The Day My Life Changed Forever – My Cancer Journey Begins

Hi, I’m Alexandra, a 28-year-old girl from London who, until recently, was living what I’d call my best life. I have an amazing fiancé who loves me unconditionally, a job that I genuinely adore, a beautiful and supportive family, and the kind of friends who make every day brighter. Life was good, really good.

Then, out of nowhere, everything changed.

It all started with one small symptom, something I never imagined could be serious. I went to the gym regularly, I ate relatively healthy, and I definitely didn’t tick any of the so-called “criteria” boxes for cancer. So how did this happen to me?

When the doctor said bowel cancer, my whole world fell apart. I remember just sitting there in shock, my mind a blur of confusion and disbelief. Cancer? Me? It didn’t make sense. But as if that news wasn’t enough, I was then told something that sent me into an even deeper spiral. I would need a stoma for life.

The first thought that ran through my head was, What even is a stoma? And what does life really mean? I had never heard much about it before, and suddenly, it was going to become part of my everyday reality.

Finding Strength in Community

After the tears and fear came the research and, thanks to the incredible power of Instagram, I stumbled across Colostomy UK. Through their posts and community stories, and especially through the courage and openness of people like Louise Thompson, I started to see things differently. I realised that a stoma doesn’t define you. It doesn’t take away your beauty, your strength, or your ability to live fully.

What’s Next

So here I am, preparing for my surgery on 20th October, where my tumour will be removed and I’ll meet my stoma for the first time.

I won’t pretend I’m not scared. I am. But I’m also determined—determined to share my story honestly, to raise awareness, and to show that life can still be full of love, laughter, and light, even when the path takes an unexpected turn.

If You’re Walking a Similar Path

If you’ve ever felt like life changed in an instant, or you’ve faced something that made you question why me?, then I hope my story reminds you that you’re never alone.

So please come along for the journey with me.

For more support and advice please contact us on: 0800 328 4257 or visit our support page for more ways to get in touch: https://www.colostomyuk.org/support/