John Arnell, Portsmouth

I was diagnosed with bowel cancer in February 2021, at 45.

In the run up to my diagnosis, I was working as a senior nurse in a rehabilitation ward for patients with long covid. I spent a year working on the front line, wearing full PPE and eating what I could, when I could. I was eating junk food just to have enough energy to get through a 12-and-a-half-hour shift. And so, when I noticed my stools were loose and darker than normal, I just put it down to a bad diet. I was also absolutely knackered, and I had a cramp in my right abdomen, but again I just thought it was due to being on my feet all day.

In December 2020, I had a biopsy for a lump that I had between my ear and jaw and on Christmas Eve I had surgery to remove it. Before the procedure started, my anesthetist realised my iron and hemoglobin levels were extremely low, so he contacted my GP to refer me for further tests. He said to me that I should be on the floor right now and couldn’t understand how I was working long days and cycling to work.

In the new year, my GP contacted me to follow up about my iron and hemoglobin levels and I had more tests. One of which was qFIT, a very sensitive bowel screening test, which found high levels of blood in my poo. I was fast tracked for a colonoscopy as they suspected it could be bowel cancer. Within two weeks, I had the procedure and there on the screen I could see a tumour. I asked the consultant if what I was seeing was correct, and she confirmed that it was true. My head was all over the place. I was numb waiting for my partner to come pick me up.

The next day my colorectal cancer nurse, who was brilliant, phoned me with a plan of action. Soon after I had a CT scan, followed by an appointment with my surgeon – I’m told he’s one of the best in the country. I had a PET scan on my birthday and then on the 22 March I had robotic surgery. I had an extended right hemicolectomy, and they removed 42 lymph nodes although I later found out none were cancerous.

At the end of April I saw my oncologist to discuss my options for chemotherapy. He explained that I could have IV chemo for three months, or oral chemo tablets for six months. We went through the pros and cons, and I opted for the six months of tablets. But in hindsight I think I should’ve gone for the most intensive three-month option, as I was just left feeling nauseous for six months. Also, no one tells you that you need to keep your fluids up, at one point I was in hospital for dehydration which was very scary.

I didn’t want to stop doing anything during chemotherapy, so I carried on working but from home. My hands were swelling due to the treatment, covered in blisters and very sore, but I didn’t want to rest. I needed to carry on working and to have something to focus on.

I wanted to prove to myself that I could do anything during chemotherapy. I volunteered twice a week at the local Royal Marines cadet unit where I was an instructor. I play hockey at a high level for an over 40s team and we reached a cup final at the Olympic Village in London. I was awarded by Hockey England as a key forward in their Team of the Year 2021, as well as winning keeper of the year within the club and 3rd team player of the year. Throughout treatment, I also umpired games and coached the junior team too. The hockey club were impressed with my dedication to the team during treatment so they made me a life member.  

I think in hindsight I should’ve rested more, and it’s only now that I’ve finished treatment and had good scan results, that I’m processing what has happened to me. I didn’t allow any time for the news to sink in but I’m now getting the support I need to help with my anxiety, especially around the cancer coming back.

It’s taken a huge toll on my family too; my son was hugely affected. My partner has been brilliant throughout. She organised a Jubilee street party and raised over £200 for Bowel Cancer UK. We had a raffle and I spoke about my diagnosis and treatment.

You can still achieve things and fight your way through cancer. Without the amazing care and early diagnosis from my local hospital I wouldn't be here today.