Anya T, Dry July

“Unfortunately, I have some bad news…we found cancer” …. is something no one wants to hear, let alone when you’re 38 years old, have had minimal symptoms, run multiples times per week, keep fit and healthy, eat a balanced diet, don’t smoke, rarely drink and have three young boys, a wife and many loving family and friends.

This has been our reality over the last week as we face a big 6 – 12 months ahead of radiation/chemo, surgery and possibly more chemo.

It is so important to talk about family history as this can have a flow on effect, seeing your GP for any symptoms (no matter how silly you think it is) and acting on your gut instinct if something doesn’t feel right. You are never too young!!! 

Chris is one of the very lucky ones where we have had prompt referral from our rural GP for a colonoscopy post blood tests and positive FOBT. Within three weeks from diagnosis, he has had an Ultra Low Anterior Resection, and we will now meet with the Medical Oncologist to determine if any further treatment is needed given the staging has come back better than initially thought.

As a Nurse, a wife and mum of three young boys I am raising money for Bowel Cancer Australia through the Dry July Foundation by giving up my weekly, sometimes daily wine! Please donate to this worthy cause to help fund more research and Bowel Care Nurses across Australia to help support the many families affected each year and undergoing treatment.” ~ Anya

If you were inspired by Anya’s and Chris’ fundraising activities and would like to support Bowel Cancer Australia through Dry July, further details are available here.