Claire Boulton’s wedding day in April 2019 was supposed to be a joyous occasion, but it took a devastating turn when she received a phone call from her doctor just hours before the ceremony. The polyp removed from her rectum during a recent colonoscopy had been found to be cancerous. This diagnosis came as a profound shock, but it also marked the validation of years of persistent complaints about debilitating symptoms that Claire claimed were repeatedly dismissed by medical professionals. For five years, she had sought medical attention for stomach pains, nausea, and blood in her stool, only to be told her symptoms were likely due to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and weight gain. She felt ignored and dismissed, even being told at one point that she was “too fat” to have cancer. The news of the cancerous polyp, potentially growing for five years undetected, was a bitter confirmation of her long-held fears.
The timing of the diagnosis couldn’t have been more jarring. As Claire sat at the hairdresser’s preparing for her wedding, the news cast a dark cloud over the impending celebrations. She broke the news to her fiancé, Matthew, who was understandably shocked, and they proceeded with their small registry office wedding followed by a trip to Spain. However, the trip was far from the honeymoon they had envisioned. The lingering uncertainty of whether the cancer had spread weighed heavily on Claire’s mind, transforming the celebratory week into a period of anxiety and fear.
Six weeks later, after a second wedding ceremony in Corfu, Greece, Claire received the relieving news that the cancer appeared contained. The second ceremony, a small and intimate affair with her husband and children, became the true celebration of their marriage, a stark contrast to the anxiety-ridden first wedding day. The location of this second ceremony held special significance for the couple, becoming “their place,” a sanctuary they returned to annually and a place where Claire requested her ashes be scattered should the cancer return and ultimately claim her life.
Claire’s journey leading up to the diagnosis was marked by frustration and dismissal. Despite regularly visiting doctors for her IBS, she felt her concerns about severe bowel issues and stomach pains were ignored for five years. The significant weight gain she experienced after being diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 2009 and losing mobility in 2016 was used by doctors as a reason to downplay her bowel symptoms. Their reasoning was that significant weight loss, not gain, would be a more likely indicator of a serious bowel condition. This dismissive attitude, culminating in the hurtful comment about her being “too fat for cancer,” left Claire feeling like a burden and questioning her own instincts about her health.
Despite the initial good news after the removal of the cancerous polyp, Claire’s ordeal was far from over. In April 2022, after experiencing a period of feeling unwell, she pushed for a colonoscopy, even though one was scheduled six months later. This proactive decision proved life-saving, as the colonoscopy revealed another tumor on her colon. The consultant confirmed that her insistence on an earlier colonoscopy had likely saved her life. Following this discovery, Claire underwent a resection to remove a portion of her bowel, but complications led to the need for an emergency stoma bag. Though living with a stoma presented its own set of challenges, Claire recognized it as a preferable alternative to her previous struggles with fecal incontinence.
Claire’s story highlights the critical importance of listening to one’s body and advocating for one’s own health. Her experience underscores the need for medical professionals to take patient concerns seriously and avoid dismissive attitudes. Her persistence, despite facing repeated setbacks and discouragement, ultimately saved her life. She now uses her experience to advocate for others, encouraging them to seek medical attention for any concerning bowel changes, to insist on tests if necessary, and to seek second opinions if their concerns are dismissed. Claire’s story is a testament to the power of self-advocacy and the importance of early detection in battling cancer.
Claire’s ordeal has not only tested her physical and emotional strength but also strengthened her bond with her husband, Matthew. His unwavering support throughout her health challenges, from her initial diagnosis on their wedding day to the difficulties of living with a stoma, has been a source of strength and comfort. She reflects on their journey, acknowledging the challenges they have faced and celebrating the strength of their relationship. Claire’s story is a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of love and support in the face of adversity. It also serves as a call to action for improved medical care and patient advocacy, urging individuals to trust their instincts and persevere in seeking answers when it comes to their health.
