How I found out I had colorectal cancer was through a national bowel screening program.

When I first learned the news, I was optimistic. I had kidney cancer in 2018 and thought in my innocence that bowel cancer couldn't be much worse – operation and recovery-wise.

As per my doctor’s recommendation, I had a partial proctectomy (removal of a part of rectum) and 13 lymph nodes removed. Post-op I took painkillers and post-reversal of my temporary ostomy, I took similar painkillers plus Imodium. Apart from the inability to eat my favorite food as a result of the ileostomy bag, I was just worried it would burst.

The lymph nodes were all clear so no chemo was needed initially. But the cancer later jumped to the lungs so I then had six months of chemo. I was on FOLFOX, the dose of which was reduced early in treatment then reduced again. Subsequently, Oxaliplatin was removed from the regimen completely.

After deciding on the treatment plan, I just got on with it. There was no point worrying; it was not like me. But well, if I’d known what I know now, I’d have kept my bag. I’m also very glad I didn’t bother with a wig – I just had my head shaved halfway through chemo and wore hats.

I now have CT scans every three months. My treatment is in a public hospital and I pay 80 Euros per month on prescriptions.

The most severe side effect I had was diarrhea from the post-ileostomy bag reversal. I was taking constant trips to the toilet with LARS. Pain in the rectum, never feeling completely emptied, disturbed nights with multiple trips to the bathroom. I was also nervous leaving the house. There didn't seem to be any easing of the side effects with LARS.

Then chemo was difficult. During chemo my sense of smell severely heightened. I wish I’d known how sensitive I would become to smells. On my few good days during chemo I did as much as I could do. I was also suffering from fatigue and appetite loss.

After starting treatment, my nutrition and diet changed the most. I always had an extremely healthy diet – lots of home-grown vegetables, fruits, etc. I loved salads and brown bread. I was able to eat while I had the ileostomy bag and more so after the reversal.

In terms of what I’ll be doing in the future, I don't really make plans. I need to change my elderly worn out car but would like to get a few more clear CT scans first. I might get my teeth sorted (they seem to have melted and changed color), but if the outlook is not positive I’d prefer to leave the money saved to a few of my favorite charities.

My treatment in the hospital was excellent – prompt appointments, excellent care.

After being diagnosed with cancer, challenges in my social life and relationships with loved ones have had the biggest effect on me. I take things a day at time and enjoy the little things in life.

I didn't really fear anything to the best of my knowledge or memory. But if and when I'm told there’s no hope I'll probably cry. I just keep busy when I am able.

Today I’m worn out and a bit angry as the cancer was missed in a routine colonoscopy the previous October.

Coming from one of the biggest worriers ever, I have no idea why I remained calm throughout my journey. I remember a partner telling me once when I was in an awful state over a family member "Does worrying change the outcome?” I told him I could not help worrying, that was just the way I was. But when diagnosed, I went crazy cleaning bookcases and tearing up paperwork and attempting to declutter. After that I resigned myself to the idea that there’s no point in worrying, it won't change anything. No explaining the sudden change in mindset other than younger people with young families going through the same and worse. In saying that, I'd like a few more years.

My practical advice would to be have the following:

• A brightly colored file that’s easy to put your hands on for paperwork such as contact numbers, prescriptions, hospital’s advice, etc
• A pillbox with days of the week on it
• A fleece blanket to put over oneself during chemo
• Sick bags next to the bed
• Mattress protection pads in case of accidents related to bag spill or as a result of LARS

Also drink lots of fluids.