In February 2014, age 37, my husband Glen was diagnosed with Stage 3 Colon cancer (Dukes C2). Our family life seemed to split in two from that point. In one, Glen underwent surgery and 6 months of chemotherapy, dealing with the side effects of fatigue and nerve pain. In parallel life we made the most of the times when Glen felt “normal”. Our son turned 2, we had our wonderful wedding and made many happy memories. 2015 saw Glens health improve and life carry on its own fun filled chaotic way. Normal life resumed, filled with starting school, discovering camping, beach huts and family christmases.

Fast forward to September 2018 and on returning from a family holiday, Glens health rapidly deteriorated. Within a week of returning home Glen was admitted to hospital, via A&E, due to severe abdominal pains. Following several admissions, investigations and the incredible support of Glens Specialist Nurse, Kay, Glen was diagnosed with recurrence of his colon cancer involving his peritoneum (lining of abdominal cavity) and omentum (layer over abdominal organs). 

Glen was referred from University Hospital Coventry & Warwick to surgeon Mr Haney Youseff at Good Hope Hospital, Birmingham, for Cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC. It was hard enough pronouncing it let alone comprehending the magnitude of the surgery. Fortunately Mr Youseff and his team have created a wonderfully informative resource www.peritonealsurgery.co.uk which was extremely valuable in the run up to Glens surgery and post operative support when meeting other HIPEC patients. Geographically we are very fortunate as there are only 3 centres in the UK that perform this surgery!

We were told that the surgery would involve removal of any peritoneal disease, his omentum, any necessary bowel resections and potentially a stoma. Additionally he would receive an hour of heated intra abdominal chemotherapy whilst on the operating table, in total taking up to 12 hours. The recovery would involve transfer to ITU, approximately 3 weeks in hospital and ongoing recovery at home and then possibly adjuvant chemotherapy. Mr Youseff was clear that until the surgery he would not know the full extent of Glens diagnosis. A date was set within 2 weeks due to Glens deteriorating condition which resulted in an emergency admission a week prior to surgery due to complete bowel obstruction. 

Glen underwent his surgery on Friday 19th October. I paced the corridors until finally I got a call from one of the incredible surgeons involved in his operation after just 5 hours to say it had been a success, Glen hadn't required a stoma and had received the internal chemotherapy. In true Glen style he walked around ITU and was discharged in a week!

Glens strength and determination continues to blow me away and he is now undergoing 4 months of chemotherapy with the aim of reducing the chance of further recurrence.

The future is unknown but what I do know is that as with the Great North Run, whether we run, walk or crawl, we will do it as Team Hunter with the incredible support of our wonderful family, friends and colleagues who have gotten us through the most challenging of times!

The incredible benefits of running cannot be underestimated. I am currently reading “Jog On” by Bella Mackie, in which she discusses the mental health benefits of running. I am incredibly glad she has shared her story and highly recommend grabbing your old trainers and puffing and panting round the block turning beetroot even if for just 10 minutes as it feels surprisingly good! I’ve certainly got a long way to go in preparation for September but already know that Glen will be the one keeping me going when he is back training after having to postpone his place from last year!

Please look at the incredible work of Bowel Cancer UK. They’re  the UK’s leading bowel cancer charity. They fund targeted research, provide expert information and support to patients and their families, educate the public and professionals about the disease and campaign for early diagnosis and access to best treatment and care. They’re here to help people like Glen. If you’re able/want to donate that would be incredible, if not then please send blister plasters and cheer us on and share on to spread the word of this wonderful charity. 

Know your body, know your rights and never ever give up when you know something just isn’t quite right!

With lots of love,

Team Hunter

Xxx