Rob Allen, Ellesmere Port
I was diagnosed with bowel cancer in July 2019, aged 42.
Prior to my diagnosis, I'd began to notice the walk to work was talking longer. I was tired far more than was usual despite a full night's sleep. I'd have occasional diarrhoea attacks where it was almost like I would empty myself, then normal for a few days then repeat. I had noticed I'd lost a lot of weight but as we'd changed diets owing to my wife's diabetes diagnosis I'd written it off as eating better. But then I developed an ache in my side which didn't go after a few days so went to see the GP. We both thought it was a pulled muscle and agreed see how I was. It didn't go away so on the second visit the GP asked me to book a blood test.
The day before that was due I’d got home from work and was basically asleep on my feet my wife asked me to go to hospital. I was too tired and asked her to ring the GP in the morning. She did and the GP took one look at me and sent me to hospital. It turned out I was chronically anaemic and a CT scan revealed a growth on my large intestine. The specialist recommended blood transfusions and would then operate to remove the growth.
In June I had an operation to remove the tumour. I remember it being 9am as I went into theatre and my next clear memory is seeing the clock in recovery saying 4:45pm. After the operation I was diagnosed with stage 3 bowel cancer. This was a shock, the specialist could see how worried my wife and me were and quickly reassured us he felt they'd got it in time but I would need chemotherapy.
I was in hospital for eight days in total and discharged five days after my operation.
When I saw the specialist in June at the Countess of Chester he referred me to the colorectal team at Clatterbridge Hospital. There it was agreed I'd start CAPOX unfortunately this really disagreed with me I lost control on my bowel, fouling the bed in my sleep a couple of times, as well as being chronically sick. It was agreed to switch me to FOLFOX and this was kinder to me. I coped much better, with no more accidents and whilst feeling sick but wasn't throwing up.
I did find a lot of inner strength, I was determined not to let cancer beat me and the support I had made it easier. I never knew I could be so determined and focused until my bowel cancer diagnosis.
Nearly seven years post treatment, I've finished my yearly scans in 2024 and am doing well. I still do have the odd moment where I realise I'm lucky to be alive. I'm a lot more positive post cancer, embrace the opportunity to try new things — it gave me a fresh outlook on life.
I'm proof it can be beaten and never be afraid to ask questions, the nurses and specialists will always try their best to answer and assist if they can. The biggest thing, and it's something I say to anyone, if you're ever in doubt about your symptoms please get them checked. The earlier it's caught the better.
