‘Colon-aid’ the Yeovil District Bowel Cancer Support Group
Site last updated 26th November 2008
Debra's Story
My symptoms started when I was 47 years old although, in hindsight, it probably started 18 months previous to that. They were mainly tiredness and rectal bleeding which I had had in the past but was diagnosed as a bleeding pile. This was treated with an injection which subsequently cured the problem so when the bleeding commenced again, I automatically assumed I was suffering from the previous problem. It was not until this had been ongoing for 18 months and the bleeding had increased that I decided – with the persistence of a friend who works in the medical profession – to contact my GP for an assessment. He subsequently diagnosed yet another bleeding pile and referred me to a specialist for the same test I’d had before. Using a scope, he noticed a growth above the pile which was bleeding. A blood test, colonoscopy, MRI & CT scans followed and I was diagnosed with bowel cancer. 2 weeks later I was operated on – which resulted in a temporary ileostomy. Initially, the surgeon thought the growth was a Dukes A but it had spread to one of my lymph nodes and was reclassified Dukes C so, following surgery, I commenced 6 months of chemotherapy every 2 weeks – 5Fu and Oxaliplatin. Unfortunately the chemo resulted in 90% loss of hair and severe neuropathy to hands and feet. My ileostomy was reversed 10 months after the initial operation – earlier than expected due to the severe neuropathy that I continue to suffer from. I returned to work a year and 2 months after diagnosis, although on a part time basis. At the end of August 2007, I was admitted to hospital with severe abdominal pains which were eventually diagnosed as a bowel obstruction. This was caused by adhesions (scar tissue) which had wrapped themselves around the bowel, strangling it. This resulted in me having major surgery and also the removal of my appendix. I started work again 6 weeks later. At the moment, I enjoy good health but still suffer with severe neuropathy.
My symptoms started when I was 47 years old although, in hindsight, it probably started 18 months previous to that. They were mainly tiredness and rectal bleeding which I had had in the past but was diagnosed as a bleeding pile. This was treated with an injection which subsequently cured the problem so when the bleeding commenced again, I automatically assumed I was suffering from the previous problem. It was not until this had been ongoing for 18 months and the bleeding had increased that I decided – with the persistence of a friend who works in the medical profession – to contact my GP for an assessment. He subsequently diagnosed yet another bleeding pile and referred me to a specialist for the same test I’d had before. Using a scope, he noticed a growth above the pile which was bleeding. A blood test, colonoscopy, MRI & CT scans followed and I was diagnosed with bowel cancer. 2 weeks later I was operated on – which resulted in a temporary ileostomy. Initially, the surgeon thought the growth was a Dukes A but it had spread to one of my lymph nodes and was reclassified Dukes C so, following surgery, I commenced 6 months of chemotherapy every 2 weeks – 5Fu and Oxaliplatin. Unfortunately the chemo resulted in 90% loss of hair and severe neuropathy to hands and feet. My ileostomy was reversed 10 months after the initial operation – earlier than expected due to the severe neuropathy that I continue to suffer from. I returned to work a year and 2 months after diagnosis, although on a part time basis. At the end of August 2007, I was admitted to hospital with severe abdominal pains which were eventually diagnosed as a bowel obstruction. This was caused by adhesions (scar tissue) which had wrapped themselves around the bowel, strangling it. This resulted in me having major surgery and also the removal of my appendix. I started work again 6 weeks later. At the moment, I enjoy good health but still suffer with severe neuropathy.