Robbie, Australia

I was diagnosed with Stage 3 bowel cancer at the young age of 37 in May 2022 when a 61mm tumour was found during my first ever colonoscopy.

After completing 6 weeks of high strength radiotherapy and 3 months of triple dose chemotherapy I had his first major surgery - which involved an Ultra Low Anterior Resection with the creation of an Ileostomy in November 2022.

Everything that could go wrong did go wrong while recovering at home, so I was rushed to hospital which resulted in an emergency Proctectomy surgery where severe necrosis was discovered – affecting all my vital organs and abdominal walls.

I had additional bowel removal along with complete removal of rectum/anus aka “Barbie Butt” plus the installation of a permanent colostomy - all of which began a 73 day stay in hospital where I nearly died four times.

During these 73 days in hospital I dropped 41kgs as my stomach and remaining bowel stopped working in sync so I was tube fed TPN via a PICC line for seven weeks plus I had to learn to walk again as both of his legs stopped working.

When I was initially diagnosed the team at Bowel Cancer Australia provided me with extensive educational material and they continued to provide support and guidance during my treatments and ongoing recovery.

I’m a proud Advocate for Bowel Cancer Australia and active member of Bowel Cancer Australia’s online support group “The Movement – Wellness Beyond Diagnosis” on Facebook.

PREVIOUSLY

Two months ago I was diagnosed with Stage 3 Bowel Cancer after a 61mm tumour was found in my Rectum during a routine Endoscopy & Colonoscopy.

This week I celebrated my 38th birthday on the day of my 11th session for my Radiotherapy treatment program.

Treatment is going ok so far and it is definitely something that I never expected to do considering I have always been a relatively healthy young guy.

I have to take 7 Chemotherapy tablets each day of the radiation as well some other tablets that assist the process.

 My medical team is great and they advised me of what would happen during treatment but I was surprised with how quickly I can now tire and how sore I am.

This is all perfectly normal - but I am not one who is used to being tired and needing the occasional afternoon nap.

 The biggest thing I have learnt since my Diagnosis is to listen to my body better.

I stayed quiet for a long time despite all of the symptoms being clearly present.

As soon as I have any questions my team answer in detail with what needs to be done and they have always been right.

If you have ANY concerns with your health speak to a doctor before it is too late.

I am fortunate to have a great medical team who have a plan - it will take time but we are all hoping for a positive result.

This story was published with the consent of Bowel Cancer Australia.