As I sit here, reflecting on my journey with stage 4 bowel cancer, I am reminded of the importance of being aware of our bodies and seeking medical attention when something doesn’t feel right. My story is not unique, but it is a reminder that bowel cancer can affect anyone, regardless of age or health status.
It started with fatigue. I was always tired, no matter how much sleep I got. I brushed it off as stress from work or a side effect of being a busy parent. I had also noticed some changes in my bowel movements, but I didn’t think much of it. I had always been regular, but suddenly I was experiencing diarrhea or constipation, and I would often feel like I needed to go, even after I had just gone to the bathroom. Again, I thought it was just a stomach bug or a reaction to something I ate.
However, the symptom that I wish I had seen earlier was the abdominal pain. It started as a dull ache in my lower abdomen, which I initially thought was just a pulled muscle or a side effect of lifting my kids. But the pain persisted, and it started to move to my upper abdomen. I remember one night, I woke up with a sharp pain in my stomach, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong.
It wasn’t until I started experiencing blood in my stool that I realized I needed to see a doctor. I had always been told that blood in the stool was a sign of something serious, and I knew I couldn’t ignore it. I made an appointment with my primary care physician, who referred me to a gastroenterologist for further testing.
The diagnosis was devastating. I was 35 years old, with a wife and two young children, and I had stage 4 bowel cancer. The cancer had spread to my liver and lungs, and I was facing a long and difficult road to recovery.
Looking back, I realize that I ignored or didn’t recognize many of the warning signs of bowel cancer. I was too busy, too stressed, or too embarrassed to seek medical attention. But I hope that by sharing my story, I can encourage others to be more aware of their bodies and to seek medical attention if they notice any unusual changes.
Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide. According to the American Cancer Society, there were over 147,000 new cases of bowel cancer diagnosed in the United States in 2020, and over 53,000 people died from the disease.
The key symptoms of bowel cancer include:
* Blood in the stool or black stools
* Changes in bowel movements, such as diarrhea or constipation
* Abdominal pain or cramping
* Weakness or fatigue
* Weight loss
* Loss of appetite
If you notice any of these symptoms, it is essential to seek medical attention. Your doctor may recommend a colonoscopy, which is a procedure that allows a doctor to visually examine the inside of the colon and rectum. A colonoscopy can detect polyps, which are growths on the lining of the colon that can turn into cancer over time.
In addition to recognizing the warning signs, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing bowel cancer. These include:
* Eating a healthy diet that is high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
* Exercising regularly
* Maintaining a healthy weight
* Not smoking
* Limiting your intake of red and processed meats
My journey with bowel cancer has been difficult, but it has also taught me the importance of being aware of my body and seeking medical attention when something doesn’t feel right. I hope that by sharing my story, I can encourage others to do the same.
