Marie Bennett, Buckinghamshire

I was diagnosed with advanced bowel cancer in January 2024, aged 43.

I had been suffering from stomach issues for a while, including a change in toilet habits and chest pains. I was told I had gallstones and had my gallbladder removed in March 2023. My symptoms still continued and eventually worsened. I had numerous doctor visits and it was assumed that I either had IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), intolerances and once in A&E the admin team wrote down that my pain was likely to be due to anxiety!

On New Year’s Day 2024 I took myself to A&E in tears with an intense right shoulder pain, fatigue, immediate need to go to the toilet after eating and a two stone weight loss. I was prescribed codeine and told to arrange blood tests with my GP.

After visiting my GP I was examined and sent for blood tests, the results showed many raised levels and concern, and I was referred for a CT scan. However, whilst waiting for the scan I developed chest pains and ended up in A&E where they found that I had a blood clot on my lungs. I was then scanned and after an hour wait I was taken into a side room where my whole world was ripped apart (or so it felt like at the time).

I was told by the loveliest doctor whose face I'll never forget that they found metastatic disease in my liver with multiple legions. I had no idea what this meant and then I heard the word cancer and spread and I think the world paused for a while. At this point they were unsure where it had originated from, I had a liver biopsy two days later and within a week it was confirmed that my primary cancer was in my bowel.

It was a total shock, especially after already having my gallbladder removed and numerous GP and hospital visits. I had been feeling so ill for a long time, I was so angry initially that this was happening to me.

I was told that due to the extent of the cancer in my liver I was inoperable, and my treatment would be palliative, I was 43 years old and this was devastating. I'll never forget having to tell my family; it’s something that I wouldn’t wish on anyone.

I started my chemo a month later and had 12 sessions of folfirinox; I lost my hair, gained weight and spent a lot of time on the toilet. The oxaliplatin gave me neuropathy, which was awful at the time but fortunately stopped shortly after the infusions finished. It was hard going but I was so lucky to have such a great support network in my family and friends.

After a Pet scan I was told I had responded so well to treatment that I could now have a liver resection. I had to wait a while until all of the chemo was out of my body and I had recovered. I had 75% of my liver removed in January 2025, rescanned six months later where the liver and bowel showed no signs of cancer, but a couple of tiny nodules found in the lungs. I had to start chemo again.

After a stable scan in December 2025, I was told I could remove one of the chemo drugs and continue with maintenance chemotherapy without the need of steroids and injections. It'll still be fortnightly and ongoing. The target therapy cetuximab has caused my skin including face, chest, back and scalp to be really sore and spotty. I’ve always had great skin and I’ve found this really difficult.

I do feel fortunate that I was able to have surgery and so far have defeated the odds but I'm obviously scared and anxious about what the future holds. Sadly, I've lost several people from cancer during my journey, including two wonderful, strong women and my best friend’s dad, this disease really doesn’t discriminate.

I’m just trying to carry on as normal as possible and continue to travel, watch live bands and I’m adamant that I'll be around to see my girls into adulthood – who are currently 13 and 18.  

The nurses in my treatment ward have been fantastic and offer so much support, there’s also a cancer care team that have become like friends. They'll pop in and see you during chemo and offer advice and support if you need it or will just make you a cup of tea and we moan about our teenage children.

My employers have been extremely supportive with sick pay, reduced hours and checking in on me all the time. My family have been amazing and I’m very lucky to have such a wonderful network of friends.