'I was healthy mum in my 30s - I had no idea my two red flag symptoms were cancer'

A fit and healthy mum, who initially believed her bowel cancer was IBS, admits she feels like a fraud when people call her an "inspiration". Mum-of-two Nikita Williamson, 37, underwent an operation to remove a cancerous tumour in October 2023, along with her cervix, ovaries and uterus.

This followed a shock diagnosis which revealed the two key symptoms she'd been struggling with - bloating and bloody stools - were not caused by piles or a chronic digestive condition, but were actually cancer. Prior to the surgery, she had already undergone six rounds of gruelling cancer treatment.

Thankfully, the surgery has been a success and Nikita is currently in a stage that specialists call 'No Evidence of Disease' (NED). Despite this, the 37 year old says she is "changed forever", adding: "I'm still overcoming the hardest obstacle and that is learning who I am now - accepting the new normal," Speaking exclusively to NeedToKnow, Nikita, from Ipswich, said: "I will never be the person I was before diagnosis. I often get called inspirational due to the way I have handled my diagnosis, but I wish people understood how much of a fraud this makes me feel."

She continued: "To me, being inspirational is doing something you don't have to do for no other reason than to give back and make the world a better place."

The mum-of-two, who is in pain "constantly" and adjusting to life with a stoma, added: "I have got through tough treatments and surgeries, but that's only because I didn't have any choice. I will do anything to have more time with those I love.", reports Gloucestershire Live.

Nikita first noticed unusual bloating and blood in her stool in late 2022.

Believing her discomfort was due to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and piles, she altered her diet and resorted to over-the-counter remedies for relief.

But as her condition worsened over the festive period, her partner Millie convinced her to consult a doctor.

A faecal immunochemical test (FIT) flagged up concerns, leading to a colonoscopy appointment.

Recounting the experience, she revealed: "I was taken through to recovery, and a while later, the doctor and nurse returned."

The news that followed was grim: "It was at this point the doctor told me, 'It's likely bowel cancer.'".

She recalled the moment with stark clarity: "I will never forget how I felt when he said this. I felt completely numb but also relieved. Finally, I knew what was wrong, and I could deal with it."

Her partner Millie was equally stunned but stood by her unwaveringly: "My partner was also in complete shock, but has been an incredible support from the moment I found out."

Before sharing the news with her children, she awaited further details: "I waited until I had my scans, and knew my staging and what treatments I would be having before I told my children."

Transparency was key in her family discussions: "I have been very honest with them every step of the way and they know they can ask me anything they want and I will always try my best to answer."

Nikita faced an aggressive treatment regimen, undergoing six rounds of FOLFOXIRI between May and July 2023, followed by a major surgery in October to remove the tumour and affected organs.

She shared her chemotherapy journey: "During my first few cycles of chemotherapy, I didn't feel too bad."

However, the treatment soon took its toll: "It was around cycle three that things got a lot tougher."

Nikita, a mum-of-three who faced the harrowing ordeal of being diagnosed with cancer, has opened up about her challenging journey and the complex surgery that followed. "I was struggling with my mouth and developed oral thrush," she revealed, detailing the initial symptoms that led to her diagnosis.

The situation escalated as she grappled with stomach issues, swinging between diarrhoea and constipation. Her surgical needs were more intricate than anticipated, requiring her to be transferred to another hospital.

"I was incredibly shocked when my surgeon told me this and that I would also be having my cervix, ovaries and uterus removed," Nikita expressed, conveying the gravity of her condition which led to an agonising two-month wait for surgery.

The procedure was ultimately a success, yet Nikita continues to confront the enduring mental and physical toll of her cancer and its treatment. She described her life as existing "in pockets of time between appointments," where she finds moments to relax and enjoy life, albeit profoundly changed by her experiences.

With a stoma in place and awaiting urodynamic testing due to post-surgical complications with urination, she reflects on her past vitality: "Prior to my diagnosis and treatments, I was an incredibly fit and healthy 36-year-old woman."

Despite the constant pain, fatigue, and dependency on medications, Nikita is determined to rebuild her fitness and make the most of every day. Emphasising her resolve, she said, "I am going to continue enjoying as many precious moments with my wonderful family and friends as I can, while I can."

Her ordeal has brought a newfound appreciation for the love and support around her: "You don't truly realise how loved and by whom you are loved until you go through something like this."

"I was struggling with my mouth and developed oral thrush."

"Alongside this, I was struggling with my stomach and fluctuating between diarrhoea and constipation."

"I had to go to a different hospital for my surgery because it was more complicated than they expected."

"I was incredibly shocked when my surgeon told me this and that I would also be having my cervix, ovaries and uterus removed."

"This meant a further two-month wait. I felt I was back at square one."

"I live in pockets of time between appointments."

"I can relax and enjoy life, but I am changed forever."

"I not only have a stoma but I am also currently waiting for urodynamic testing as I have been unable to pass urine without catheterisation since the surgery."

"Prior to my diagnosis and treatments, I was an incredibly fit and healthy 36-year-old woman."

"While I am slowly building my fitness back up, I am in pain constantly."

"I continually struggle with fatigue and I rely heavily on various medications just to be able to get through the day."

"I am going to continue enjoying as many precious moments with my wonderful family and friends as I can, while I can."

"You don't truly realise how loved and by whom you are loved until you go through something like this."

"Cancer has taught me to never take a single day for granted and to go for something if I want it because who knows what tomorrow holds."