Iain Jack, Inverness

I am currently recovering from bowel cancer which was discovered during routine bowel screening in April 2021. Thankfully bowel screening is carried out at 50 in Scotland, or I might not be here to share this story.

I was 52 when I was diagnosed with stage 3 cancer. It was truly a rollercoaster journey after my diagnosis with scans and a colonoscopy to confirm it, followed by an anterior bowel resection carried out on 15 June. This was followed by four cycles of chemotherapy over three months, both infusion and oral. I completed chemo at the end of October. I returned to work briefly in January 2022 but found it too difficult so took more time off.

The only symptom I could really say I experienced before my diagnosis was tiredness. The cancer had spread to one lymph node but no further. Coronavirus had a bit of an impact on my treatment as my screening was delayed for approximately six months. Also, I never actually met any consultants till I was in hospital as all my consultations were done over the phone or by video call. The hardest part was my partner, Alison, dropping me off at the hospital doors, as she couldn't come in, and saying “see you later” not really knowing if I would as I walked to the ward on my own.

I’m an embalmer and funeral director with John Fraser & Son and my employer has been very supportive throughout my treatment. I have always remained a part of the team and have recently returned to work, doing part time working when I can. My employer is holding a Brew Together event and some of the staff are running the Loch Ness 5 and 10k runs to raise money for Bowel Cancer UK. I am now slowly recovering and glad to be back at home with Alison and Fudge the dog. I want to encourage people to do the bowel screening test and be aware of any bowel changes they experience – it could just save your life.

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Support Iain’s employers’ Brew Together event here.