Sonya’s story in memory of her husband Anton

In November 2023, Anton began experiencing a sharp pain beneath his left ribs. Concerned, he visited his doctor and was prescribed antibiotics, with the pain believed to be caused by inflammation. Like many young adults, he trusted the diagnosis and carried on with life.

A few months later, in February 2024, Anton developed severe lower back pain. The pain continued to worsen over time. He was advised to take Panadol, but nothing seemed to help. Knowing something wasn’t right, he sought a second opinion. This decision would ultimately change everything.

Blood tests revealed that Anton had extremely low iron levels – something uncommon for a healthy young male. Doctors arranged an iron infusion and recommended a colonoscopy to investigate further. The day before the procedure, while fasting, Anton experienced excruciating pain in his abdomen and lower back.

On 3 April 2024, Anton received the news no 27-year-old expects to hear: he had cancer.

Further testing at hospital revealed the devastating reality. Anton had Stage 4 bowel cancer with a BRAF mutation, an aggressive genetic mutation that causes cancer cells to grow and spread rapidly. The cancer had already spread to his liver and lung. When he asked about life expectancy, he was told the average survival time was around 14 months.

At just 27 years old, his world changed in an instant.

Three days after his birthday, on 23 April 2024, Anton underwent surgery to remove a 5cm tumour. Recovery was incredibly difficult. He spent a week in hospital unable to eat, battling constant pain and severe complications, including days of vomiting. Yet even during the hardest moments, he remained determined to keep fighting.

After recovering from surgery, Anton began treatment through a clinical trial, combining chemotherapy and targeted therapy. His first treatment was so severe that doctors feared he may be experiencing a heart attack or stroke. His treatment doses had to be adjusted so his body could cope.

Despite the challenges, there was hope. The treatment began shrinking the cancer, and for the first time in months, his back pain disappeared. However, the battle came with a heavy cost. He experienced hair loss, painful skin rashes, acne-like outbreaks across his body, and countless other side effects.

Months later, the pain returned.

Scans revealed new cancer activity, including changes in his back and growing lymph nodes. The clinical trial was stopped, and Anton returned to standard chemotherapy. Soon after, his liver function deteriorated, forcing treatment delays while doctors tried to stabilise his condition.

As treatment paused, the cancer continued to advance.

The pain became unbearable.

Anton was referred to palliative care for pain management. He tried morphine, oxycodone, ketamine, nerve blocks, and countless other interventions. Even at the highest doses, the pain never fully disappeared. Sleep became almost impossible. Hospital admissions became frequent until eventually he remained in hospital permanently because the pain was too severe to manage at home.

On 20 August 2025, a PET scan revealed heartbreaking news: the cancer had spread extensively throughout his body.

Anton was transferred to the palliative care ward, where I was able to stay by his side. During this time, he faced some of the most difficult moments of his journey. The cancer in his liver caused his liver function to decline significantly, turning his skin and eyes yellow. Thankfully, doctors were able to insert a stent to relieve the blockage, giving him some comfort and restoring normal liver drainage.

Radiotherapy was attempted to help control the pain, but unfortunately it worsened his symptoms. He became weaker as time went on. Lymphedema developed in his left leg. Walking became difficult. Eating became harder. Fatigue took over.

Yet even as cancer tried to take so much from him, it never took away who he was.

Cancer did not stop Anton from travelling to New Zealand in May 2025. It did not stop him from creating memories, making people laugh, or showing kindness to everyone around him. Most importantly, it did not stop him from proposing to me in July 2025.

Anton continued to live, love, and dream despite everything he was facing.

On 2 November 2025, at just 29 years old, Anton passed away due to internal bleeding that rapidly shut down his body.

This is only a small part of Anton’s story.

He was so much more than his diagnosis. He was the most kind, respectful, selfless, and courageous person I have ever known. He faced every challenge with strength, dignity, and a determination that inspired everyone around him. Even during the darkest days, he continued thinking of others before himself.

I am sharing Anton’s story because his journey carries an important message.

Bowel cancer is no longer a disease affecting only older people. More and more young adults are being diagnosed, often after symptoms are overlooked or explained away. Anton was healthy, active, and only 27 years old when he was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer.

If something doesn’t feel right, listen to your body.

If your symptoms persist, seek answers.

If you feel unheard, get a second opinion.

Never assume you are too young for something serious.

Early detection can save lives.

Anton’s story may have ended far too soon, but his legacy lives on through the awareness he continues to create, the lives he touched, and the love he left behind.

In his 29 years, Anton taught us all something invaluable: life is not measured by how long we live, but by how deeply we love, how courageously we fight, and how positively we impact those around us.

Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever remembered.

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Our one piece of advice:

• Always write down everything e.g. the consultations with the doctors, Medication that’s taken and any effects.

• If you’re going through it, always have someone with you there so they can listen because sometimes you would not remember all of the information that is given to you.

• Be positive and be patient, it’s a hard road.

• Listen to them, if they want to vent let them. Don’t try to give them advice because you are not in their shoes.

• Always take one day at a time and be kind to yourself