Lesley Selby, Grantham

I was diagnosed with stage 2 bowel cancer on 4 October 2023 following a colonoscopy. 

I work in primary care nursing and live alone with a supportive family and friends. My husband died after a short illness to lung cancer in 2019 aged just 59, so you could imagine the shock to me and my two adult children when I was diagnosed. While they say one in two of us are diagnosed at some time in our lives, I think everyone is affected by cancer.

Diagnosis

I was on holiday in August 2023 and noticed a small amount of blood in my faeces, just a one-off. I thought no more about it as I'd eaten a lot of berries with my yoghurt in the morning. A few weeks after my holiday in September, when I was still asymptomatic, the FIT test appeared on my doormat. I did the deed and sent off my poo sample a few days later. Within two weeks I had a colonoscopy.

My daughter accompanied me to my colonoscopy. On the way, I turned to her and said “I really think we are wasting time here. It will probably be haemorrhoids! I’m as fit as a fiddle!” Little did we know what was lurking in my bowels.

On the day I was diagnosed, I was told it was treatable. That evening, I had an MRI and two days later a CT scan. 

I was upset and in shock: why was this happening to my family again? Life is so unfair! I wanted to scream to everyone laughing and going about their normal routines. It was as though I was in a bubble and I couldn’t break out. But I had to be brave, positive and strong, not only for myself but my children and grandchildren who'd seen and lost a grandfather whom they idolised. Thank goodness for the FIT test appearing on my doormat, as at that stage I wouldn't have followed one bout of blood in my faeces up.

After my colonoscopy my daughter took me to my son’s house as she had to travel 30 miles home. That night I shared a bed with my daughter in law as my son was away. We didn’t sleep, chatting throughout the night. We were both in shock, but I was so grateful I wasn’t alone. 

Treatment

On 23 November 2023 I underwent a robotic low anterior resection, removing my rectum, sigmoid colon and part of my descending colon: a huge chunk of my insides. It was another shock to wake up with a stoma. Before the operation, I was told it may happen, but the doctors were confident it probably would not.  

My cancer was contained in my bowel, so they were confident that no further treatment was needed, but we had to wait for the histology results. I was lucky as no further treatment was needed.

I ended up staying in hospital for four weeks and was discharged on Christmas Eve 2023. I had an ileus so had a few nasogastric tubes. My stoma was continually on high flow. I cannot remember much about the first two weeks. I named my ileostomy Moaning Myrtle, as it made a lot of noises which had me giggling at times!

I was transferred from the Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham to the Jubilee Unit at Nottingham City Hospital which was amazing — the care was outstanding, not just for myself but my family too. On discharge, I had the virtual ward team visit every day for just over a month, supporting me. I underwent a stoma reversal in July 2024.

I was diagnosed with major lower anterior resection syndrome (LARS) in 2024 and have recently had a sacral neuro stimulator fitted, which is helping with the urgency and a little with the frequency. I am two years into the surveillance programme and cancer free. Long may it continue!

The support I had and my main message

The colorectal specialist nurses were amazing. Whether I had questions, fears or doubts, nothing was too much. Family and friends were a strong support, especially as I live alone. They did shopping, and took me on days out, although to start with I always made sure where the toilets were in case my stoma had a leak.

My employers were good and supportive. Things were put in place on my return so I could use the bathroom easier. At diagnosis I was given a lot of information, including booklets from Bowel Cancer UK. My children and I also used the online service for information before and after my surgery.

I owe my life to the FIT test, so last year I took part in the London Landmarks Half Marathan along with my cousin and niece, raising just over £2,000 for charity.

When your FIT test arrives on your doormat, do the necessary and return your poo ASAP. You never know, it may save your life! If you are symptomatic, please see your GP or seek medical advice.

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