A "Bowel Babe" Disciple
- Christine Amyes, 61, noticed changes in her bowel movements late last year, and when her bathroom trips became even more frequent, she thankfully went and got checked. It was bowel cancer (also known as colon cancer).
- Like many other bowel cancer survivors in the United Kingdom, Christine was made aware of the disease’s symptoms by following the late Deborah James, the beloved BBC Host who went by “Bowl Babe” to raise awareness up until the day she died at age 40.
- Christine is thankfully now cancer-free, though now unable to go to the bathroom naturally, she has had to live with a stoma bag, Nevertheless, she is counting her blessings and so grateful she made it through such a challenging battle.
Although the mom-of-two, was not experiencing any other symptoms, her doctor luckily did the right thing and ordered testing.
Read MoreA colostomy bag is a plastic bag connected from the abdominal wall to the digestive tract, since some bowel cancer patients are unable to use the bathroom naturally.
“It's been a real roller-coaster, but my family have been my amazing support network and my four-year-old granddaughter Alex has kept all our spirits up all the way through,” Christine told Manchester Evening News. ” … of course, she doesn't really understand what's going on, but she's been wonderful.”
The retired housing association director mentioned that she has always been very “cautious and careful” with future plans, but is using this massive curveball to just seize the day in a way, living in the now.
“That's what I am trying to pass on to my family as well, to make the very most of every day," she said.
Inspired by “Bowel Babe” Deborah James
Like many other bowel cancer survivors in the United Kingdom, Christine was made aware of the disease’s symptoms by following the late Deborah James, the beloved BBC Host who went by “Bowl Babe” to raise awareness up until the day she died at age 40.
"I followed Deborah James' story and she was just so inspiring,”The fact she has been able to raise awareness on a subject matter that is still so taboo has really helped me in my journey.
Christine admits that the bowel cancer battle, from tests to the treatment, is “horrible,” but, like the late James, urges that we talk about it more.
“If just one person gets checked because of something I've said, it will be worth it,” Christine said.
Thankfully, Christine is now on the other end and has recently been deemed “cancer-free.”
Now getting even more involved with the cancer community, Christine is participating in the Manchester Shine event with 10 family members: husband Roy, and her two daughters, Sarah, 31, and Helen, 35.
Christine says she understands more about the importance of cancer research, and credits research to the fact that she’s still here today.
“Life is different now and it has its challenges getting used to the stoma and all of that, but I'm looking forward to being able to get together with my family and raise some money to give something back.”
Understanding Symptoms of Bowel Cancer
Bowel cancer is a general term for cancer that begins in the large bowel, says the National Health Service. In the UK, bowel cancer is one of the most common types of cancer diagnosed. It typically presents in people over the age of 60.
In the United States, colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in both men and women, excluding skin cancers.
Unfortunately, more and more cases are occurring in younger people, but symptoms are still getting overlooked.
Dr. Paul Oberstein, director of the Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology Program at NYU Langone's Perlmutter Cancer Center, previously told SurvivorNet a few common symptoms of the disease to look out for:
- Change in bowel movements sudden changes to the size, consistency or caliber of stool
- Change in stool color bright red or black stool is a sign that an individual should seek medical attention
- Pain in the abdomen unusual discomfort or bloating of the stomach. In the case of women, pain isn't related to the menstrual cycle.
- Sudden and unexplained weight loss rapid drop in weight that isn't the result of diet or exerciseAnemia Individuals who feel a general sense of malaise or faintness, or are constantly tired or weak much more than usual, may want to consult a doctor.
Many symptoms of bowel cancer are similar to those of irritable bowel syndrome, so make sure to consult with your doctor.
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