A ‘fit and healthy’ woman in her thirties was diagnosed with bowel cancer after thinking her symptoms were simply due to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Mum-of-two Nikita Williamson was left devastated after learning her bloating and bloody stools were not the result of piles or a chronic digestive condition.
Nikita underwent surgery to remove a cancerous tumour along with her cervix, ovaries and womb in October 2023. The surgery was a success and Nikita is now at a stage known as ‘No Evidence of Disease’ (NED).
She claims she is in constant pain and is struggling to get used to life with a stoma after having one fitted. The 37-year-old admitted she has been ‘changed forever’, according to the Express.
Speaking to NeedToKnow, Nikita from Ipswich said: “I’m still trying to get over the hardest hurdle and that’s finding out who I am now. Accepting the new normal.
“I will never be the person I was before my diagnosis. I am often called inspirational for the way I have dealt with my diagnosis, but I wish people understood how much of a fraud it made me feel.
“To me, being inspiring is doing something you don’t have to do for no reason other than giving back and making the world a better place. I’ve had tough treatments and surgeries, but it was only because I had no other choice. I will do anything to spend more time with my loved ones.”
In late 2022, Nikita started experiencing unusual bloating and noticed blood in her stool. At first, she thought it was just IBS and hemorrhoids, so she changed her diet and tried over-the-counter treatments.
But after feeling unwell over Christmas, Nikita’s partner Millie insisted she see a doctor – a faecal immunochemical test (FIT) showed abnormalities and prompted a colonoscopy.
Reflecting on the diagnosis, Nikita shared: “I was taken to recovery and after a while the doctor and nurse came back. At that point the doctor told me, ‘It’s probably bowel cancer.’
“I’ll never forget how I felt when he said that. I felt completely numb but also relieved. I finally knew what was wrong and I could deal with it.”
His partner Millie’s support was unwavering, he says. “My partner was also in complete shock, but from the moment I found out she was incredibly supportive. I waited until I had my scans and knew my staging and what treatments I would be having before telling my children.”
Nikita has remained transparent with her children throughout her journey: “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 to do the best I can.”
Although her mother’s surgery in 2023 was successful, Nikita still struggles with the mental and physical consequences of cancer and its treatment. She said: “I live in the time between appointments. I can relax and enjoy life, but I’ve changed forever.
“Not only do I have a stoma, but I am currently waiting for urodynamic testing as I have not been able to urinate without catheterisation since surgery. Before my diagnosis and treatments I was an incredibly fit and healthy 36-year-old woman.
“While I am slowly getting back into shape, I am still in constant pain. I struggle with constant fatigue and rely heavily on various medications just to get through the day.”
Despite her ordeal, Nikita is looking to the future. She says: “I will continue to enjoy as many precious moments as possible with my wonderful family and friends. You never really understand how much you are loved and who you are loved by until you experience something like this.”
“Cancer taught me never to take a day for granted and to do something if I want it because who knows what tomorrow may bring.”
What is bowel cancer and what are its symptoms?
Bowel cancer can develop anywhere in the large intestine, including the colon and rectum, which are key components of the digestive system. The severity of bowel cancer depends on the size of the tumour, whether it has metastasized and your general health. Bowel cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in the UK. Early detection through bowel cancer screening can lead to more effective treatment options.
According to the NHS, symptoms of bowel cancer can include:
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changes in your stools, such as soft stools, diarrhoea or constipation that is not normal for you
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needing to poop more or less often than usual
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Blood in your stool, which may appear red or black
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bleeding from below
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If you feel the need to poop frequently, even if you have just gone to the toilet
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stomach ache
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a lump in your belly
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swelling
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lose weight without trying
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feeling very tired for no reason
Bowel cancer can cause anaemia (having fewer red blood cells than normal), which can make you feel very tired, short of breath and have headaches.