"I want people to think 'this could be me' and get checked out immediately if they notice anything out of the ordinary"- Jennifer's story
Jennifer from Co. Laois was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer in September 2023, aged 45. She tells her story to raise awareness about colorectal cancer and to encourage people of all ages, to know the signs to look out for.
“My pain began five years before I was diagnosed. I had an ultrasound, MRIs and CT scans but nothing was discovered. The pain came and went in the right side of my stomach and hip - I was told it was probably my sciatic nerve and general wear and tear.
“Over the past year, my bowel habits began to change, things like colour and frequency. I began to have spasms in my lower back and the ache in my stomach began to move from my right side to my left side - I was very concerned.
“December 2022, I read an article about the actress, Kirstie Alley, who died from colon cancer 7 months after her diagnosis - after a routine visit to her GP for back pain. It was then, only by chance, I became familiar with colon cancer. Learning about her symptoms scared me, I did not like what I was reading and thought some of mine were overly familiar. I immediately requested a colonoscopy from my then GP.
“After the colonoscopy, my consultants discovered a giant polyp on my colon. Upon removal, my biopsies came back as cancerous and had also spread to my lymph nodes. Despite my diagnosis, the relief of knowing what was finally wrong with me, has helped me incredibly.
Jennifer’s chemotherapy began in November and her medical team have stressed that she is incredibly fortunate to have acted on her gut and sought/pushed for further investigation when she did.
“I am a very strong positive person - this is not the end of the world. I think of chemo as progression, it is going to give me back my life. I am very realistic about it.”
Jennifer has found great solace in visiting the Daffodil Centre in the Hermitage hospital.
“The nurse in the Daffodil Centre was amazing, we had a good chat about the pros and cons of all things cancer and chemo! She gave me great advice for chemo preparation, especially many practical tips around managing my side effects”.
As well as being a busy solo Mom of two, Jennifer works providing emotional support to victims of crime in the Irish criminal courts - a role she is deeply passionate about and cannot wait to return to post treatment. However, for now, with the incredible support of her family and close circle of friends, she is focusing on getting better and encouraging others to be aware of changes in their bodies, and to contact their doctor if they notice anything persistent or unusual.
“Even though I had cancer, I have always considered myself extremely lucky. Before I was diagnosed, I was one of many my age and younger, who were not aware of the signs and symptoms of colon cancer - many of which only show at a later stage. My objective is to raise awareness about colorectal cancers. I want people to think ‘this could be me’ and to get themselves checked out immediately if they notice anything out of the ordinary - my persistence is what has saved my life.”
Find further advice and information on colorectal cancer at Symptoms and diagnosis of bowel cancer | Irish Cancer Society, or contact our Freephone Support Line on 1800 200 700 or email SupportLine@IrishCancer.ie
Contact the Irish Cancer Society Support Line
If you have worries or concerns about cancer, you can speak confidentially to an Irish Cancer Society Cancer Nurse through the Freephone Support Line on 1800 200 700.
Monday to Friday, 9.00am - 5.00pm
For more information
Phone
1800 200 700
