Natalie Hushin, 54, from Runcorn, Cheshire, initially thought her bloating and stomach discomfort were simply menopause-related. However, after noticing blood—described as “speckled”—in her stool amid ongoing constipation, she sought medical advice. This led to a colonoscopy diagnosis of colon cancer in June 2025.
Following the diagnosis, Natalie underwent a grueling 10.5-hour surgery in July 2025 to remove the tumour and affected lymph nodes. Between September and December, she completed six rounds of chemotherapy. Despite initial optimism, a PET scan revealed a 1cm tumour on her liver. Doctors planned a liver ablation for February 2026, but the procedure was delayed due to necessary iron infusions.
This delay proved critical; by March 2026, an MRI scan showed the tumour had grown to 3.5cm, prompting a more invasive liver resection in April. Natalie expressed profound frustration over the postponement, believing the delay jeopardised her chances at remission.
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Despite the setbacks, the liver resection was successful. Natalie now faces ongoing scans every three months for the next decade to monitor for recurrence. Reflecting on her experience, she urges others to seek medical attention for unusual symptoms and highlights the emotional toll of cancer diagnosis and treatment.