Neryl Benson's Story
Neryl Benson
In 2004 I was shocked to learn that I had stage three bowel cancer, and shortly afterwards two thirds of my bowel was removed.
After surgery I went on to have chemotherapy which was like a self survival course. Sometimes I must have appeared to be so inwardly focused, but that was how I had to be to get through it. Looking back on those days I regret scaring myself and my family as to whether I would last long, but at the time there was no way to know.
Whilst having chemo I joined the bowel support group at my hospital and very quickly realized that having bowel cancer means you are now in the ‘poo business’. It seems to dominate your life, whether it is working or not, and then it works when you least expect it. My family were so patient and understanding with me when I launched into conversations about bowels and poo that they named me ‘Madam Poo’.
Now I am a cancer survivor life feels different. I was so sure I wouldn’t live long and during chemo I was even more certain, and yet I am still here, appreciating things differently and finding that other things don’t matter anymore. At the back of my mind there is always the thought that I may have a cancer recurrence, but I will not truly live if I let this thought affect my thinking.
Since recovering I have joined the GI CANCER Institute as a Consumer Advisory Panel member and I find it very interesting to understand the progress cancer trials and research are making.
My cancer journey has taught me so much. I feel I’m now more in tune with who I am and more aware of others. I have come to terms with other issues in my life, and realize that although cancer has had an incredible effect, I now feel I have greater strength to face the future. And, hopefully one day I’ll lose the title Madam Poo!
Whilst having chemo I joined the bowel support group at my hospital and very quickly realized that having bowel cancer means you are now in the ‘poo business’. It seems to dominate your life, whether it is working or not, and then it works when you least expect it. My family were so patient and understanding with me when I launched into conversations about bowels and poo that they named me ‘Madam Poo’.
Now I am a cancer survivor life feels different. I was so sure I wouldn’t live long and during chemo I was even more certain, and yet I am still here, appreciating things differently and finding that other things don’t matter anymore. At the back of my mind there is always the thought that I may have a cancer recurrence, but I will not truly live if I let this thought affect my thinking.
Since recovering I have joined the GI CANCER Institute as a Consumer Advisory Panel member and I find it very interesting to understand the progress cancer trials and research are making.
My cancer journey has taught me so much. I feel I’m now more in tune with who I am and more aware of others. I have come to terms with other issues in my life, and realize that although cancer has had an incredible effect, I now feel I have greater strength to face the future. And, hopefully one day I’ll lose the title Madam Poo!