Liz Gardner, Preston

I've been married to my husband for thirty years and we have two grown up children together. I've been a Police officer for 18 years and worked shifts in a busy town.

In 2019 I began to have a change in my bowel habits, having to go more often and experiencing diarrhoea. I visited my GP and was referred to a gastroenterologist. I had a colonoscopy and was subsequently diagnosed with Microscopic Colitis. I was discharged and informed that this was a lifetime condition.

Following this diagnosis, I maintained a healthy diet and exercised regularly, as I was required to maintain my fitness for my role. In 2021 I took some time away from work due to a build-up of traumatic incidents. During the few months out, I noticed my symptoms had increased dramatically. I attended my GP as I frequented the toilet up to 20 times a day and noticed some blood clots and discomfort. Initially treated for a flare up of Microscopic colitis. As there was no improvement with the medication prescribed I was again referred to a gastroenterologist. I did blood tests and a stool sample prior to my appointment, all of which were normal. In November 2022 I attended for a colonoscopy. This was the day my life changed forever.

During the colonoscopy the person performing this procedure went very quiet and left the room, returning moments later with another person who then assisted them. The nurse present was very calm and reassuring. I could see on the screen that this looked abnormal and a number of biopsies were taken.

After the colonoscopy I was taken to the recovery room where I was asked about who was collecting me. They spoke to my husband asking him to come to the unit. One thing I distinctly recall was the nurse talking quietly with one of her colleagues and she said “bless her”, then I knew.

My husband and I were taken into a room with the doctor and nurse. This is when they confirmed I had a tumour, low down in my rectum, this looked like a cancerous one I was told. Then everything just became talk about surgery, stomas, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. I was then sent straight to have my bloods taken. It was there that the situation became apparent. I had a cry, and the phlebotomist was so kind and gave me the biggest hug. Early December I was given the formal diagnosis of stage 2.

I knew that I would be diagnosed with cancer and there was a sense of relief in knowing that I was right in trusting my instincts.

My treatment started very quickly, I attended my appointment with the oncologist a week later. The treatment plan was radiotherapy and chemotherapy daily for five weeks. However, due to my symptoms stoma surgery would be undertaken first. Prior to this I had CT scan, MRI scan and a sigmoidoscopy. I was offered the surgery very quickly, in January I had my colostomy. This was the beginning of needing to take 12 months off work.

I started radiotherapy and chemotherapy the following month. I found this really tough due to the side effects. I was struggling to accept my colostomy bag, the peripheral neuropathy was annoying, the radiation burn uncomfortable and I was physically and mentally exhausted.

However, I had the best support network in my family, friends and amazing work colleagues. A fantastic colleague set up a group called “chemo cabs” and with over 20 members my lifts to and from the hospital daily were possible and took some of the stress away. They were amazing, especially as my appointments were very early mornings at 8am.

After this treatment I had further scans to determine if the treatment had worked. This was a positive result with the tumour shrinking, however not completely. This meant more surgery after the side effects improved. In August 2023 I underwent surgery for Abdominoperineal Resection (Barbie’s bum). After a three week stay in hospital due to complications after surgery I returned home.

I'm currently in surveillance, with blood tests every six months and an annual CT scan. I also have six monthly checkups with the colorectal team. I did have a reoccurrence scare in August 2024 which required further tests. Reassuringly all tests were clear and my next colonoscopy, through my Stoma is August 2027. I suffer from scanxiety and any unusual symptoms I worry about. I try to remain positive and humour helps me cope.

After my surgery I became annoyed at the poor toilet facilities for Ostomates when out in public. This prompted me to write to my MP and he has approached this with members of parliament. I took the time to raise awareness in my workplace and I celebrate that changes were made and they now feature on the Colostomy UK Stoma friendly facilities list.