Tanya B’s story

An overseas holiday in 2022 ended in my emergency lifesaving surgery and a complete bowel blockage. Followed by a confirmed cancer diagnosis.

Prior to our holiday I had pains that I initially thought were just some kind of maybe girl pains. I followed up with a doctor’s appointment and an ultrasound that was clear!

After my surgery and a two-week recovery in the USA, we were able to fly home to Australia

That’s when the real fight started. A planned 12 rounds of chemotherapy.

That entails a 2-hour drive from the farm to Wagga Wagga for chemotherapy, followed by a take home chemotherapy infusion pump that is disconnected at my local hospital two days later. Treatment every 2 weeks.

Nine rounds (18 weeks) later, my feet and fingers were extremely sore and suffering from neuropathy. That put a stop to my treatment. But YAY my scans were clear!

Unfortunately, 12 months later we realised it was back and had spread to my liver. The new treatment plan was six cycles (12 weeks) of chemo followed by a liver resection in late 2024.

During the surgery they found a little more than had showed on the scans. This meant another six cycles (12 weeks) of chemo.

In early 2025 I completed radiation therapy and had truly hoped that had been the end of all my treatments.

Unfortunately, in November 2025 through, a blood test my levels showed an increase.

A follow up PET scan confirmed the cancer had spread, and another treatment plan of (again) regular chemotherapy every two weeks.

I am 14 weeks into this current treatment plan and continue to hope and pray for my old cancer free life.

The love and support of my family and friends gives me the strength to continue to fight this horrendous disease.

I hope that my story, if anything, will prevent even only one person from suffering and an early detection.

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My one piece of advice:

Listen to your body and follow up with your doctor sooner rather than later. Stay strong and positive, there is hope out there for your cure!