An ileostomy had been necessary due to the damage it had caused, I was told it would likely be temporary, around eight to twelve weeks.

When the pathology results came back, cancer was found in multiple lymph nodes, and I was advised that I had Stage 3 N2 colon cancer. Chemotherapy was required and the much-anticipated ileostomy reversal would have to wait. It was a lot to deal with, even as someone with an overwhelmingly optimistic outlook on life.

Life with a stoma while undergoing six months of chemotherapy was confronting and, at times, incredibly hard. There were physical side effects, emotional lows and days when simply getting through a day felt like an achievement. I was carried through by the extraordinary love and support of those around me.

My boss Chris, coworkers, family and friends were all amazing and shouldered the weight of my diagnosis with me. My parents, Lorraine and Ian, relocated from Mount Gambier to Adelaide for the entire course of my treatment, a sacrifice I will always be grateful for. My Aunty Sue was never far away, arriving with perfectly timed humour and movie recommendations when I needed distraction most. My friends filled my home with care and normality. They cooked meals, played Uno on the couch, and turned up with endless bags of potato chips that became my unlikely post chemotherapy stoma settling remedy.

And then there was Cashew, my parents’ British Shorthair kitten, who seemed to sense exactly when comfort was needed and rarely left my side during those long days of recovery.

After eight cycles of chemotherapy and time to heal, I finally had my stoma reversed in July 2024. It felt like reclaiming a piece of myself. Never underestimate the power of a good poo!!

In April 2025, sudden pain and a trip to emergency revealed that the cancer had spread to my one remaining ovary. The cancer metastasizing was another devastating blow, but I felt very prepared to deal with it and once again confident in the hands of my treating doctors and surgeons.

Today, I am showing no evidence of disease. For the first time in years, the crushing fatigue is gone. I feel strong and happy and more ‘me’ than ever! I am returning to the things that bring me joy, from snorkelling the great barrier reef to line dancing classes and most recently planning a mid-year holiday in the Maldives with my personal Nurse and bestie Hannah. I say yes to experiences with those closest to me and I really value how fragile and precious health is!

My one piece of advice:

If something does not feel right, listen to that instinct and act on it. You know your body better than anyone. Do not dismiss persistent symptoms as stress, age or something you have experienced before. Push for answers and advocate for yourself.

Also be aware that the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program now begins at age 45, as of 1 July 2024. From that age, you can request and complete a free at home screening test every two years. It is simple, private and could quite literally save your life.