Donna's story

After visiting her mums for a roast dinner, Donna ended up in Accident and Emergency (A&E) with abdominal pains and was later diagnosed with colon cancer.

“I went to A&E and they did blood tests. They gave me strong painkillers and I went home. I only lasted a couple of hours before I went back because it was so painful. I had an ultrasound, a CT scan and then I was pulled into an office. They said 'You’ve got a blockage in your colon and we’re going to have to admit you, you need surgery'. They kept using the word blockage and I questioned it. That’s when he said, 'Unfortunately we’re talking colon cancer,'" says Donna.

“It never entered my mind it could be cancer. Everything changed overnight."

Donna had surgery to remove the tumour and had monthly check-up scans. It was at her third scan when she was told the cancer had spread to her ovaries. She had a full hysterectomy but complications from the surgery made her recovery difficult.

In 2025, Donna was told the cancer had spread to her peritoneum (abdominal wall lining) and colon again. She had surgery and now lives with a stoma bag, nicknamed Bertie.

"Unfortunately, in March this year I got the devastating news that the cancer is back in my peritoneum and now in my lungs. I’m now classed as on palliative care," says Donna. "There’s no right or wrong way of handling cancer. You’ve got to do what’s right for you. My biggest motto is 'today is a good day' so every day I try and find something that’s good and that really does help me."

"I’ve got such a good rapport with my Macmillan nurses, they’re my go-to. They never rush me, they listen, they answer my questions, they chase scans for me, they’re unbelievable. They’re like angels if you ask me."