“I’ve always dealt with bloating and irregular bowel movements, brushing it off as part of life ~ after all, don’t all women experience that? But by the end of 2018, things took a turn for the worse. What started as stomach cramps quickly became unbearable pain after every meal, until even drinking water was agonising. I was constantly fatigued and going to the bathroom up to 15 times a day. Despite these alarming signs, my visits to the doctor led to being told I was simply constipated. I saw multiple specialists, was prescribed pills, and even underwent a laparoscopy, all with no real answers.

Finally, in August 2020, after almost a year of advocating for myself, I was diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer that had already spread to my liver. I was shocked! i had a 5 cm tumor blocking my bowel, and the diagnosis came over the phone, which left me feeling like I was floating outside my body, numb and disconnected.

I met with an incredible medical team, and in August 2019, I had surgery to remove 15 cm of my bowel. Thankfully, the rest of my bowel was clear, and with the help of my loving family, especially my mom who flew in from the UK, I made it through the recovery process with their unwavering support.

But as life would have it, my family was dealt another blow. My mom, who had been by my side through my treatment, soon experienced her own health crisis. She was diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer, and we were stunned. How could this be happening to both of us, just months apart? She, too, faced the rollercoaster of surgery, chemotherapy, and hospital stays. Even though we were miles apart, we became each other’s strength during treatment, encouraging one another to keep fighting.

Despite her incredible bravery, my mum’s health declined, and she passed away after a long, courageous battle. Losing her was heartbreaking, and to this day, I still struggle with accepting her absence. Chemotherapy finished for me in April 2020, but sadly, my mom passed just before my final round.

After my initial remission, my journey continued with more surgeries and treatments as the cancer reappeared in my liver and lymph nodes. Each time, I found myself back in the fight, but I’m here, still standing, still battling.

Throughout this experience, the physical treatments were one thing, but the mental toll has been immense. The looming fear of cancer returning never fully disappears. It’s something I continue to work through with the help of my incredible support system, my family, friends, and doctors.

my hope in sharing my story is to inspire others to listen to their bodies and never stop advocating for their health. early detection is critical, and it can save lives. if you’re experiencing symptoms like unexplained changes in bowel movements, blood in your stool, or fatigue, please get checked. you know your body best, and you deserve to be heard.

i’ve learned to take life one day at a time and focus on the present. despite all the challenges, i’ve found peace in telling my story and encouraging others to do the same.”