#Thisisbowelcancer

Throughout Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, (April) Bowel cancer UK have been shining a light on how people affected by bowel cancer are feeling right now, and how their lives may have changed after a particularly difficult year.

They asked people to join the #thisisbowelcancer campaign, sharing one word to describe how they’re feeling.

I’ve spent all month reflecting on my experiences and trying to figure out what word is “my” word.

It’s tough as there are some days I’m feeling lucky and greatful, some where I’m sad and feel unlucky, some where I’m a bit indifferent.

There is not a day I don’t think about it now, since my stoma was fashioned, that I tend to daily, I have a reminder of that bugger that is cancer.

It really is as simple as my mood in that moment.

I’m greatful that cancer has given me a kick up the botty (pass me a wit award) and lucky that it made me focus on my life priorities, my family and friends.

I’m greatful that I’ve become more aware of my physical health and lucky that I can work out now way more than I ever did in my twenties (am I lucky my husband sneakily signed me up for a 10km next month?! 😉)

I’m greatful that I realised I do have courage and can face and overcome experiences that are truely horrendous and scary, being lucky to have amazing support from Mr J, ickle J, mofo, popsicle, puffa, clank et all.

I’m greatful that my lust for life was heightened and I have been lucky enough to experience climbing Kilimanjaro, crossing the Sahara, trekking Machu Picchu, running charity events and cheering my marathon runner husband on (another adrenaline adventure to be planned for Nov ’22)

I’m sad that cancer treatment ravaged my body, and feel unlucky that I’ve had two diagnosis.

I’m sad that Lynch Syndrome totally messes with my brain, and massively unlucky to be a rare de novo case.

I’m sad that I have an ileostomy, and unlucky that it is not an experience that runs smoothly.

I’m sad that we had to really overthink having a child and unlucky that some of my medical reports were not accurate, skewing my decision making.

There are so many different emotions that come with any kind of cancer or genetic disease, and any small thing can affect ones perspective, so I try really hard to keep on the more positive / lucky side of life. 🍀

My head has mulled it over and over throughout the month, and as the awareness month closes I think this is the best fit…

If you are affected by bowel cancer please check out the support available here

If you’re affected by any cancer do reach out to the NHS, Macmillan and specialist support organisations. ♥

And for good measure, and cos it would be remiss of me not to sneak in more awareness….

Possible symptoms of bowel cancer CRUK

The symptoms of bowel (colorectal) cancer in men and women can include:

• bleeding from the back passage (rectum) or blood in your poo
• a change in your normal bowel habit, such as looser poo, pooing more often or constipation
• a lump that your doctor can feel in your back passage or tummy (abdomen), more commonly on the right side
• a feeling of needing to strain in your back passage (as if you need to poo), even after opening your bowels
• losing weight
• pain in your abdomen or back passage
• tiredness and breathlessness caused by a lower than normal level of red blood cells (anaemia)

Sometimes cancer can block the bowel. This is called a bowel obstruction. The symptoms include:

• cramping pains in the abdomen
• feeling bloated
• constipation and being unable to pass wind
• being sick

A bowel obstruction is an emergency. You should see your doctor quickly or go to A&E at your nearest hospital if you think you have a bowel obstruction.

#bowelcancer #lynchsyndrome #thisisbowelcancer #cancer #emotions #feelings