Megan Beales-Cox, Bristol
I was diagnosed with stage 3 bowel cancer in October 2025. I’m a nurse and I live with my partner, our 18-month-old and four cats.
Initial symptoms
My partner and I decided to try for a baby in 2024. I was training for a cross-country half marathon at the time, but unlike other training I hadn’t been getting any fitter. I put a lot of my tiredness down to work. I also had low iron and went to my GP with blood in my stool. They did a per rectal exam and thought it was probably a spot, so I went home and thought nothing of it.
I shortly after became pregnant. As it was my first pregnancy, I and every other healthcare professional put my symptoms down to being pregnant or post-partum. I had stomach pain, low iron and changes in my stool. After I gave birth, the stomach pain died down but the changes in stool didn't stop. I put it down to the huge amount of change your body goes through when you have a baby.
A long stay in hospital
10 months into motherhood, I presented at A&E with vomiting, diarrhoea, high temperature and severe stomach pain. After a blood test came back with very high infection markers, I had a CT scan that showed lots of inflammation and pus in my abdomen. I had emergency surgery to remove what the doctors thought at this point was a burst appendix.
I woke up from the surgery with the doctors having not taken out my appendix. Instead, I was told that my bowel had perforated and had formed an abscess of pus in my abdomen. They tried to drain it, but they couldn’t. All I wanted for my whole stay in hospital was to get out and be with my son – I didn't really notice how sick I was the whole time. My partner took the month off work and brought our son in every day.
My month stay in hospital ended with me having open bowel surgery and a temporary stoma placed. They had taken a part of my small bowel out, a large chunk of large bowel that had perforated, and my appendix. After this I was able to go home with a diagnosis of diverticular disease and what they thought was endometriosis. My sister came to help me lift my son while I healed and I was home for his birthday. We went to Puzzlewood while I still had clips all the way up my stomach!
A final diagnosis
A month or so later, I was back at work, and I received a two-week-wait letter. I phoned the GP and they told me the findings over the phone. I then went to the clinic the next day to talk to the surgeon and the clinical nurse specialist (CNS) team. It was T4 Stage 3 cancer, having spread to some lymph nodes.
I was in shock when they told me and also went into asking questions like ‘What if they mixed up my histology results, and actually it's not me?’ I went into organising mode and didn't feel upset until I was alone driving one day.
My treatment
I met with an oncologist quite soon after I was diagnosed, and this was more helpful than the surgeon. Having previously worked in chemotherapy before, I was well aware of the treatments on offer and not excited about the idea. I was started in November 2025 on four cycles of CAPOX, a mix of a two-hour infusion of oxaliplatin and tablets to take afterwards.
I was dreading feeling ill from the chemotherapy. For me, one of the worst side effects from the drugs was sensitivity to the cold, especially peripherally. I stocked up on gloves and was given lots of jumpers, hats, scarves and socks – even an electric blanket! I was also so worried about caring for an ever-more mobile one-year-old whilst feeling poorly.
Where I am now
I'm awaiting a second post-treatment scan in June 2026 as the first one was inconclusive. I'm currently back at work and having emotional support from psychology. I think I’m coping okay, but I’m also keeping myself busy. Maybe I’m avoiding thinking too much about the upcoming scan!
Whilst going through the treatment, I had all the support I asked for from my medical team. I also had a lot of emotional and practical support from friends. My old colleagues were amazing and cared for me as a patient and friend, checking in, listening, giving advice and even cooking food.
My old friends and family have also been amazing, coming to appointments all the way from Wales, being there on the phone and even helping us stay warm. My current employer and colleagues have also been so helpful and supportive over the whole time.
I used the Bowel Cancer UK website to help me with lots of my journey. I found the website great for helping me understand my staging. I also found the podcast useful to hear others’ stories. The Bowel Cancer UK forum calmed my anxiety and helped me get through treatment.
I think talking about things helps so much – trying to live life how you need to and just being kind to yourself are so important, along with realising how much emotional support is available for your whole family.
I'm still waiting for stoma reversal. For now, I'm back doing all the things I love – hiking, running, cycling, making art, and, most importantly, playing with my son.
