In 2023, Susan Schmidt, a 47-year-old mother of two from Australia, received life-changing news that no parent ever wants to hear:<\/p>\n
she had been diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer. The devastating diagnosis came after months of symptoms that Susan initially overlooked.<\/p>\n
A delay she hopes others can learn from. Today, she is determined to share her story, raise awareness about the often-taboo topic of bowel health, and support others facing similar struggles.<\/p>\n
A Silent Threat<\/p>\n
Bowel cancer, also referred to as colorectal cancer, is a serious condition that affects the large intestine and rectum.<\/p>\n
Early detection is critical, as it significantly improves survival rates. Yet, for many, including Susan, the symptoms are subtle, often mistaken for other conditions, or dismissed altogether.<\/p>\n
\u201cI didn\u2019t talk about my bowel habits\u2014who does?\u201d Susan said in an interview with the Daily Mail.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s part of the problem with bowel cancer. People don\u2019t raise the alarm early enough.\u201d<\/p>\n
Susan\u2019s experience highlights how societal discomfort around discussing bowel health can have dangerous consequences.<\/p>\n
From fatigue and constipation to abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits, the early signs are often overlooked because they can be mistaken for minor or everyday health issues.<\/p>\n
The Early Signs She Ignored<\/p>\n
Before her diagnosis, Susan experienced a combination of fatigue, constipation, and intense abdominal pain.<\/p>\n
Despite these warning signs, she did not notice blood in her stool\u2014a symptom often associated with bowel cancer\u2014which made it even easier to dismiss her discomfort.<\/p>\n
The first noticeable symptom was relentless tiredness, which started about four months before her diagnosis. Susan, a physiotherapist by profession, initially attributed her fatigue to early menopause.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019d drive my daughter 15 minutes to her rowing practice, then have to stop on the way home and nap for 40 minutes,\u201d she recalled.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s not normal. That was a warning sign, but I brushed it off.\u201d<\/p>\n
Later, during a trip to France for a friend\u2019s wedding, Susan experienced constipation for the first time in her life. \u201cI just wasn\u2019t going properly.<\/p>\n
I blamed it on the rich food, too much cheese, too much indulgence,\u201d she said. \u201cI didn\u2019t think much of it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Upon returning to Brisbane, Susan\u2019s symptoms escalated dramatically.<\/p>\n
\u201cI ended up on the bathroom floor in absolute agony. Vomiting, diarrhoea, unbearable pain. It lasted for eight hours,\u201d she recalled.<\/p>\n
At first, she suspected she had contracted salmonella from her horse. But the intensity of the pain was unlike anything she had ever experienced.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was worse than childbirth,\u201d Susan explained. \u201cI was crawling into the shower, trying to relieve the pain with heat. It was a nine out of ten on the pain scale.\u201d<\/p>\n
Seeking Answers<\/p>\n
Despite the severity of her symptoms, initial medical consultations did not reveal the underlying cause.<\/p>\n
Blood and stool tests appeared normal, and doctors initially suggested her discomfort might be related to stress, dietary habits, or hormonal changes associated with menopause.<\/p>\n
However, Susan trusted her instincts and continued to push for answers. Eventually, she underwent a colonoscopy\u2014a procedure in which a long, flexible tube with a camera examines the colon and rectum.<\/p>\n
What she discovered during that visit would change her life forever.<\/p>\n
When I woke from the colonoscopy, something seemed abnormal,\u201d Susan said. She had not been offered anything to eat or drink, and a nurse informed her that the gastroenterologist would see her shortly.<\/p>\n
Moments later, the doctor delivered the devastating news: a tumor had been located.<\/p>\n
Further imaging, including a CT scan and MRI, revealed the full extent of her condition.<\/p>\n
The cancer had metastasized, spreading from the rectum to her uterus, pelvic lymph nodes, and right lung. The diagnosis was stage 4 bowel cancer, meaning it was incurable.<\/p>\n
Facing Stage 4 Bowel Cancer<\/p>\n
Receiving a stage 4 cancer diagnosis is a life-altering experience, and Susan approached it with a combination of realism, courage, and determination.<\/p>\n
The diagnosis is incurable,\u201d she told the Daily Mail. \u201cThe goal now is to stay well for as long as I can. I\u2019ll probably resume chemotherapy after my next overseas trip.\u201d<\/p>\n
Chemotherapy, while often grueling and physically demanding, is one of the primary treatments used to slow cancer progression, relieve symptoms, and improve quality of life for patients with advanced-stage disease.<\/p>\n
For Susan, the focus has shifted from curing the disease to managing it, maintaining her health, and spending meaningful time with her family.<\/p>\n
Raising Awareness About a Taboo Topic<\/p>\n
One of Susan\u2019s primary missions since her diagnosis has been to raise awareness about bowel health\u2014a topic often shrouded in embarrassment and silence.<\/p>\n
Bowel cancer is treatable and often curable when detected early, but delayed conversations and reluctance to discuss symptoms can lead to late-stage diagnoses.<\/p>\n
\u201cI want people to know the signs,\u201d Susan emphasized.<\/p>\n
\u201cEven if your blood work is normal, even if doctors say it\u2019s stress, diet, or hormones, listen to your instincts. Early detection can save lives.\u201d<\/p>\n
Her openness about her experience is helping to break the stigma around discussing bowel issues, encouraging individuals to seek medical attention without fear or shame.<\/p>\n
Launching The Floozie Foundation<\/p>\n
Beyond raising awareness, Susan has taken tangible steps to support others facing cancer.<\/p>\n
She founded The Floozie Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting cancer patients and their families in adult cancer wards across Australia.<\/p>\n
Through the foundation, Susan provides practical support, resources, and advocacy for patients navigating treatment, hospital stays, and the emotional toll of a cancer diagnosis.<\/p>\n
Her goal is to ensure that others facing similar challenges have access to the assistance and encouragement that can make a meaningful difference during one of life\u2019s most difficult periods.<\/p>\n
Life as a Mother and Cancer Patient<\/p>\n
Susan\u2019s journey is made even more challenging by her responsibilities as a mother. She is the parent of two children, and the desire to remain present in their lives has been a driving force in her fight against cancer.<\/p>\n
Balancing chemotherapy, medical appointments, and daily responsibilities is no easy feat, yet Susan continues to prioritize her children\u2019s well-being and stability.<\/p>\n
Her resilience and determination serve as an inspiration to many, highlighting how cancer patients can continue to live purposeful lives while undergoing treatment.<\/p>\n
Susan\u2019s story underscores the importance of family support, self-advocacy, and mental resilience in managing chronic illness.<\/p>\n
A Message to Others<\/p>\n
Through her public discussions and media appearances, Susan has consistently emphasized the importance of vigilance when it comes to health.<\/p>\n
Early warning signs of bowel cancer\u2014fatigue, constipation, abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits\u2014should not be ignored.<\/p>\n
\u201cPush for answers if something feels off,\u201d she advised. \u201cEven if your blood work is normal, even if they say it\u2019s stress or hormones, listen to your body. Advocate for yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n
Her message is particularly crucial given that bowel cancer often develops silently and can be fatal if detected too late.<\/p>\n
By sharing her story, Susan hopes to prevent others from experiencing the delays and uncertainty she faced before receiving her diagnosis.<\/p>\n
Continuing the Fight<\/p>\n
Despite her advanced-stage diagnosis, Susan remains actively engaged in her fight against cancer.<\/p>\n
She continues to undergo chemotherapy treatments, maintain her professional and personal responsibilities, and manage her foundation\u2019s initiatives.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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