#PassItOn: Having treatment for bowel cancer at hospital

Hannah’s treatment for bowel cancer involved regular visits to hospital for chemotherapy, radiotherapy and two surgeries. Her positive hospital experience was thanks to the support of her healthcare team and some hospital bag creature comforts. 

Receiving my diagnosis 

I had my bowel cancer diagnosis in February 2024. It was quite a long process, as I’d had my initial colonoscopy in November 2023 and was told immediately that they’d found a polyp that was very likely to be cancerous. The wait for confirmation seemed like a lifetime and I had numerous scans and biopsies before the final diagnosis was delivered. 

My cancer had spread into the muscle outside the bowel and there were lymph nodes around my bowel and pelvis that needed removing. My consultant said the likely course of treatment would be surgery and then chemotherapy and radiotherapy. I was terrified by the diagnosis and felt overwhelmed by everything I was being told. The nurses were amazing at breaking down everything the consultant said and in reassuring me that my cancer was treatable. 

Starting treatment 

I had three young children and was terrified about what the future held. I almost felt anxious to start treatment immediately. But then my treatment plan was changed to having surgery a few months after chemotherapy and radiotherapy, instead of before. At that point, I realised I needed to go with the flow and let the consultants do what they do best. 

Managing my chemotherapy and radiotherapy 

I had five weeks of daily chemotherapy and radiotherapy at hospital. The radiographers were amazing and I got to know the team well. I saw some of the same patients every day as well and it soon became a familiar routine. 

I found the radiotherapy a weird process, as you lie on a table for a couple of minutes while the machine rotates around you and then you’re done — it was so hard to figure out how it could be working. 

As the weeks progressed, I started experiencing some of the side effects I’d been warned about. The main one was radiation enteritis (inflammation of the intestines that occurs after radiation therapy), which meant my tummy became really sensitive and I had to adapt my diet to lessen the symptoms. In a way I didn’t mind this, as I knew it meant the treatment was having some effect. 

Waiting for surgery 

I found the time between finishing my chemotherapy and radiotherapy and my follow-up scans one of the hardest. It felt so hard not knowing if the treatment had worked. I wanted my life to return to normal during this time, so I went back to work and the gym. I kept busy running around after my children and we went on holiday to Spain, which was so lovely. All of this helped me stay as positive as possible. 

Four months after finishing chemotherapy and radiotherapy, scans showed I’d responded well. But I was told I’d need to have a bowel resection operation to remove the area that was affected by the cancer, along with some lymph nodes, to reduce the risk of the cancer coming back. I also needed to have a temporary stoma. This appointment was overwhelming, but the follow-up meeting with my nurse was so invaluable to help me understand exactly what was going to happen. 

My two surgeries 

Weirdly, I couldn’t wait for my operation. I wanted the cancer out of my body.  

Knowing I’d have a temporary stoma, I found people on Instagram living with a stoma to understand what my life might be like. My stoma nurses were incredible in helping me to prepare and I attended a useful ‘bowel school’ session at the hospital for people having bowel surgery. 

Being active after my surgery helped my mental health. I went for a walk every day in the early days, going further each time, before starting some gentle gym sessions after about six weeks. 

Five weeks after my surgery, I got the incredible news that no cancer had been found in any of the tissue or lymph nodes that had been removed — the chemotherapy and radiotherapy had zapped all the cancer away. 

Then I got the news my bowel had healed enough to have my stoma reversed. I felt more prepared for this operation having been in hospital for my resection, but I was still very nervous. 

I’m currently six-weeks post-reversal and doing well. My tummy gets unsettled at times and I’m still experiencing some discomfort, but I’m learning to manage it. 

Life after treatment 

I’ll have follow-up scans and colonoscopies every year for five years and I already feel nervous about that. Even though I’m now officially cancer-free, I’m so scared that it might return. But my experience of going to hospital for my treatment and surgeries was so positive and my healthcare givers were supportive and reassuring, so I know they’ll help me through whatever comes next too.

Hannah’s #PassItOn essential hospital creature comforts 

• Take plenty of things to keep you occupied, like downloading programmes to a device to watch 

• Long chargers for devices are handy, as plug sockets can be far away from your bed 

• A cosy dressing gown and slippers are a must, but don’t overpack as you’ll likely stay in your hospital gown most of the time 

• It’s worth checking the suggested packing list from the hospital so you don’t take things you don’t need. I took towels without realising my hospital gave you them when you were there 

• If you’re lucky enough to have loved ones offering to come and visit you; take advantage! Looking forward to their visits helps the day go quicker 

 

• Learn more about bowel cancer treatment
• Find out how you can get involved with our #PassItOn campaign this April