Kelli Zanelato, London
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My journey started two years ago in August 2020 when I was diagnosed with stage 3 bowel cancer. I knew something had changed as I was going to the toilet many times a day. I went to the GP, but it was dismissed as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Over a three month period, I went back and forth to the GP and they referred me for all different types of tests and scans. Everything came back normal, but I was fed up of making frequent trips to the loo.
Eventually I asked my GP to refer me for a colonoscopy, and straight after the procedure they told me I had bowel cancer and it was aggressive. I was only 35, my whole life came crashing down – at that time my little boy was only 18 months.
I had major surgery with a temporary stoma (ileostomy). This was then followed up with chemotherapy, and after I’d finished treatment I was told I didn’t have any cancer in my body. But that happiness didn’t last too long.
After severe abdominal pain, I had more scans and was told that the cancer was back. And to make the news so much worse, it was spreading very fast to my ovaries, uterus, colon, rectum, gallbladder, and spleen. I was in surgery for 18 hours to remove all the affected organs and now my stoma is permanent.
I honestly thought that I wouldn’t make it, I spent eight days in intensive care and a further 20 days in hospital.
A few months later, I was back in hospital again as I had a bowel obstruction and the cancer had spread further to my kidneys and liver. I was told I had three months to live. I spent two months in hospital (63 days), it was incredibly difficult especially being away from little boy and husband.
I’m back on chemotherapy, eating more and I’m at home with my family. I’m back exercising and trying to lead a normal and happy life.
My latest PET scan showed another new node, but I’m not giving up. I’m here to tell you that no matter how hard life is, you can always fight back. It makes you unique. It’s certainly made me appreciate life more and be grateful for the little things.
No matter what you’re facing, have faith and live your life today without worrying about the future.
