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A health journey

Recently, I had a little friend hitch a ride with me for a while. Although I, like many my age, participated in a bowel cancer screening routine for several years, I was one of the 20% who tested negative, but was actually positive. The simple reason is that not all tumours bleed, or don’t bleed on the day of testing. My friend was confused and just wanted to keep growing. I welcomed him with kindness but also explained that he would need to move on voluntarily or be moved on for the greater good. I visited my GP and reported blood spotting and vague abdominal discomfort.

I was referred for colonoscopy with Waitemata District Health. Within a month I had the colonoscopy, was diagnosed with a malignant mass in the anterior bowel, was booked in for CT scan and MRI scan, and had had consultation with a nurse specialist and surgeon. After surgery five weeks from referral, and five days in Ward 8 North Shore Hospital,

I am convalescing at home with a followup plan for next five years. I received best possible histology report results. No chemo, no radiation, just scans. Some lessons:

1. Listen to your body, regardless of screening tests. Speak up if uncomfortable.

2. Trust that professionals are here to help. Totally.

3. There being no other evidence, rely only on good. The body, emotions and mental health will heal more quickly and stronger.

4. Avail yourself of the support and literature provided by your health professional. I had no questions that went unanswered.

5. Take it all one day at a time.

6. These words would not be complete unless I emphasise my heartfelt gratitude to the nursing and doctor staff, the caterers and phlebotomists, the social