Julie’s Story

“I am happy to share my bowel cancer journey. Especially it helps other female athletes to recognize when tiredness is beyond what’s normal for them. I blamed my exhaustion on over training, maybe getting older, or menopause. So stage 3 once diagnosed. I’ve had surgery and I’m now half way through chemo plan of copax 12 Weeks.

Two weeks after competing in a 160km Ultra marathon I was diagnosed with bowel cancer. I’ve been an athlete pretty much all my life. I’ve struggled with anemia off and on and had iron infusions when needed. So the tiredness I had been experiencing over the last year or so didn’t feel that unusual.

I saw a locum, as my usual GP was away, in March 2024 to get another iron check, and ask some questions about my menopause symptoms. At the end of the appointment my GP asked me, quite randomly I thought at the time, have you had any bowel changes lately?

My answer…well actually yeah. The last month or so I seem to be returning to the toilet several times in the morning. I had thought it was diet related…I’d changed the type of peanut butter I was using and a different protein powder in my smoothies.

The GP noted I’d been referred for a colonoscopy almost 2 years before to explore my sudden drop in ferritin. I’d been declined, due to being “”so healthy and no real symptoms””.

So the locum referred me again. This time the appointment came within a month. Scheduled for 2 weeks after my next race.

Time line over this period.

Friday 3rd May. Colonoscopy performed, but incomplete. Told right then they found a cancer that blocked the colon preventing a full clean out so full colonoscopy not done.

Sent home to Alexandra to wait for further notice of appointments. They came quickly.

Mon 6th May. MRI of chest and pelvic area.

Tuesday 7th May. CT Scan

Thursday 9th May. Back to Dunedin for Colonoscopy. Cancer confirmed and told stage 3. Biopsy would reveal details.

21st May. Another procedure needed to determine placement of cancer…which would determine order of treatment. Surgery first or chemo.

13th June Surgery. Laproscopic anterior sigmoid resection. 3 nights in hospital. Surgery went well and I recovered pretty quickly. Actually back running within 2 weeks.

19th June. Results in and staged at T3N2B. Large number of lymph nodes involved. (19 out of the 46 removed)

Meet with Oncologist 3 weeks after surgery and started first round of Chemotherapy on Tuesday 9th July. Treatment plan is 12 weeks. 4 x 3 week cycles of IV infusion and daily chemo tablets.

I’m almost halfway through as I write this. The chemo has knocked me over. I’ve never felt so fatigued…even after my longest run.

But, I’m grateful that I am able to be treated. Im grateful for my loving husband and gorgeous 3 sons. I’m grateful that my body is strong and my mind even stronger. This is a challenge I never saw coming but I’m ready for it.

There is no point in asking the what ifs or being angry. For me my energy is better spent finding my new course. Its about being able to pivot when life throws you of course.

I will get back to my happy place again, running in the mountains. ”

UPDATE November 2024: “I’m finished chemo and back running in the hills. Will be on 5 year surveillance plan but I feel great right now and appreciating life and friendships more than ever before. Focus now is on being positive, eating wholesome foods, enjoying the outdoors and appreciating every day.”