Ashleigh Wolsey, Surrey

I was diagnosed with stage 3 bowel cancer in September 2024, aged 37.

I'd been experiencing trouble with my bowel movements for some time, like seeing blood when going to the toilet, not feeling like my bowels had completely emptied, pain and constipation. Eventually it was happening enough for me to book a doctor’s appointment. All my tests came back negative including my FIT test but because the symptoms weren’t easing off and because my dad died from stomach cancer, I was referred for a colonoscopy.

During the appointment I was told straight away that I had a tumour and it looked cancerous. I was diagnosed stage 3 bowel cancer because the tumour was quite far down in my rectum and had started to spread into my lymph nodes.

The diagnosis came at a huge shock, it’s just not something you expect to hear especially in your 30’s when the typical screening for bowel cancer doesn’t start until you reach your 50’s. I was in a complete bubble for weeks not knowing what was going to happen especially after witnessing the pain and fight my dad had to go through.

I was booked in to have a Lower Anterior Resection in October 2024 and a loop ileostomy. 15cm of my bowel was removed alongside the surrounding lymph nodes. Two out of the 22 nodes that were removed came back positive so it was then decided I needed chemotherapy. I had my portocath fitted, followed by four rounds of chemotherapy. Following the success of chemo I was then back in for surgery in June 2025 to have my ileostomy reversed and a parastomal hernia repair.

Every part of my treatment was very hard to cope with: physically and mentally. I’ve always been an active person that loves to socialise and have never experienced illness like this. Physically after the bowel surgeries I could barely walk, shower myself or get dressed. The smallest of tasks were so exhausting.

I was also learning how to cope with a stoma and a full night’s sleep became a thing of the past. Chemo made me very sick, I would spends up to nine days in bed or on the sofa but I managed to work from home on the days I felt ok. Chemo affected me mentally too, I really struggled to get through it, but I did. Overall the whole journey really battered my self-confidence. I put on weight from all the treatment; I hated my stoma and am full of scars.

I’m pleased to say I am almost a year in remission. My six month surveillance tests came back clear and I’m no longer required to have a colonoscopy for another three years. I’m eight months post my stoma reversal and hernia repair and my body has healed well but it’s still very much up and down. My immune system is still a little weak and I do still suffer with a neuropathy in my hands and feet from the chemo. Having cancer changes you as a person, one minute life can be beautiful, you’ve just moved home, about to start planning a wedding and then the bomb hits. You’re literally just in survival mode and take each day as it comes. Fast forward to today and I’m creating the life I want on my own. I’m focusing on nourishing my body, putting my healing first, back to being active with caution, working on my confidence and wanting to travel as much as I can to make up for lost time.

My family and friends were my biggest support. Every word of encouragement, every hug, every cup of tea, every flower or gift delivery is what got me through.

I found Bowel Cancer UK when I set up my cancer journey Instagram page and the education they share, the stories and the awareness has been so helpful for me.

I guess what I'd like to leave is that always listen to your body and be aware of the symptoms. Find the pleasures in life and take the risks. Most importantly do what makes you happy!