My symptoms began with loose stools that went on for many months. I also had two episodes of rectal bleeding about a year apart. I was tired (looking back, extremely tired) – but I thought everyone feels that way! What finally made me go to the GP was the fact that I hadn’t had a solid bowel movement in a very long time.”
This is Jackie’s story. At age 53, she was diagnosed with stage 3 bowel cancer.
“I had a bowel resection. It was open abdominal surgery, and recovery took time. I wasn’t concerned about how I looked, but it was a long process to regain strength, especially as I then needed chemotherapy.
“Chemotherapy was one of the hardest and most draining treatments I have ever gone through. It was exhausting both physically and mentally. But I also discovered that things I once saw as chores – like gardening – became uplifting. For me, it was about connecting with the natural cycle of life, death, and renewal while facing such a huge personal challenge.
“Since bowel cancer, I feel I live life more deeply – I try to focus on the present and choose activities that bring joy or are meaningful for me and others. I believe that once you’ve faced a disease like this, it never fully leaves you – the thought of it returning is always somewhere in your mind. Over time, that fear has lessened, or maybe I’ve just learned how to balance and manage it better.”
We are grateful to Jackie for sharing her story with us. Her openness helps raise awareness about the disease and may offer comfort to others facing something similar.