At just 33 years old, Tess never imagined that the occasional stomach ache could spiral into a battle against stage four colon cancer. Now, she’s bravely speaking out, pleading with others not to dismiss even the subtlest symptoms.
Living in bustling Sydney, Australia, Tess was like many young mothers—busy, tired, and frequently putting her own health on the backburner. Her daily routine was demanding enough, filled with responsibilities, leaving little room to worry about minor discomfort.
But soon, what she initially brushed off as trivial stomach cramps escalated into unbearable agony. The pain intensified to a point where Tess was curled up helplessly, lying in the fetal position on her bedroom floor, desperate for relief. She described the intensity as akin to severe endometriosis—deep, sharp, relentless, radiating pain.
Initially, these symptoms emerged about ten months before she received her diagnosis. However, Tess dismissed them, attributing the discomfort to general fatigue and stress, common among mothers juggling life’s demands. Yet, the episodes grew worse and more frequent, a warning her body was desperately trying to communicate.
Another overlooked sign Tess experienced was persistent iron deficiency and anemia. Blood tests repeatedly revealed fluctuating iron levels, but doctors didn’t immediately suspect anything more severe, considering she’d struggled with similar issues her entire adult life. This familiarity made it dangerously easy to disregard as anything alarming.
Tess emphasizes this point strongly—just because you’ve experienced certain symptoms before doesn’t mean they are harmless now. Conditions can transform quietly, unnoticed beneath the surface, until it’s too late to intervene with ease.
One of the most alarming symptoms that eventually drove Tess to seek urgent care was noticing blood in her stool. At first, it appeared minor—just small traces on toilet paper, easy to overlook or rationalize as hemorrhoids or dietary issues. But over time, the blood became more evident, prompting increasing anxiety.
According to Tess, many people, herself included, initially misunderstand the significance of rectal bleeding. They mistakenly believe the location or quantity of blood determines its severity. Tess passionately warns, “Any blood, regardless of how minimal or seemingly insignificant, is a clear signal that something needs investigation.”
Adding further confusion, Tess experienced changes in bowel habits. Her stools became unusually thin and narrow, frequently accompanied by episodes of severe constipation. Tess now knows this symptom could have indicated a blockage—yet another serious red flag she wishes had been given more urgent attention.
What complicated her journey even further was timing—these symptoms appeared approximately 18 months after she’d given birth. Doctors initially connected her symptoms to postpartum recovery, reassuring her that hormonal changes or childbirth-related stress were the likely culprits.
This misguided assurance delayed the crucial diagnosis. Eventually, medical professionals conducted comprehensive tests and imaging, discovering that she was dealing with advanced-stage colon cancer, tragically already metastasized to her liver.
Thankfully, despite her late diagnosis, Tess’s healthcare team was able to undertake an extensive and intricate surgical operation, successfully removing all visible cancer. Her prognosis now cautiously sits at a 50 percent chance of remaining cancer-free—a hopeful yet fragile reality.
Today, Tess’s voice is unwavering as she shares her story with raw honesty. She’s committed to spreading awareness and encouraging vigilance about health. In her powerful, viral TikTok video, she urgently advises people—particularly younger adults and new mothers—not to delay medical consultation, no matter how minor the symptoms appear.
Tess stresses, “Early detection can drastically change the narrative, transforming devastating diagnoses into treatable conditions. Ignoring symptoms, waiting too long, or dismissing pain because of fear or embarrassment can be life-threatening.”
Her mission is clear: by sharing her difficult experience, she aims to help others avoid similar hardships. Tess remains resolute, passionately pleading that others not follow her footsteps by waiting until the symptoms become severe enough to warrant immediate attention.
“Listen carefully to your body,” Tess insists. “Advocate fiercely for yourself. And never, ever underestimate the significance of subtle symptoms. It may feel awkward or uncomfortable, but having these crucial conversations with your doctors can genuinely save your life.”