Young Mother Faces Life-Altering Diagnosis After Routine Surgery

In a harrowing turn of events, 33-year-old Susan Collins from Kildare, Ireland, underwent what was anticipated to be a straightforward appendectomy, only to awaken to a shocking diagnosis of stage three bowel cancer. This unexpected revelation occurred on February 13, 2025, when Collins was informed by her medical team that a tumor had been discovered during the procedure, drastically altering her life trajectory and the dynamics of her family life.

Collins, a mother of three young boys—10-year-old Brody, seven-year-old Jamie, and four-year-old Mason—had initially sought medical attention due to recurring sharp pain in her side, which she described as "like a shooting pain, nearly like a cramping." Despite experiencing this discomfort, she had no prior indications of bowel issues. According to Collins, "I never had any bowel issues. Absolutely none. No signs, no nothing."

The journey to her diagnosis began with a visit to her general practitioner (GP) in October 2024. After being prescribed antibiotics for a suspected colon infection, the pain persisted. Additional visits led to further tests, including stool samples and blood tests, but did not reveal any alarming findings. Her symptoms escalated, culminating in emergency room visits and multiple hospital admissions, during which her condition was still misdiagnosed.

Collins recounted, "I had a temperature and had infection markers in my blood, but I had nothing, no disturbances." This confusion persisted until she underwent keyhole surgery in December 2024. After the surgery, she was informed that her appendix had merged with her bowel, necessitating further surgical intervention.

The critical breakthrough in Collins's case came only when she was operated on by a colorectal surgeon in February. It was during this procedure that the tumor was discovered on the back wall of her bowel, adjacent to a major artery, complicating her treatment options. The immediate post-operative care included a stoma to protect her bowel during chemotherapy, which commenced two weeks later.

According to Dr. Michael O’Reilly, a colorectal surgeon at St. James's Hospital in Dublin, "The merging of the appendix with the bowel is not uncommon in complicated cases, but cancer can often go undetected without visible symptoms. This case highlights the importance of persistent follow-up when patients experience unexplained abdominal pain."

Collins's chemotherapy regimen has been described as "really rough" by the patient herself, affecting not only her health but also placing a financial strain on her family. As a stay-at-home mother made redundant during the pandemic, she has been relying on the minimal illness benefits available, noting, "Unfortunately we are a one-income family at the minute. I literally get the minimum on illness benefits because my husband has a good job, but it still doesn’t cut it."

In her journey, Collins has taken to social media, particularly TikTok, to raise awareness about bowel cancer and the critical need for individuals to heed their bodies' signals. "I think especially as mothers, we’re more likely to think ‘oh, I’ll go in a few weeks’ but if that was your child, you’d be straight to the GP," she emphasized. Her advocacy aims to inform others about recognizing symptoms that could lead to early detection of bowel cancer, which has historically been perceived as a disease predominantly affecting older adults.

The medical community echoes this sentiment, with Dr. Sarah Johnson, an oncologist at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, stating, "Bowel cancer is increasingly prevalent among younger populations, and awareness campaigns are essential for early detection. Changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, and persistent abdominal pain should prompt immediate medical consultation."

As of now, Collins is preparing for another MRI to assess the tumor's response to chemotherapy. She remains hopeful, buoyed by her medical team's positive outlook on her treatment progress. "It is working; it has shrunk, and they’re still extremely positive," she affirmed.

The implications of Collins's story extend beyond her personal battle, reflecting broader trends in health awareness and the evolving landscape of cancer diagnoses. With increasing rates of bowel cancer among younger adults, her experience serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of vigilance regarding health changes and the need for supportive resources for families facing similar challenges. Her journey underscores the necessity of a supportive healthcare environment where patients feel empowered to advocate for their health, particularly in the face of ambiguous symptoms.

Collins's story is a poignant illustration of how a routine medical procedure can lead to life-altering revelations, urging individuals to remain attentive to their health and to seek help when necessary. As she continues to navigate her treatment, Collins's message is clear: "Listen to your body and don’t delay seeking medical advice, no matter how trivial the symptoms may seem."