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Julia Cheesman, Hampshire

I was diagnosed with stage 2 bowel cancer in November 2021.  

I took the bowel screening test when it ‘landed on the mat’ and posted it off. Around two weeks later I received a letter advising that further tests were required and recommended I had a colonoscopy. I didn't have any symptoms — so was really none the wiser.

Following my colonoscopy, my husband and I were taken to a room with a nurse. The endoscopist told me they had found a tumour and he was 99% certain it was cancer. I have very little recollection of anything that happened after. I heard the word cancer and shut down. It came as a complete shock to me. Luckily my husband was able to digest the information.

My surgery was booked for 15 December 2021. However, a few days before the surgery I was admitted to hospital as the tumour had moved and was blocking the exit and I hadn't been for a poo in four days. They tried to insert a stent but it was too painful and it just wasn't happening so I was sent to surgery and had a stoma fitted. I called my stoma Stanley! My surgery was rescheduled for 10 February 2022 where the cancer was removed and the stoma reversed. I started oral chemotherapy on 6 April 2022, for six months.

My surgery was successful but my recovery was slow and painful. I spent nine days in hospital (five on a high dependency unit and four in my own room). Daily dressing changes for the stoma reversal and daily injections in my thigh or tummy to prevent blood clots. I also had an NG tube up my nose and didn't eat for those nine days.

Luckily, I didn’t need any further treatment. I have annual colonoscopies and scans. The colonoscopies are frequent as, on a couple of occasions, they found and removed polyps.

Most days I feel very positive. However, I still feel as though there is a black cloud over me and I worry that the cancer may come back. We are incredibly lucky to have NHS screening services. 

It's just a test, until it's a lifesaver. Check your post, take the test and keep living your story.

A photo of Julia smiling and laughing. She is on the right hand side of the image and the photo is being taken side on. She is wearing a pink and white floral top. On the left of the screen is a large sparkler.
A photo of Julia sitting in a grey hospital chair. She has a tube going up her nose, which is held in place by white medical table. She is wearing black framed glasses and a grey pyjama top with different animals on it. In the background is some medical equipment and a window.

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