He first noticed a problem when he went to the toilet and saw that the toilet pan was covered in blood. He made an appointment with a locum GP straight away, who reassured him that it was likely to be haemorrhoids. He felt relieved and went on a planned holiday with his wife, where he experienced several attacks of diarrhoea. On his return, he was asked to contact the doctors immediately and was then referred to a consultant. His consultant examined him and diagnosed him with colorectal cancer. He found his consultant’s straight-talking and casual attitude helpful, as there was no beating around the bush. At first the diagnosis didn’t sink in, it wasn’t until he went home and told his wife that he fully comprehended it. He underwent biopsies and various tests.

He was started on radiotherapy. During treatment he developed a temperature and severe pain in his lower regions. He reported it to his GP but was told not to worry. His condition continued to worsen and he demanded to see someone as he was in a lot of pain. He was referred straight to A&E where he was diagnosed with perianal sinus and given antibiotics. Unfortunately the treatment didn’t work and he started to experience convulsions. It was a horrible experience and one that he felt could have been avoided. He underwent an operation on his perianal sinus and then had surgery a week later to remove the cancerous tumour. He was in hospital for about 5 weeks. He explained that he took a long time to heal from the perianal sinus and that the aftercare was gruelling and high maintenance. Although it had been a difficult and painful experience everything eventually healed. He explained that he also suffered from a deep depression after his major surgery but received great support from a Macmillan cancer nurse who said that it was a likely reaction to the anaesthetic. He explained that it was an uncontrollable reaction which made him anxious about future surgeries.

He went back to hospital to have his temporary colostomy reversed. He explained that it took him about 4 months to feel anything like normal again. He was also given electro-stimulation to the anus to reduce any leakage. He said that this helped to an extent. He was then diagnosed with a fistula and was advised that a permanent colostomy was the best course of action. He found that the permanent colostomy significantly improved his quality of life and that he felt better than he had ever done before having cancer. He found living with a colostomy easy and never had any problems with his stoma. He had been worried the first time his colostomy bag ballooned as he didn’t understand what was happening. However, after speaking to a nurse and changing his diet he found it easy to manage.

His wife was of great support and their relationship continued as normal, even though their sex life grounded as a result of radiotherapy. He said that he felt bitter and upset that he had never been informed that impotency was a side effect of treatment. He explained that he has to wear pads but that it’s a small price to pay in the grand scheme of things. He would write humorous poetry as an outlet. He explained that it is important to stay positive and that although it wasn’t a funny experience, you have to laugh as there is no point in being upset. He shared his poetry with staff and other patients on the ward. He and his wife try to have regular holidays to Crete and continue life as normal. He has also been trying to set up a support group with another local woman who has also had cancer as they found there was nobody to talk to. He found great support from the other local woman and feels that a support group would allow others to talk openly about their experiences, as they had been. He also decided to join a committee. He is happy to speak openly about what he has been through and would like to help others recognise the symptoms. He believes that it is important to be positive. He always felt that he would get better.