A mum-of-two who thought she was going through the menopause discovered she had bowel cancer and has now recovered thanks to the cancer being caught early.
Nadine George, 52 from Alderley Edge, went to her doctor in summer 2023 assuming she was going through the menopause and completed a blood test to assess the situation.
Nadine has now recovered thanks to the cancer being caught early
The results revealed she was extremely anaemic and this – combined with episodes of having blood in her poo during 2020 which had since stopped – meant she was sent for further tests.
On 6 October 2023, Nadine was sent for an endoscopy -a procedure using a flexible tube to look at the inside of the body – and a colonoscopy which examines the large intestine. Following this on 13 October 2023 Nadine was told she had bowel cancer but luckily it had been caught at an early stage and was treatable.
She said: “I was told that they had found a tumour in my rectum, and I’d need surgery. It was such a shock. Time stood still but my mind raced as I tried to fathom what I was dealing with, the impact on my immediate family and what it would mean for me and us. That was the start of a challenging journey that hit every core of me as a mum, wife, daughter, sister and friend. It touches every level of you – emotionally, physically and mentally.”
Nadine was treated by a surgeon at Wythenshawe Hospital, Sarah Duff, who she describes as “incredible”.
Nadine had an operation where she had a full bowel resection and had a stoma – known in this case as an ileostomy – where an artificial opening in the tummy is created that allows poo to exit the body into a pouch or bag attached to the skin.
She said: “I had to do a lot to both mentally and physically prepare for the operation. I practiced mindfulness, I journaled, listened to podcasts and my favourite tunes, exercised and followed a clean and healthy diet. I completed an ERAS virtual school session(enhanced recovery after surgery) and attended a Prehab4Cancer and Recovery programme (a free exercise, nutrition and wellbeing scheme in Greater Manchester) at Wythenshawe Hospital, which helps get you ready for surgery, whilst meeting other bowel cancer patients.
“It was about looking at what I had control over and focusing on that.”
After her operation on 15 January 2024, Nadine began adjusting to life with a stoma.
She said: “I compared it to having a baby…always be prepared, have your change of clothes, changing bag and as long as you’re organised, all was fine! I still did lots of sports with the family. We went on holiday and it didn’t stop me living a normal life.”
Six months later, Nadine underwent a stoma reversal at Wythenshawe Hospital and is now learning to adapt to how her new body now reacts to food.
She said: “My bowel is sensitive to certain foods, but life is good and I’m just sensible with fibre.
“I am much improved from the early weeks post-op and looking forward to the 12-month mark when it is believed I will return to more normal toilet experiences.”
Nadine was supported throughout her treatment by her husband Chris and their children, Zak And Sienna, who were 14 and 16 at the time
She now volunteers with Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance as a patient representative where she’s helped inform work to establish a new bowel cancer awareness roadshow that has been touring Greater Manchester for six months to offer life-saving information to the public about the symptoms of bowel cancer.
She also works with her stoma nurse at Macclesfield Hospital to talk to other patients about what it is like to have a stoma fitted.
Nadine added: “I’m acutely aware that everyone’s cancer journey is unique to them. I feel incredibly lucky for an early diagnosis and to have recovered so well.
“Now I want everyone to know the bowel cancer symptoms, trust their gut, and don’t leave abnormalities. Always get checked.”
Dr Roger Prudham, Clinical Lead for colorectal cancer at Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance – part of the NHS, said:
“Symptoms of bowel cancer could include blood in your poo or bleeding from your bottom, pain or a lump in your tummy, or losing weight without trying.
“If you’ve had any of these symptoms, your GP would really like to speak to you about it. Don’t be embarrassed – GPs have these conversations every day, and can help.”
For more information about the symptoms of bowel cancer, visit: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bowel-cancer/symptoms/
