Appendectomy Reveals Shocking Cancer Diagnosis

Doctors discovered stage three bowel cancer during routine surgery.

After undergoing what she thought would be a simple appendectomy, **Susan Collins**, 33, received life-altering news. The routine procedure led to a diagnosis of stage three bowel cancer, turning her world upside down. The young mother now shares her story to raise awareness.

Unexpected Discovery

**Susan**, a mother of three from Kildare, Ireland, sought medical help for recurring sharp pains. Initially, doctors suspected appendicitis. However, during surgery to remove her appendix, they discovered the cancer. “Our lives changed forever,” **Susan** told the Irish Sun, describing the moment she woke up to the devastating news.

A Painful Journey to Diagnosis

Initially, **Susan** experienced what felt like sharp, cramping pains in her side. She described it as “like a shooting pain, nearly like a cramping…Sometimes it would feel like a spasming pain.” Doctors initially suspected a colon infection and treated her with antibiotics, but the pain returned.

Further tests, including stool samples and an MRI, were scheduled, but her pain escalated, leading to a hospital visit. Despite multiple hospital admissions and tests, cancer wasn’t initially detected. Doctors focused on her inflamed appendix and an appendicular mass, where the body protects against infection.

Surgical Revelation

On December 3rd, **Susan** underwent keyhole surgery, only to be told her appendix had merged with her bowel, necessitating further intervention. Finally, on February 13th, surgeons discovered the tumor during surgery to remove parts of her bowel.

“So it’s on my back wall on that main artery, which is why they couldn’t touch it basically,” **Susan** explained. Biopsies confirmed cancer, and she received a stoma to protect her bowel during chemotherapy.

Battling Bowel Cancer

After her diagnosis, doctors started **Susan** on chemotherapy just two weeks later. Bowel cancer is increasingly diagnosed in younger adults; the American Cancer Society reports that about 12% of new cases occur in people under 50 (American Cancer Society).

The initial chemotherapy round was difficult, but anti-sickness medication has since helped. **Susan** is now undergoing additional chemo cycles while awaiting surgery to remove the remaining tumor. “It is working, it has shrunk and they’re still extremely positive,” she said.

Raising Awareness

Documenting her journey on TikTok under Susans_Next_Chapter, **Susan** wants to help others recognize potential symptoms and advocate for their health. She emphasizes the financial strain cancer treatment places on families and encourages others to seek support. She advises, “Watch out for all of the signs, we shouldn’t have abnormalities in our bodies…Go to the GP and be seen.”

Seeking Support

**Susan** stresses the importance of asking for assistance during such challenging times. “Let people do stuff for you, take on that help and lean on people. Which I wouldn’t have been great at doing. I’m still trying,” she admitted. She encourages others facing similar diagnoses to connect with oncology nurses and lean on loved ones for support.