Tahnee’s story

When I was 36 I was experiencing lower abdominal pain, I asked my GP if we could investigate. I am a Nurse and initially asked her to check my bloods and do an FOBT (stool test).

All three of FOBT’s came back positive for blood so I was referred for a colonoscopy. I saw the Gastroenterologist (whom luckily for me had a cancellation in 6-weeks’ time, if I didn’t do this date, I would have to wait 6 months for the next available)

I took that date! I wanted to get to the bottom of the pain, and I thought it’s just irritable bowel but once it’s confirmed I can manage it.

I went in for my scope, when I woke the nurse came in and said she’d already called my husband. I was moved into a room on my own with my husband to wait for the doctor. I was so nervous! Everyone else was sitting in a big room having sandwich’s and talking, everyone except me!

The doctor came in and told me I had a 5cm cancer in my large bowel. This news took my breath away! I was frozen, all I could think was I have 14 and 7 year old daughter’s! I have to fight for my life, I’m not ready to leave them without a mother and I don’t want to miss them growing up! My husband and I agreed we would do WHATEVER it took to rid my body of this awful illness.

Whilst waiting for me to wake up and for my husband to arrive, the doctor had booked me an appointment with a colorectal surgeon and organised a CT to check for spread. Thankfully no spread, this was the first win!

10 days later I had the most excruciating surgery! I had 2/3 of my large bowel removed, but luckily no stoma. This was my second win!

After surgery they confirmed I had an adenocarcinoma and I was going to have to undergo 6 months of chemotherapy.

12 rounds of chemo and I got to ring the bell, and I couldn’t have done it without the amazing support of my husband and daughters. My biggest regret that day was not ringing it louder and longer.

I’m 10 months post-chemo, 12 months post-surgery. And now I’ve been diagnosed with Lynch Syndrome, which meant hysterectomy and ovaries removed. But 3rd win is still no signs for cancer.

2025 is our year! Whilst nervous, I hope that my scan this April will be clear and mean 1 year since chemo finished. I will have annual colonoscopies and endoscopies 2 yearly for the rest of my life to get on top of any new changes. As my friend said, they can poke and prod all they like if it keeps me healthy and here.

My one piece of advice: One thing I’ve learnt is that if something doesn’t feel right get it checked! We have amazing health care in Australia, use it!

Early detection and treatment can honestly save your life.