Nikki Penrice, Oxfordshire
I was diagnosed with bowel cancer in December 2021, whilst 32 weeks pregnant with our second child, aged 33.
During my pregnancy I had been suffering with severe morning sickness, a change in bowel habit with frequent toilet visits that was attributed to my pregnancy. At one point I lost my voice from being sick so much.
I was being treated with several anti-sickness medications and hospital admissions every other day for dehydration, as I couldn't even keep water down, periods of time away from home, feeling low and emotionally drained.
In November 2021, my consultant requested an ultrasound on my bladder due to recurring UTI’s and the sonographer was concerned seeing a shadow near my bowel. Four days later it was confirmed that it was a mass.
A week later further tests, which included MRI and sigmoidoscopy (no sedation as I was pregnant and unable to have anyone with me due to covid restrictions) and six days later I was told I had bowel cancer. Although it was a shock, it was a relief to know what was wrong with me. I was very focused on making sure my girl arrived safely, this gave me focus and strength. I decided to face the cancer part once I knew she was ok.
It was decided that I would be induced and my daughter Connie safely arrived on the 21 December.
Unfortunately, after I left hospital I started bleeding and my health was declining. I went back to hospital with a perforated bowel and two days later had lifesaving surgery to remove the tumour. I was told that they removed 75 lymph nodes but none were cancerous. A few days later I had more surgery to fit a temporary stoma.
In March I started chemotherapy, three months of Capecitabine and Oxaliplatin and in July 2022 I had stoma reversal surgery.
All while juggling a newborn and toddler. I couldn’t have done it without the support of family and friends and celebrating completely every little stage.
I’m now under a five year surveillance programme, which includes six monthly bloods and a yearly CT scan. It’s harder now dealing with the aftereffects and the worry for the future, I'll need further surgeries for repair and reconstruction soon, but I need to build my strength first.
