Mother of Two Diagnosed With Stage 4 Bowel Cancer After Overlooking Subtle Symptoms Shares Urgent Warning

A Life-Changing Diagnosis in 2023

Susan Schmidt, a 47-year-old mother of two from Australia, received devastating news in September 2023 when she was diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer.

The diagnosis came after months of symptoms that initially appeared mild and easy to dismiss.

Now living with an incurable condition, she has chosen to speak openly about her experience.

Her goal is to raise awareness and encourage others not to ignore early warning signs.

Living With an Incurable Illness

Susan has described her diagnosis as life-altering and deeply confronting.

“The diagnosis is incurable,” she said.

She explained that her focus has shifted toward maintaining her health for as long as possible.

“The goal now is to stay well for as long as I can. I’ll probably resume chemotherapy after my next overseas trip.”

Breaking the Silence Around Bowel Health

Susan believes that social discomfort around discussing bowel health contributes to delayed diagnoses.

She described the topic as widely considered taboo, which prevents people from speaking up early.

“I didn’t talk about my bowel habits, who does?” she said.

She added that this silence can be a major obstacle in identifying bowel cancer at an earlier stage.

Symptoms She Described as “Strange” and “Subtle”

Before receiving her diagnosis, Susan experienced symptoms she later described as both subtle and unusual.

These included fatigue, constipation, and episodes of severe pain.

Notably, she never observed blood in her stool, a symptom often associated with bowel cancer.

This absence of a commonly known sign contributed to her delayed concern.

Persistent Fatigue as the First Warning Sign

The earliest symptom she noticed was extreme and persistent tiredness.

This fatigue began approximately four months before her diagnosis.

Susan initially attributed the exhaustion to early menopause rather than a serious health issue.

Her daily routine became increasingly difficult due to overwhelming tiredness.

A Tiring Routine That Felt Unusual

As a physiotherapist, Susan was accustomed to maintaining an active lifestyle.

However, she found herself needing to rest frequently during normal activities.

“I’d drive my daughter 15 minutes to rowing, then have to stop on the way home and nap for 40 minutes,” she recalled.

She later recognized that level of fatigue as a significant warning sign.

Constipation During Travel

Another early symptom emerged during a trip to France for a friend’s wedding.

For the first time in her life, she experienced constipation.

At the time, she blamed dietary changes and indulgent food for the issue.

“I just wasn’t going properly. I blamed the rich food, too much cheese, too much indulgence,” she said.

Symptoms Escalate After Returning Home

After returning to Brisbane, her condition worsened dramatically.

She experienced intense abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, and severe discomfort.

The episode lasted for approximately eight hours and left her in extreme distress.

She described the pain as overwhelming and difficult to manage.

A Medical Episode of Severe Pain

Susan recounted collapsing on the bathroom floor during one of the most intense episodes.

“I ended up on the bathroom floor in absolute agony. Vomiting, diarrhoea, unbearable pain. It lasted for eight hours.”

Initially, she suspected a possible infection rather than a more serious illness.

She even considered the possibility of salmonella exposure.

Comparing the Pain to Childbirth

The severity of the pain left a lasting impression on her.

“It was worse than childbirth. I was crawling into the shower, trying to relieve the pain with heat. It was a nine out of ten on the pain scale,” she said.

Despite the intensity, the underlying cause was still not immediately identified.

This delay highlights how symptoms can be misattributed to less serious conditions.

Initial Medical Tests Showed No Clear Answers

When she sought medical attention, early blood and stool tests appeared normal.

Doctors initially did not suspect cancer based on those results.

She was reassured that there were no immediate abnormalities.

However, her symptoms continued to persist.

The Colonoscopy That Changed Everything

The turning point came during a colonoscopy examination.

After the procedure, she sensed that something was wrong due to the unusual atmosphere.

“When I woke from the colonoscopy something seemed abnormal, as I wasn’t offered anything to eat or drink, and was told by the nurse that the gastroenterologist would be in to see me,” she explained.

It was then that the tumor was discovered.

Confirmation of Advanced Cancer

The diagnosis revealed the presence of stage 4 bowel cancer.

Further imaging through CT scan and MRI provided more alarming information.

Medical findings showed that the rectal cancer had metastasized to multiple areas.

These included her uterus, pelvic lymph nodes, and right lung.

A Message About Trusting Instincts

Following her diagnosis, Susan has become an advocate for listening closely to one’s body.

She urges people to seek further medical answers if symptoms persist, even when initial tests appear normal.

“I want people to know the signs. I want them to push for answers if something feels off,” she said.

Her message emphasizes persistence in the face of uncertainty.

Encouraging Early Conversations About Symptoms

Susan believes that dismissing symptoms due to embarrassment can delay critical diagnoses.

She has stressed the importance of discussing bowel habits openly with healthcare professionals.

Her experience underscores how subtle changes in health should not be ignored.

Even minor or unusual symptoms may warrant closer attention.

Life After Diagnosis and Ongoing Treatment

Since her diagnosis, Susan has continued to undergo intensive chemotherapy treatments.

Her journey involves both physical challenges and emotional resilience.

Despite the severity of her condition, she remains focused on advocacy and awareness.

She continues to share updates about her treatment and health journey.

Launching a Foundation to Support Others

Motivated by her experience, Susan established The Floozie Foundation.

The organization aims to support cancer patients and their families in adult cancer wards across Australia.

Through this initiative, she hopes to provide comfort and assistance to those facing similar battles.

Her advocacy reflects a desire to transform personal hardship into meaningful support for others.

A Powerful Reminder About Listening to the Body

Susan’s story highlights the importance of recognizing early warning signs, even when they appear subtle.

Her experience demonstrates that normal test results do not always rule out serious conditions.

She encourages individuals to trust their instincts and continue seeking answers if something feels wrong.

Ultimately, her journey serves as a reminder that awareness, persistence, and open conversations about health can play a vital role in early detection and potentially life-saving action.