Kathryn Duncan, Edinburgh
In 2022, the coverage of Dame Deborah James’s death made me realise I was experiencing bowel cancer symptoms and helped me receive an early diagnosis.
The moment that changed my life
I always thought of myself as a happy and healthy person living my life as fully as possible. I never imagined that cancer could strike in my mid-thirties.
In 2022, I started experiencing symptoms like urgently needing the loo as soon as I woke up in the morning or right after eating and bright red blood in my poo. This went on for about seven months and I was back and forth to the GP. They thought it could be anything but cancer given my age.
When the news broke that Dame Deborah James had sadly died, I realised I had all the symptoms she’d described. This was the final push I needed to go back to my GP and request a colonoscopy. That was the start of a rollercoaster that I couldn’t get off.
The colonoscopy found a tumour and I remember the surgeon saying, “This is the source of your problem.” It was the most life-changing moment I have ever experienced.
My treatment
I needed a scan to see if the cancer had spread before a treatment plan could be created. The colorectal (relating to the bowel or rectum) department at the hospital were amazing and supported me at every step. Thankfully the cancer was at an early stage and hadn’t spread and I was able to have surgery to remove the tumour soon after.
After surgery I felt a surge of pure elation because I was out on the other side after the most physically painful thing I’ve been through.
My incredible support system
Once I finally got diagnosed the medical team at the hospital were incredible. The first nurse I spoke to, Sue, became my care giver and reference point. I could hardly speak through crying when I had to call the number from the hospital pamphlet and got through to Sue.
My friends, family and partner were nothing short of amazing. I decided to only tell my immediate family and a few friends until I knew what the prognosis was and had my treatment plan. My partner made the calls to my parents and my work for me. There’s no way I could have pivoted so quickly without him.
My biggest advice would be to phone a helpline or join a support group as soon as you can. No one can support you quite like other people going through the same thing.
Finding my inner peace
What I’ve learned about cancer is that you have to focus on getting through each step to the other side. This can be living and dealing with treatment as it comes, while still being yourself.
I found the mental side of things to be the hardest part of it all. The ‘what ifs?’ are unimaginable to those who haven’t joined ‘club cancer’ and can really take a toll. Yet there is also a huge amount of hope and strength to be found in sitting and being exactly where you are in the moment — right in the middle of the mud.
My friend told me to not see cancer as a battle because this means there is an element of ‘failure’ if things don’t go to plan. Instead, I should see it as an experience, something to move through not fight against. This helped me find internal peace throughout the process.
Moving forward
The aftermath was no easy feat. Life seemed to slip back to normal despite the fact I’d just been through cancer. It can be hard for others to understand what you’ve been through and getting back to normality without the comfort of your medical team around you can be daunting.
I’m now two years cancer free, which is an important milestone. I feel strong and ready to move forward.
I’d advise anyone to choose to live now, don’t wait for anything. Tomorrow is promised to no one and this is the most liberating, joyful, freeing fact of life. Also, don’t forget to laugh. It really will get you through anything.
